Lighting your way
| • | Patriotic lights |
By Vicki Viotti
Advertiser Staff Writer
Even if you wandered around aimlessly, you'd be likely to see a few nicely decorated homes around O'ahu. There are so many, after all, that they would be hard to miss.
But why not get the maximum photons of light per second, armed with The Advertiser's guide to Christmas decoration displays? Even the veterans of the annual sightseeing, light-seeing pilgrimage around the island could do with a few tips.
For instance, a few of the regulars are on hiatus this year — most notably, the DePonte family of Waipahu. But keep them on the list for 2002.
And the Yamaguchis of Waipahu have reinstalled their mammoth display on their own home turf (it was showcased at the Leeward YMCA for the past few years).
In addition to all the patriotic elements, this year's displays reflect the additions to popular culture. Among the new "residents" of yard exhibits: Harry Potter characters and the critters from the films "Shrek" and "Monsters, Inc."
A few displays still might be lacking some final touches, owing to all the recent storms. But most have weathered the wind and rain and are beckoning all who may be dreaming of a light Christmas.
• Downtown — Honolulu City Lights, on display throughout the downtown area nightly through Jan. 2. The tree and wreath display inside Honolulu Hale courtyard can be viewed 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Look for the new Island touches on Mrs. Claus, the patriotic color schemes and the new displays by nonprofit organizations around the municipal campus lawn.
• Downtown — Bishop Square has switched on 200,000 lights strung through the trees of Tamarind Park, a display that glows red, green and white.
• Punchbowl — 1553 Miller St. Lindy Franca has more than 125 figurines: New this year are the Tasmanian Devil and Goofy. There are also snowmen, a drummer boy, elves and penguins, Santas, Winnie-the-Pooh, candy canes, carolers, a nativity scene, a 5-foot wreath and more.
• Pauoa — 2331 Booth Road. Noble Ing and family — sons Darryl and Darwin and daughter Darlene Ching — are back to present a display with patriotic and religious themes, as well as a Winter Wonderland section. There's a "God Bless America" sign, with the music playing. He has brought back his cartoon characters, including Charlie Brown, Sesame Street and others.
• Papakolea — 2116 Kapahu St. Florence Kekaula started a tradition that sons Edmund and Chandler and daughter Florence continue now, with Snoopy, Winnie the Pooh and assorted other lawn figurines.
• Papakolea — 636 I'aukea St. Alfred and Betty Cazinha have been decorating for 21 years, delighting children with lights, animated dolls, light sculptures, a Christmas train, reindeer and sleigh and more. Lights will shine until 10 nightly, weather permitting.
• Kapalama — Kapalama Avenue. At 1420, visitors to John and Isabel Silva's home will find new penguins along with the Hawaiian Santa, a snowman, elves and reindeer. There's a gingerbread house, as well as a gingerbread train, tree and lighted wreath, and a lighted display centered on a nativity scene. And at 1409, Iola Seymour will have a Christmas tree on display, also featuring Winnie the Pooh and other characters, snowmen, a manger scene, toy soldiers — and lights, of course.
• Kalihi — 1141 Olomea St. There's a "marvel of lights," with Santa and reindeer, at the home of Paul Bringas.
• Foster Village — 1400 block of Haloa Drive. Many of the houses are lit up on both the 1300 and 1400 blocks of the street.
• Manoa — 2672 Lowrey Ave. J.R. Allen and family, longtime donors for the Blood Bank, have included a plug for giving blood as part of their Christmas message. There's also a range of festive cartoon characters on display, including: Tweety, the Tasmanian Devil, Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Winnie the Pooh, Snoopy and others. Look for the choir family, elves, Chilly Willy Penguin and more.
• McCully — 723 Hau'oli St. A display of red, white and blue adds a patriotic touch to the home of Stanette and Raphael Vares Jr., and lighted sculptures adorn the windows. Back again are Santa's Christmas Countdown, a mechanical rocking horse with cowboy, a drum with bears and a bow display with working elves. There's also an antique lighted hanging ornament, a nativity scene with choir boys and a collection of Warner Brothers and Disney characters.
• McCully — 1928 Young St., Apts. A, F, G and I. A patriotic bow of tube lights now hangs, along with more than 10,000 lights, in Charles Hose's design. Mesh lights on the bushes and more tube lights in tree shapes have been added, too. Back this year: the hanging icicles, multi-colored snowflakes, wreaths, a garland, Santa and reindeer, toy soldiers, candy canes, a gingerbread man, Frosty and angels.
