Aelbert Aehegma, Internationally-exhibited, Hawaii Artist, Cancels Good Will Tour of China

Internationally-exhibited, Hawaii artist
Aelbert Aehegma is exhibiting his work
at the Tour Guide Hawaii Rental Office
(see here for map) Thursday-Saturday
afternoons through May. The following
is a press release from the artist
concerning the cancellation of his good-
will trip to China due to their policies
of cultural repression and physical
violence towards the people of Tibet and
other indigenous persons, and de facto
ethnic cleansing of same.

PRESS RELEASE: China 'Goodwill Tour' by
Internationally Exhibited Hawaii Artist
Aelbert Aehegma Canceled:

The Artist Requests:

1~ Citizens of the Free World Boycott
the Olympics In China.

2~ Cancel Travel to China; Other
International Regimes That Suppress
Freedom Of Their People.

3~World Citizens to Limit Purchasing
Chinese Products as well as
Products Of Other Nationalist Regimes
That Deny Basic Human Rights Of Its
Citizens.

Aelbert Aehegma has initiated this
Worldwide request upon being Cut-off
From Communicating With his host, A
Chinese doctor who was arranging The
'Goodwill Tour'; neither by phone nor
private or Government e-mail can she
be reached.

World Citizens cannot look the other
way; Human Rights Violations of the
Tibetans, the Uigers, and other minority
groups  in China, Chi Gung Practitioners,
as well as minorities in other non-free
regimes must be confronted, and the
regimes that abuse their People or we
each fail to be part of the greater human
family.

Therefore, Aelbert Aehegma has canceled
his Goodwill 'Tour to China' during
which he was to gift a large mural the
Beijing Museum, visit artists, dignitaries
and children.

The Artist, whose fine art of paintings
and sculptures have been exhibited in
over a dozen countries, has also been
honored to have his art in the First
Art Show in Space aboard the Russian
MIR Space Station in a successful inter-
national effort.

Mele Mai Mahina, Pacifica News Service,
Mr. Aehegma's Public Relations
Manager may be reached for further
Support and Comment at
pacifictalent@yahoo.com, and
aelbertaehegma.com. Search: Aelbert A's
Artsblog & Pacifica News Service.

Flowing, glowing, fountaining: Lava erupts into the sea on Kilauea, Big Island of Hawaii

Eruption! Lava Viewing at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island of Hawaii

Written directed and produced by Donald B. MacGowan; Narrated by Frank Burgess; Original Musical Score by Donald B. MacGowan

Can you believe this? It's absolutely outstanding and amazing! You can actually walk right up to flowing lava here; see a volcano erupt before your eyes and the molten rock pour into the sea. This has to be one of the four or five most exciting, amazing, wonderful, mystical experiences on earth...you must not miss this!

Mauna Loa is active but not currently erupting. The summit area is slowly inflating, filling with magma and the flanks are subject to frequent minor earthquakes, but no obvious activity is apparent to the visitor. Kilauea, the most active volcano on Earth, started its current eruptive phase in 1983, the longest eruption in history. Since then it has ejected almost 3 billion cubic meters of lava. Flowing from various vents in the rift, most notably Pu'u O'o, in streams and tubes at over 1000 degrees Celsius, much of the lava makes its way into the sea in fiery, steamy explosions or the incredible incongruity of glowing hot lava pouring directly into the sea with little more apparent than a mere bubbling of the water.

Although surface flows and breakouts are frequent and common, there is no guarantee that over any given trip to the Big Island they will be visible or easily accessible to the casual visitor. Since the flow of lava over the moonscape plains and into the roiling sea can be seen nowhere else on earth, it is certainly the most exciting, unique and moving highlight of any trip to Hawai'i. People stand at the edge of the flow and weep at the majesty and mystery of the earth remaking itself; it is wondrous, remarkable and unforgettable. Before planning a hike to see the lava, check with the Rangers at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for information on the hike length and location of surface flows and a review of safety information.

The lava seems to glow with only a dull petulance during the day and may be less than inspiring until nightfall brings it alive and the madly glowing, fiery goddess within is revealed. Thus knowledgeable hikers plan their hike to commence in the afternoon, reaching their destination at dusk, and to hike back in the dark. The lava streams and tubes migrate back and forth from time to time over a pali and plain of about 8 miles breadth. Sometimes the hike is a few hundred meters, sometimes a few miles, but it is always over an uneven, rough surface, hot during the day even when it rains, cold at night and navigation can sometimes be counterintuitive. The trail at first is marked with cairns and reflectors, but after the viewpoint overlook at a few hundred meters, you are on your own to navigate the basalt wilderness. Take at least 3 quarts of water for each person and two working (check before you leave!) flashlights per person. It is further recommended that you carry sunscreen, snacks, a first aid kit (that rock is SHARP, cuts are common) and wear sturdy hiking boots and long pants. Remember that you are hiking on a highly active volcano, if flowing streams of lava strand you, no rescue is practical or possible; plan, take care and pay strict attention accordingly.
For more information on viewing the lava, visit www.tourguidehawaii.com and www.lovingthebigisland.wordpress.com.

