Haiku Splendor

One interesting aspect of my "job" as a landscape artist is to act as an "artist historian" by recording my impressions for future generations. Over my 50+ years in the islands, the "aina" (land) has undergone a radical transformation. Special places have been lost forever to development. One spot that remains today,

almost as exceptional as it was years ago, is tranquil and verdant Haiku Gardens. 

In the late 19th century four acres of royal land tucked beneath the Ko'olau Mountains was sold to an Englishman, Edwin Baskerville. He created Baskerville Springs. 

In the mid-20th century it became Haiku Gardens, a wholesale nursery with multiple owners.

According to Bob Sigall's Rearview Mirror column:"Haiku Gardens sported an orchard of macadamia trees, 

as well as mango, banana, mahogany, teak, bamboo, and sandalwood. It had a series of ponds, trails, a Japanese teahouse, Hawaiian grass shacks and a bird sanctuary."

There have been successive restaurants at the Gardens.Haleiwa Joe's Seafood Grill opened in 2000.

It is also a popular wedding venue.

I visited here to paint on location in the 1980s with my first painting sensei, Gloria Foss. I recently came across long-ago photos of the garden from that day. This painting was inspired by fond memories and those shots.

The view today, while still beautiful, has changed. The stately palm trees are gone as are the lilies in the pond.

Change is everywhere.