Comments on: reservations about Anthony Bourdain in Hawaii

By: Brandon

Brandon — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:29:47 +0000

Born and raised here. I liked episode….

By: gary

gary — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 02:20:24 +0000

Just saw a re-run of this episode, hence the year long comment. LOL

I am very much a fan of Mr. Bourdain and as a local, I very much enjoyed this episode. You have to realize he is on the Travel Channel, and it’s nation-wide television. The lacking particulars of this show – according to you folks – can probably be attributed to the logistics of television as well as being preoccupied with some TV politics.

His trip is largely influenced by his fixers, who probably did not have ample time to prepare. And as much as I agree with yall that some of the more salient historical and native Hawaiian narratives were not presented, we have to admit that this is what many viewers from all over the world are turned on by when it comes to Hawaii. I read somewhere that TV and movies are the crossroads of art and commerce; this is as true here as anything else. Factor in the logistics and endless fact-checking and the show starts to look pretty damn good.

I’m quite forgiving; it’s good TV and I give the team credit where it’s due. They might have done a “perfect” show according to others if this was the only destination he visited. Buying a $3000 Aloha shirt is so Hollywood, but then again he went to a bbq in Kalihi! I know kama’aina haoles that have not been there ever! This episode, when compared to others shows that feature Hawaii, is totally awesome.

By: jeela

jeela — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:10:27 +0000

^ excellent suggestions, george!!

By: george vye

george vye — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:34:34 +0000

What a total disappointment this show was.
There are still many mom and pop stores and restaurants that someone should have clued him in on. Starting with Bert’s on McCully in Moiliili. Been in the family since WW2. They make a killer Loco Moco.
And a $3,000 shirt. For 30 years I’ve bought mine from Goodwill for less than $10. And what’s with this Puka Dog?
Unfortunate, it could have been much better.
BTW, how about an interview with Haunani-Kay Trask about Hawaiian affairs, or a nod to Aunty Genoa Keawe and Hawaiian music?
And not a mention of Hilo, the sweetest city in the world.

By: jeela

jeela — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:41:43 +0000

thank you for your kind words, charlotte!

Jane – If I remember correctly, that was Bailey’s Aloha Shirts on Kapahulu Ave in Honolulu

By: Jane

Jane — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:04:43 +0000

I too was disappointed with that episode. I’ve only lived here for 3 years and I’ve yet to see everything. I was hoping a secret place would be revealed I suppose..like the Goonies pirate cave or something that would make me say “I must go there at once!” Anyhoo, would you happen to know the name of the shirt store he visited?

By: charlotte

charlotte — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:45:56 +0000

Well written and I love your idea for a Hawaii show. :)

By: jeela

jeela — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:19:07 +0000

LoL, his words, not mine… but I’m thinking it has something to do with NYC being the center of the known universe. :~j