Rent GPS-Guided Tours of the Big Island, Hawaii From Tour Guide Hawaii

Forget obsolete guidebooks and cumbersome maps. Tour Guide Is the most revolutionary travel product ever offered the Hawaii visitor. Go with the GPS Tour Industry leader, Tour Guide, and let us show you Hawaii as you've never seen it before.

Produced by Donnie MacGowan.

Internationally Exhibited Artist Aelbert Aehegma Kailua Kona Art Exhibit Spnsored by Tour Guide Hawaii

Aelbert MC Aehegma and Tour Guide Hawaii cordially invite the public to his exhibit, Thursday-Saturday afternoons and evenings through May, 2008.

Tour Guide Hawaii is sponsoring a showing by Internationally Exhibited artist Aelbert MC Aehegma at their rental shack on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings through the month of May. Tour Guide Hawaii, a local company and the industry leader in GPS-guided tours, is located n Ali'i Drive at the south end of Kailua Village in a coffee shack on the lawn in front of Huggo's Restaurant (see map here). The artist will be available at the showings.

Aelbert M.C. Aehegma has been exhibited in over a dozen countries and major art cities, including New York City, Geneva, Paris, Washington D.C. and Honolulu. Countries his works have been exhibited in include Spain, New Zealand, Greece, France, Norway, Sweden, Italy, Switzerland and the U.S, as well as the First Art Show in Space aboard The MIR Space Station. His luminous, post-impressionist paintings and stone and wood sculptures are in notable private collections around the world; his works intrigue a broad section of art collectors. His works are included in collections as broad as the hostess of the Playboy Show on T.V. to President George W. Bush.

Aelbert is from a family of many generations of artists. His mission is to share the artist's vision of man's connection to nature, to share the simple beauty naturally within all nature including our own nature. His playful nature beings and the joy of life illuminating from his canvases is alive with myriad color affects, and bathed in light & love.

Aelbert's current exhibits include Museo Angel Orensantz, Spain; American Express Tourism Center, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Hawaii; Hooked Art Gallery, Waimea, Hawaii; Artist-in-Residence, Kona Coast Resort, Hawaii; Artist-in-Residence at Tour Guide Hawaii (Sponsor), Hawaii.

He carves marble and other stones with some hand tools made by his great grandfather over two-hundred years ago, and used by generations in his family.

Aelbert has also worked with metal, wood and other materials. Currently, he is accepting commissions for murals for homes and businesses, as well as monumental indoor and outdoor friezes and sculptures.

Commissions are now being accepted for 2008-2009. Inquires are accepted. Please Call directly to 808 895-7107 Pacific Art Design. Complimentary Consultation and Appraisals are now being offered. To contact by E-mail: pacifictalent@yahoo.com.

Inquires for sample images of special genres such as seascapes, mountainscapes, lavascapes, etc. will be sent by e-mail if requested.

Commissions accepted include: single, couple or group portraits, boat and animal portraits, home, business and estate renderings.

More information on Internationally Exhibited Artist Aelbert MC Aehegma is available here. More information on Tour Guide Hawaii is available here and here.

Frank's Travel Hints # 11: Exploring Deeper Into Hawaii Vocanoes National Park, Big Island, Hawaii

As you continue around the Crater Rim Drive, at Volcanoes National Park, there are dozens of great sights. A more recent crater, erupting with fire curtains in 1974, is Keanakako’i Crater. The pebbles around the rim were formed by froth from the lava as it was blasted into the air and cooled as they fell to the ground. This crater is a bit off-the-beaten-path, but Tour Guide shows the way.

Right along the Crater Rim Drive is the Devastation Trail formed by Kilauea Iki. When the Pu’u Pai vent erupted in 1959 it spewed pumice cinder and scalding ash burying the rainforest some ten feet deep. This caused the forested area to die leaving a barren wasteland where little has grown since. Tour Guide will take you on the three quarter mile paved hike, along the edge of this moonscaped region, and give more historical information as well.

At the end of the Devastation Trail is the Pu’u Pai overlook. This spot affords a view of Pu’u Pai (gushing hill) and Kilauea Iki (little Kilauea) and skirts the edge of the desert and rainforest as if some drew a line separating the two. Tour Guide gives the fascinating stories of 1900 foot lava fountains during this episode.

Super Tip: Bring plenty of water. I can’t stress this enough. There are few facilities available on the drives and hikes around the park, so make sure you stock up before leaving the Visitor’s Center. Besides, good hydration will keep you energized for all your fun activities. To your health.

On the east side of Crater Rim Drive is a delightful stop not to be missed, Thurston Lava Tube. Tour Guide will tell you how lava tubes are formed when magma flows underground. It eventually empties leaving cave-like formations. Most lava tubes are very small; however Thurston Lava Tube is quite large. The National Park Service has paved a pathway through the tube, and installed lighting, to make this a 300 yard spelunking adventure for everyone to enjoy. The cave circles so that the entrance and exit end at the parking area. The giant ferns here invited the songs of exotic birds, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. This is one of the few locations where restrooms are available.