• Waikiki — 425 'Ena Road 101B. On his lanai at The Kalia, Alan Wallace has enlarged his Christmas village and added some flags to "Allentown" as a patriotic touch. There are 24 miniature structures, all built from scratch. It will be lit through Jan. 7.
• Waikiki — 1717 Ala Wai Blvd., between Kalakaua Avenue and Ala Moana. Residents compete for cash prizes by decorating lanais with lights at this high-rise condominium. Judging is set for Dec. 21.
• Kapahulu — 854 Lukepane Ave. — Roger Mitchell presents his annual display of animated figures: elves, Santa and the missus, Santa on skates, Hawaiian family snowmen, a drummer boy and carolers. There's also a nativity scene and Santa village.
• Kaimuki — 1248 Wilhelmina Rise. Phil Akau has brought back his arrangement of lights, a Santa, Frosty the Snowman, Christmas stockings and other decorations.
• Kaimuki — 1628 9th Ave. Walter and Ethel Jardine have employed "lights, lots of lights," as well as a Santa snowman, "to keep America bright." Their display will remain lit until Jan. 4.
• Hawai'i Kai — Pulehu Street. Several homes here are getting in the decorating spirit.
• Hawai'i Kai — Maniniholo Street. At No. 861, There's a huge lighted "Season's Greetings" card on the Ka'upu home. Look also for elves and an animated Father Christmas. Down at 954, Alan Hughgill has arranged his lawn with reindeer, a nativity scene, snowmen and Santas.
• Hawai'i Kai — 575, 581, 591 and 595 Hahai'one St. All four buildings in the condominium complex are getting into the decorating act.
• Hawai'i Kai — Kaumakani Street. A variety of Christmas figurines decorate Ivy Dilda's home at No. 434, and white and colored lights are threaded around the house and shrubbery, with a nativity scene and, on the rooftop, Santa. And at 530, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Tanaka have used red, white and blue lights for a bit of Americana, along with a "Peace on Earth" sign and assorted other decorations.
• Hawai'i Kai — 428 Kawaihae St. Lights are on until 9 a.m. nightly at the Hawai'i Kai Retirement Community. But to show the full display in the lobbies of this complex, there will be an open house 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22. Information: 395-9599 or 396-0720. On those days, a decorated bus will be provided for free shuttle service between the park-ride lot (across from the Hawai'i Kai Town Center) and the retirement community.
WINDWARD O'AHU
• Waimanalo — 41-310 Kawahine Place. Kamaka and Tiga Kaneakua began this tradition 17 years ago for the kids; now Javelle "Hawn," Rambo and Kamaha'o pitch in, covering the house with brick-design corrugated paper and stringing it with lights. Disney characters fill the yard, as well as candles, colored palm trees, soldiers, Santa, a manger, sculptures and more.
• Kailua — 310 Manono St. Lani and Gabriel Joaquin have a new Santa, reindeer, dwarf, drummer boy, drummer bear and Christmas tree in their yard.
• Kailua — 409 Kaimake Loop. Lighted reindeer, candy canes and a red-, white- and blue-decorated tree welcome visitors to the home of Rob and Debbie McWilliams. Look for messages on the roof and other touches spelling out the patriotic and Christmas themes.
• Kailua — 972 Holoholo St. Clyde Pearce has set reindeer on the roof and icicles around the perimeter; down below there's also a 15-foot candy cane, soldiers, a manger, a Christmas tree, and a pine forest, with Pooh characters in the window and a fireplace outside.
• Kailua — 314 Ulupaina St. Herbert and Rose Furtado have a flag as part of their decorations, which include a train and lots of lights. They'll be on through Jan. 9.
• Lanikai — 215 Ka'elepulu Drive. Each year Richard and Dawn Freeman add more lights and arrange animated figures on the roof, yard and walkway. One tree is decorated in memory of their son. The little village in the living-room window has moved to the shed, so look for a surprise in the window this year.
• Lanikai — 150 Haokea Drive. Lights glow until 11 p.m. nightly along the driveway, on the rooftop and throughout the shower tree and yard of Kalani and Sue Lynn Louis-Soares. There are new drummer boys and Santa with reindeer added to the display, including a nativity scene and assorted Disney characters.
