Lake Shrine
The "Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine," also referred to as Lake Shrine, is a spiritual sanctuary located on a hill in Pacific Palisades overlooking Malibu Beach. This serene setting includes a lake, an outdoor temple, waterfalls and symbolic monuments. Lake Shrine is open to the public: Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
17190 Sunset Blvd.
Pacific Palisades, 90272
Link: www.lakeshrine.org
- Video: Beautiful Lake Shrine
Hidden Japanese Gardens
Eye on L.A. discovered three urban oases in Los Angeles, perfect spots if you're looking for an escape without leaving the city! These hidden gardens are open to the public.
'James Irvine Garden' at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center
244 S. San Pedro Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Closed Mondays
Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Weekends: call ahead to check availability (213) 628-2725
Admission is free
'Garden in the Sky' at the Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens
Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens
120 South Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, 90012
Open daily to the public, except during special events
Please call ahead to check availability (213) 629-1200
Admission is free
The Japanese Garden
6100 Woodley Ave
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 756-8166
Monday through Thursday noon - 4 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Evening tours are offered during the summer
Admission is $3 per person, $2 for children and senior citizens
- Video: Hidden Japanese gardens
Marty D's
Marty D's is a west coast "Coney Island"-flavored '50s diner in Beverly Hills serving specialty hot dogs shipped in from the east coast. The owner, Marty Davidson, is a former movie maker (The Lords of Flatbush, Eddie and the Cruisers) who with his wife Sandy has taken on the restaurant business. Marty D's features a restored antique soda fountain and the old fashioned beverages and desserts that come with it. Beef, chicken and vegan hot dogs can be found on the nostalgic menu along with hamburgers, Coney Island fries, sweet potato fries and hot fudge sundaes made with home-made ice cream.
Marty D's
230 S. Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, 90212
(310) 273-7771
- Video: Marty D's in Beverly Hills
Pint-Sized Virtuosos
Susan Pascale is the founder of the "South Pasadena Strings Program," a music program comprised of hundreds of local children. The program provides quality music instruction to kids on every instrument in an orchestra, including guitar, saxophone and piano. There are a variety of music ensembles, private courses and group classes available for different levels.
To see if your child qualifies for one of the orchestras or for more information, visit: Link: www.stringsprogram.com
- Video: South Pasadena Strings
Weekend On The Big Island Of Hawai'i
For more information on your next trip to Hawai'i, check out the Hawai'i Visitors & Convention Bureau website for travel wholesalers, travel agents, online travel agencies, and airline, hotel and activity websites.
Hawai'i Visitors & Convention Bureau
(808) 923-1811
E-mail: Info@hvcb.org
Link: www.gohawaii.com/smiling
About the Fairmont Orchid, Hawai'i
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai'i, is a 32-acre, AAA Four Diamond resort located on the exotic Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Surrounded by lush mountains, volcano and tropical rainforest, the Fairmont Orchid promises pleasure for days on end.
Link: www.fairmont.com/orchid
About the Big Island Helicopter Tour with Sunshine Helicopters
Experience the fiery lava vents of the Big Island's active volcano, Kilauea. The intensity of the live volcanic landscape will surely take your breath away. This is just one of the unique sights you'll find on an island boasting 11 out of 13 climate zones present on Earth. Let their Black Beauties whisk you through the hidden tropical valleys of the Kohala mountains, alive with dozens of roaring waterfalls, and lift you above the beautiful rainforest of the Hamakua coast.
Link: www.sunshinehelicopters.com
About Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawai'ian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Link: www.nps.gov/havo
About Warren Costa with Native Guide Hawai'i
Warren Costa is the owner of Native Guide Hawai'i. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Warren served his community as a Natural and Cultural Resources Manager, and as a School Teacher. He has earned a reputation as a warm, knowledgeable, and caring teacher and guide with a proven track record of successfully working with socio-economically, culturally, and intellectually diverse youth and adults. Since starting Native Guide Hawai'i, Warren has worked hard to create a truly original and personalized visitor experience. Drawing upon his background in science and teaching, his local and cultural knowledge, and his love of sharing, Warren takes his clients beyond the traditional tourist experience. Warren believes that it is important to connect with people on a personal level in order to help them to understand what they are seeing and experiencing. Whether it is a volcano tour out to an active lava flow, or a trek along the coastline, there's something fun and unique about each place. Warren Costa is married to Kehaulani Costa, an Administrator at Malamalama Waldorf School, and they have three sons, Keahi, Kala, and Kamalani. The Costa family also includes a dog named Jake and four happy chickens.
Link: www.nativeguidehawaii.com
More About Hawai'i
Hawai'i's six major islands are green-capped mountains lifted from the bottom of the sea, decorated with shimmering rainbows, majestic green peaks, surrounded by unfailingly warm waters, and rimmed by endless, white sand beaches.
Kauai is a lush, garden paradise favored by Hollywood for its tropical splendor that became backdrops for many movies, including "South Pacific," filmed 50 years ago, and Elvis Presley's "Blue Hawai'i." Gorgeous resorts are also found from Lihue to Poipu to Hanalei.
Oahu, with its capital city of Honolulu, offers everything from cosmopolitan Waikiki and historic sites such as Iolani Palace and Pearl Harbor to the scenic North Shore with its legendary surf. Maui, dominated by the peak of Haleakala, is known for the tranquil paradise of Hana and the colorful whaling town of Lahaina. Warm waters and sun-bathed beaches abound and attract visitors from around the world to popular resorts including Kapalua, Kaanapali, and Wailea.
Molokai, the most rustic of the islands, is bordered by the world's highest sea cliffs and is home to Kalaupapa Peninsula, the hauntingly beautiful former leper colony. Father Damien, the Catholic priest who oversaw the colony in the 1800s, is being ordained as a Saint this year.
Lanai is a rural community centered around the quaint town of Lanai City and is the setting for two of the world's most acclaimed resorts with superb golf courses.
Hawai'i's Big Island is home to the towns of Kona and Hilo and many quaint plantation-era style communities, as well as luxurious resorts in Kohala with world-class golf courses. Two active volcanoes and a diversity of climates have created lush rainforests and dramatic lava landscapes within miles of one another.
For more information about Hawai'i, the Islands of Aloha, visit www.GoHawaii.com.
Now you can find Eye on L.A. on Facebook: Become a fan today!