One of the best hiking and biking routes is the Escape Road. Built for just what its name implies an alternate road for when the lava will inevitably cut the Chain of Crater Road, it makes a lovely down hill walk or bike ride. Tour Guide will show where to start at the Thurston Lava Tube parking area and end at the Mauna Ulu parking lot. This road meanders through some of the most cool and pristine rainforest to be found.

At the other end of the Escape Road is Mauna Ulu, also accessible from Chain of Craters Road. This spot was formed by numerous eruptions between 1969 and 1974. A few yards down the road, you see the different types of lava formations left from these flows. Tour Guide will explain these types of lava in great detail. Across the expanse lies Pu’u Huluhulu, or shaggy hill. For those that are ready hike, there is a tree mile round trip hike to the top of Pu’u Huluhulu marked by cairns. From the summit, the views of the lava flows and coastline are indescribable.

Kuamo'o: Where the Hawai'ian Gods Died on the Kona Coast of the Big Island, Hawaii

Kuamo'o Battle Field and Lekeleke Burial Ground

Melancholy, lonely, desolate; this beach cut into the fresh scar of an a'a flow marks the place where the Hawai'ian gods died at the battle of Kuamo'o. In 1819, the year before the Christian missionaries arrived in Hawai'i, forces loyal to Kamehameha II and Queen Ka'ahumanu fought to overturn the kapu system and the pagan Hawai'ian religion in favor of Christianity. Kahuna Kekuaokalani led the last supporters of the old ways and the old gods and fought a desperate battle here to preserve their ancient way of life, and lost. Their graves, numbering in the several hundreds despite the official-looking marker at the site, are under the numerous, large stone altars erected by the victors over the very spots the warriors fell.

A walk along the dirt road that bisects the battlefield is ineffably sad and a little creepy. However, the road soon climbs into dryland forest along the lava ocean cliffs and provides some memorable hiking and sunset views.

Kuamo'o Battlefield is located at the very end of Ali'i Drive, somewhat appropriately. No facilities.

For more information on exploring the Big Island of Hawaii in general, and the ancient villages and temples of Kona in particular, visit: www.tourguidehawaii.com and www.lovingthebigisland.wordpress.com.

Produced by Donnie MacGowan.

Frank's Travel Hints # 10

Let's Go to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park!

About a two hour straight drive from Kona, going south, brings you to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. If you have a Golden Eagle Pass your entrance is free. If not, it is only $10.00 per carload to enter the park. The rangers at the gate will give you detailed maps of the area.

Super tip: Your receipt will give you free access to the National Park for seven days.

My first suggestion is to go to the Kilauea Visitors Center and the Jagger Museum. This will give you a nice overview of the park and rangers are there to answer questions. This spot also looks over the majestic Halemaumau Crater. (At the time of this writing, the museum was closed due to a gaseous explosion in the Halemaumau Crater.) Tour Guide will get you to the park and lead you to more than 50 sites. It is also possible that our state bird, the Nene Goose, will be huddled in the parking lots. They are protected as an endangered species, so be careful when parking nearby.

Another great place to visit is the Volcano Art Center. It may seem a strange, but the Volcano Art Center boasts one of the best collections of art in the whole state. World renowned artist in various media are on display as well as theatrical and musical performances.

There is only one restaurant in the park proper, and that is the Volcano House. Built as a lodge in the mid 1800’s, the Volcano House has hosted dignitaries, politicians, sports heroes and movie stars from all over the world. This grand edifice sits right on the lip of Halemaumau Crater and the views from her restaurant are stunning. Tour Guide will give a complete history of how it came to be. The food is good and the prices are reasonable. Bicycle rentals are also available near the lodge.

Crater Rim Drive is a great driving introduction to the park. It encircles the Halemaumau Crater and, for only an 11 mile drive, passes through several dramatic climate zones. You will encounter arid desert, grass savannah, and into tropical rainforest; this loop can easily be done in forty minutes. However, you will want to take more time to appreciate the beauty and majesty of one nature’s most awesome wonders. Tour Guide will suggest short to medium hikes and bicycle trails as well as over 50 historic and geologic sites to visit within the park.

If you are up for some hiking, Tour Guide will lead you to the trail for Waldron Ledge Overlook. This short hike is through the Ohia and fern jungles, shaded most of the way, and can be done on bicycle as well. From this vantage point one can see the active vent, Kilauea Iki, and breathtaking views of the coast.

Along the Crater Rim Drive you will also see many steam vents and sulfur banks. This is where water seeps into crevices and meets the molten magma about a half mile below the surface, is super heated, and returns to the surface as steam. These vents are often accompanied by a “rotten egg” smell common where sulfur is rising with the steam, turning the ground around the vents hues of yellow, green and white.

For more information on visiting Hawaii and the Bi Island in general, and touring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in particular, go here.