Hangouts and Memories

Hakalau Veteran's Park and the Hakalau School Complex

This complex was a focal point of community activity.

Park Dedication in 1930 from the Waichi Ouye Collection, courtesy of the Ouye family

H. Fujii Store and Bakery in Wailea

Located in Wailea Town next to Wailea Spanish Camp, H. Fujii Store and Bakery was a mainstay of the Wailea and Hakalau.

The Hawaii Herald Cover Story, "Unlocking Memories of the Past", January 17, 1997

Jimmy's Highway Cafe in Wailea

A common gathering place in Wailea...

Event at Jimmy's Highway Cafe about 1954. Boys on lower left include Roger Forbes, Randy Ouye, Dennis Nishiyama and Andy Silver. Photo from the Jack Ouye Collection courtesy of Akiko Masuda

Nishimoto Store in Ninole

The Nishimoto Store, built in 1910, was adjacent to Yamagata Camp, on the makai side of Mamalahoa Highway. The store closed in 1987, leaving behind some fond memories.

Watercolor painting of Nishimoto Store, courtesy of Robert Nishimoto, Ph.D.

Nishiyama Bus Service and Garage in Wailea

Gosaku Nishiyama, built the vehicle at far left from a 1933 Dodge truck, creating a 20 passenger bus. From that small step the bus service grew, delivering products to retail stores like Yamamoto Store and Fujii Store and Bakery and, eventually providing passenger service into Hilo.

Photo courtesy of the Lyman Museum

Emi Uemura grew up in Hakalau Upper Camp and shares wonderful memories. Over the years, she has documented many and has graciously shared them, starting with ...

Cane Fire

I grew up in a plantation town where sugar dominated the whole region. During harvest time, sugar workers prepared for burning of the cane by pushing rows of cane away from the boundary in order to prevent fires from spreading beyond the fields. If I recall correctly, a man would wave a white flag to signal that it was ready to start the fire. Once the men set the field on fire, I heard the loud crackling as the fire consumed the leaves, leaving the denuded stalks of cane standing. The crackling sound was scaring that we had to cover our ears. Smoke from the burning of the cane was so thick that we could not see for about 10 to 15 minutes or longer.

Other Memories Shared...

Emi Uemura remembers:

I saw a list of of O-Bon services and this bought back memories...

At this time of year, the Buddhists celebrate O-Bon. As I can remember we too had floating lanterns at Kolekole Park. Grandpa Ito made the boat about 3 feet long and 18 inches wide, I think. It was filled with fruits and vegetables. We took the Samura bus and rode to Kolekole. At the park we put on a lighted lantern and sailed it at the mouth of the river. After we return to the church and dance till mid-night. They had shave ice, hot dog and other food that we could purchase. The dancers were treated to rice, pickled relish and nishime (I think). This was the best part. As for the dance, we dressed in kimono in those days. Mrs. Nakano, all dress us and made the slash very tight , we could hardly breath.

***
As I was growing up in upper camp of Hakalau. We to learn to do craft. On Saturday morning Mrs. Mamiya taught us how to do Japanese embroidery (Japanese shishu). It was a fine silk tread or weaving handbags or flower arrangement. I guess this kept me from getting into mischievous or how to be lady like. Now, I think about it the children now days does not have those experience.

More Memories from Emi Uemura

Photo of boat used to celebrate O-Bon, "The Voice of Hakalau", August 1960

Note: Sholei (Shorei) Nagashi is an event to see the spirits off, similar to lantern floating.

"The Voice of Hakalau", August 1960

Roger Forbes, Wailea resident from 1954-1959, remembers...

Boy Scout meetings at the Hongwanji: We learned a few things about first aid, sang songs, went camping, played different games, all walked down to the gym to march. I was the bugler and played taps at the end of every meeting... A real shout out for the scout master Mr. Morikawa. He put his heart and soul into keeping scouting going in Hakalau. I walked home to Wailea with Dennis [Nishiyama] sometimes. We talked about baseball all the way...how many home runs will Hank Aaron hit this year; that sort of thing.

Andy [Silver] and I were always trying to think of things to do. Walking down to Kolekole and fishing for godi was one and rolling down the Silver's yard in the inside of a cane truck inner tube was another. Baseball at the park was something I did, but Andy had no interest in....Oh! running down thru the camp to catch the school bus on the main highway after missing it when i stopped in front of the house.