• Kane'ohe — 45-229 Nakulu'ai St. Paul Vause's lighted house and yard is home to handmade painted plywood cutouts, including new arrivals: Monsters Inc., Shrek and Harry Potter. Joining them are characters from Pokemon, various Disney movies, Rugrats, Precious Moments and more.
• Kane'ohe — 46-201 'Ohala St. Andrea Rodrigues-Gum and her dad, Mel Rodrigues, have a train set in the front yard that attracts loads of attention. But you can't overlook the collection of figures and decorations: drummer boys, a Tasmanian Devil Santa, Tigger, a nativity scene with angels, Snoopy Santa, Santa Bear, soldiers, candy canes and signs with "Season's Greetings" and other messages.
• Kane'ohe — Wena Street. Several houses on this street will be glowing by mid-month, showcasing toyland decorating schemes and a range of holiday and cartoon figures.
• Kane'ohe — Namoku Street. Parts of this winding residential street are shaping up like another "Christmas Lane" (see Hui Koloa Place listing below). Check out the area behind Castle High School, including the home of Lois and Kimo Lake at 45-365. She's added red, white and blue bulbs to the traditional motif, with an enormous wreath hanging centerstage. Check out Santa, all the reindeer and the boat driven by Snoopy, pulled by Rudolph. And at the other end, 45-090, the 14-floor Pohai Nani retirement home is decked out, as always.
• Kane'ohe — 45-611 Pu'ohala St. William Vogel has icicle lights on the eaves and more lights on the fence and windows of his home. There's a manger scene, as well as lots of Santas.
• Kane'ohe — 45-440 'Ihilani St. A large lighted American flag is the new addition at Judy Mauhili's home, fully decorated by son Eugene Jr. Look also for the tube lights spelling out greetings and forming many holiday shapes, including trees, Santa, and a snowman tipping his hat. Among other decorations: Santas, a multicolored Christmas tree, lawn reindeer, drummer boys and lights in the plantings.
• 'Ahuimanu — Hui Koloa Place. There are few undecorated windows on this street (visiting "Christmas Lane" is a Windward tradition).
LEEWARD O'AHU
• Waipahu — 94-050 Lianu Place. The traditionally mammoth display started by Wilfred and Annette Yamaguchi and their daughter Charmaine has moved back home after a few years on holiday exhibit at the Leeward YMCA. You'll find about 250 cartoon characters, "tons of lights" and various international Christmas villages, including one of Afghanistan. In another patriotic gesture, Mickey now holds a flag. Open 6:30-10:30 p.m. through Christmas.
• Waipahu — 94-313 Kiokio Place. Now in their 11th year decorating, Loretta Domingo and family will deck the halls with thousands of lights and about 100 cartoon characters. Creatures from "Shrek" and "Monsters, Inc." join the crowd from Disney, "South Park," "A Bug's Life," "Power Puff Girls," Pokemon, Scooby Doo, Dragonballz and more. Hours: 7-10 p.m. nightly, weather permitting.
• Waipahu — 94-1108 Kahuamo St. Six flags decorate the roof of Sammy and Cora Cortez' home, along with "God Bless America" and "Peace on Earth" signs. The patriotic theme is paired with traditional holiday decorations, such as Minnie, Mickey, Santa on a donkey, a dancing Santa, a 5-foot star, nativity scene, ferris wheel, Santa village, a merry-go-round and about 9,000 lights,
• Waipahu — 94-1033 Lumi St. Otelia Pate has gone all out decorating trees in the yard, house and window with lights and ornaments. She's put her own clothes to dress a Mrs. Santa figure in the garage. There are characters from Disney, Peanuts and more, a lighted reindeer, a snowman and multiple Santas.
• Waipahu — 94-383 Hene St. Mr. and Mrs. Vic Carvalho Sr. now have a patriotic element along with the holiday themes: manger and village scenes, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Pooh and Tigger, Snow Bear, Santa Bear and Pluto. Display is on 7:30-10:30 p.m. nightly
•'Ewa Beach — 91-835 and 91-833 Kauwili St. John and Helen Hughes have a festival of mechanical figures: Kids 3 and under can ride the merry-go-round and train. Look for Winnie the Pooh, a miniature ferris wheel, stars, tin soldiers, candles, nativity scene, Ninja Turtles and other decorations.
• 'Ewa Beach — 91-1146 Ha'i'ano Place. More than 5,000 lights and a collection of more than 100 plywood characters have moved into Frank Suster's yard, including Santa with reindeer, a manger scene, a train set with elves and more.
