"No Kai Oi" translates to "The best".....a great way to describe not only the island of Maui but my life their as well.
When I was about 21, I started dreaming of Hawaii and was ready for a change in my life so I packed up and kissed everyone goodbye and set off on my own to the island of Maui. Because I went alone and didn't know anyone on the island it became a great adventure, which as well became one of my main loves in life. I do so love adventures.
Hawaii was so beautiful and smelled of sweet flowers and fruit all day and night long. The water was clear and CLEAN (something I wasn't used to growing up in L.A.). Also, the sea was full of colorful fish and other sea creatures. An amazing experience. A place where waterfalls were surrounding and islands scattered along the coast line. If you have never been there I highly recommend you take 2 weeks off of your busy schedules and get over there and just hang loose.
When I first arrived I went straight to Lahaina town, an old whaling village and heavy tourist spot. At the time I did the usual waitress jobs which were pretty simple and very dull.
I don't know if it was due to the fact that I wanted to do something more with my life or that I just missed Wendy's art being around me but I went and bought my first set of acrylics and a canvas and started painting.
My first painting was a silhouette of the islands of Hawaii set against a ocean of several shades of blues and purples. There was a bird of paradise in one corner and a sprig of plumeria flowers in the other. I gave that painting to my folks while they still lived in Manhattan Beach.
That sparked the fire so to speak and I started doing all sorts of paintings. Soon after I wanted to create my living through art and stop being a waitress. Since that is a whole other chapter please read on if interested......