I just could not leave it to its cruel fate, the fire. I picked this piece of Kiawe wood from the wood pile beside the fireplace at the Kuna Lodge and Restaurant. We went there for their terrific breakfast and view over Maui's great valley. As we waited to be seated I noticed the wood stacked beside the fireplace. When I investigated more closely I found this lovely piece of highly figured wood. I could not let it burn. I simply swiped it. Later I confessed to the hostess but when she learned that I would use it to make lovely rosettes on Ukuleles, I was forgiven.
Kiawe is kind of a junk tree on Maui. It grows in great profusion along the sea shore and on the dunes behind the beaches. It has nasty thorns and is apparently a really tough tree, I was told it was imported by the missionaries who hoped the thorns would keep the Hawaiians off the beaches and back at work. I don't know if that is true, and I am sure it did not work. But this is a lovely piece of wood that I am eager to cut into Rozette pieces.
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Here is the grove of kiawe trees that front the little park between the Westin Kaanapali Resort buildings.
A close look at the trunk of a Kiawe tree. I suspect it could be good ukeulele wood. It is dark, dense and tough, but in this land of wondrous trees it is used for firewood.
The other morning Marya and I went out again on the great outriggers of the Maui Paddle Sports Co. We have enjoyed this 1 1/2 hour experience for many years now. We got within 40 feet of a huge humpback, and saw many others at a greater distance. It is always a thrill and our guides Michael and DelRay made it a delight. If you ever get to Maui, do this. We will do it again next week.