• 'Ewa Beach — 91-967 Akaholo St. —Visitors here will be treated to star lights with music, a nativity scene and a lighted American flag.
• 'Ewa Beach — 91-1541 Keonekapu St. The top floor of this home is newly illuminated, adding to the display Etta Moiha and her mother Marion Lassiter have created. There's an assembly of wooden cartoon characters. Visitors also will find Santa and Mrs. Claus, animated dolls, Christmas trees, a nativity scene and a Winter Wonderland village Lassiter built.
• 'Ewa Beach — 91-1035 Mana'opa'a St. Jerry Jucha's house is trimmed in blue lights, which are on from dark until 2 a.m.
• Makakilo — 92-951 Panana St. The "Palehua Townhouse Gang" is decorating units 34-38. In the middle of the building visitors will find a display with a gingerbread theme.
• Makakilo — Aka'ula Street. About a dozen houses in this neighborhood are decorated, many interweaving patriotic and Christmas themes. At 92-372, for example, Barb Hall and Mary Fouste have a flag in their fence this year as well as their icicle lights, Santa's sleigh, nene geese, mechanical reindeer and a stationary one that the children can sit on. There are also toy soldiers, a snowman and Santa and more than 7,000 lights. Many neighbors have displays to rival theirs. Harold and Donna Martin at 92-366 have Santa flying with reindeer and their entire carport glowing with lights. Be sure to peer behind the hedge for the full effect.
• Makakilo — Palailai Street. At 92-666, multicolored lights brighten Alfred and Lori Lopez' home. Starting Dec. 19 they will add Christmas decorations in the front yard and on the garage roof. Among them: Pokemon, Lion King and Snow White. Down the way at 92-677, the home of Richard and Lisa Cabane and Chanell Maramba glows with patriotic elements (red, white and blue lights, as well as flags), along with a nativity set, Santa, a snowman, elves, reindeer and many more decorations.
• Kapolei — 91-1049 Keokolo St. At their home in Kekuilani Villages, Greg and Ann Piamonte have decorated with a nativity scene, lighted reindeer, wooden cutouts, the Seven Dwarfs, soldier boys, a snowman and more.
• Nanakuli — 89-089 'Aone Place. Al and Becky Ayau have dolled up their home with lights and their yard with a cartoon characters, reindeer and Christmas trees.
• Nanakuli — 89-094 Haleakala Ave. The home decorations of Bernard Goshert have become a Nanakuli tradition since 1967, with more than 20,000 lights. His collection of figures includes Pluto, snowmen, toy soldiers, angels, animated figurines, Disney characters and Santa. There's a train set and more.
• Nanakuli — 87-1029-A Hakimo Road. Bob and Julie Herodias have erected more than 200 lighted figures and 10,000 lights around their home, featuring a nativity scene, North Pole scene, and Disney and Winnie the Pooh displays. Lights are on from 6:30 to 10 nightly, through Dec. 26.
• Wai'anae — 85-1257 Kamaile'unu St. Margaret Cummings welcomes visitors indoors 7-10:30 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and until 11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 25. Among the sights: the 30 chandeliers Cummings' late husband made, seven Christmas trees with various themes, a train set, nativity scene, life-sized mechanical Santa, a Christmas village and much more. Outside, their lighted display of characters includes Santa and sleigh, along with Genie from "Aladdin," a nutcracker, Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Barney and a "Free Willie" scene.
CENTRAL O'AHU AND THE NORTH SHORE
• 'Aiea — 98-1603 Ka'ahumanu St. Donald Benoza's layout includes Mickey Mouse and Goofy, an angel scene and a decorated tree in the yard. Look for the train, and the mechanical figures in the window. The family offers candy canes for the kids, too.
• 'Aiea — 98-1649 Ho'olaua'e St. Around the corner from the Benoza residence, two homes are worth a look. John Matias (and grandsons Kingsley, Kash, Kasey, Justin and Jonathan) decorated the yard and house at 98-1616 with 10,000 lights, Disney and Sesame Street characters, Care Bears, a snow family, nativity scene, 32 lighted Santas, a Norfolk pine and patriotic wreaths. At 98-1649, Billy Malama has added a wrought-iron American flag to his collection of similar metal figures edged in lights. Look for the new little snails and rabbit amid the old-standby volcano, star, monkey, Diamond Head, alligator, dolphin, owl, Pegasus, Barney, a fishpond with fish and duck, poinsettias, gorilla, pig, rabbit, crescent moon and much more.
• 'Aiea — 'Auhau Place. If you're in 'Aiea, drop by this short street, where a few neighbors decorate each year. It might be wise to wait a week for the full effect.
• 'Aiea — 99-160 Holo Place. This is the 21st year Warren Wegesend has set out his lights, nativity scene and multitude of cartoon cutouts, including Snow White, the Little Mermaid and many more.
• 'Aiea — Kulina Street. At 99-149, the Andres family have lighted their home inside and out. Santa and penguins are in the window, and they greet visitors inside 7-11 p.m. Several other homes on this street are decorated, too.
• Pearl Ridge — 98-1007 Ka'onohi St. More than 5,000 lights and 50 figurines transform the rock garden into a Hawaiian-style winter wonderland. This is the 21st year of this family's display. This year, Wayne Olivares has added Mickey and Minnie to the collection, which includes an animated Santa and reindeer, manger scenes, synchronized flashing lights, candy canes, a snowman and toy soldiers.
• Pearl City — 98-1207 Ho'ohuali Place. In a 21-year tradition, the 'ohana of Francis and Estrella Aki has produced this display, which this year takes on a Hawaiian motif. There's a Hawaiian snowman and Santa, as well as palm trees instead of the traditional Christmas trees. The Akis are also showing their patriotic spirit, with an American flag and plans to take up a collection for the American Red Cross 6-8 p.m. Dec. 22, when there also will be live entertainment.
• Pacific Palisades — 2352 'Anini Place. Joseph DeVera's garage is home a new Disney Christmas tree, "Harry Potter" Quidditch balls, reindeer and a centerpiece American flag. Back this year: nutcrackers, teddy bears, wise men, Minnie and Mickey, Pluto, Bugs Bunny, Santa, and other lighted mechanical dolls. Hours: 6-10 p.m. nightly until Jan. 2.
• Mililani — 95-533 Wailoa Loop. John "Freddy" and Gwen Torres have taken over the display once mounted by John's parents, starting in 1961. The main attraction is their garage display of more than 80 moving dolls, added to the thousands of lights, the life-size nativity scene on the roof and the more than 50 cartoon characters displayed in the yard. "Beauty and the Beast," "101 Dalmatians" and "Aladdin" are among the favorite movie themes. This year, a pair of "Monsters, Inc." greeters have been added.
• Mililani — Mai'a'ohe Place. Everyone on this cul-de-sac (which adjoins Neleau, described below) get together to decorate their homes. Look for the dolphin-drawn canoe, a wooden Christmas tree, the manger, wrought-iron reindeer and carolers. One resident has provided a glimpse inside Santa's house.
• Mililani — Neleau Place. All nine families have created "Na Hoku O Neleau (The Stars of Neleau)." New elements from pop culture include Harry Potter, Monsters, Inc., Precious Moments and Neo Pets. This year there's an arctic theme, featuring a penguin family. Other highlights: Santa checking his list, an expanded underwater scene and some patriotic touches, such as red, white and blue lights and a flag motif on one garage
• Mililani — Anania Drive. Several neighbors living in townhouses from 94-084 to 94-088 pull together each year to add their holiday touches to this corner of Nob Hill.
• Mililani — 94-1452 Lanikuhana Ave. Units 385-390 participated in a combined effort to dress up the Nob Hill 3 neighborhood.
• Mililani — 94-165 Kuahelani Ave. #173-180. Eight units in this townhouse building present a community effort. There's a moving train going across the townhouse roofs. Also a gingerbread house, elves, a toy workshop, a handmade wood sleigh, reindeer, Santa, manger and the Three Wise Men.
• Wahiawa — 127 Makaweo Ave. Barbara and Herman Walker and family are into their third decade decorating their home. The overall theme is Disney, including all 101 Dalmatians, but there's a new patriotic theme this year, as well as a Hawaiian nativity scene, Santa house and train city.
• Waialua — 66-905 Alena Loop. This display, with the full assortment of Christmas figurines and lights, is a holiday tradition, a shared duty of Mr. and Mrs. Julian Rillamas Jr., son Jonathan, daughters Gina, Doral and Alissa, grandson Oursavior and granddaughters Easter Lily, April May and Decembers Christmas-Noel
