Hawaii’s Love of SPAM

With the start of the Internet and undesired bulk e-mail messages, “Spam” took on a new meaning. In Hawaii, this magical mystery meat never lost its relevance. Island residents eat over 6 million cans of SPAM a year, taking the crown as the biggest SPAM consumers in the world.

So what is it about this miracle meat in a can? Introduced in the 1930s, this pre-cooked pork shoulder became a favorite with the general public and military during war time. While there are many stories behind the name, the official explanation is that “Spam” was chosen from a naming contest where the winner got $100. Yet a Hormel official stated that the original meaning was “Shoulder of Pork and Ham” becoming what we know as SPAM.

How did this food become so popular in Hawaii? Needing no refrigeration, the pork product soon became one of three items islanders historically would stock up on along with toilet paper and rice during threats of hurricanes, tsunamis, or dockworkers’ strikes.

By far, Hawaiians’ favorite dish is SPAM Musubi, a ready-to-eat SPAM snack that looks like a brick. In Hawaii, you can buy Musubi for under $3 in nearly any convenience store and even get it with your McDonald’s breakfast.

A great opportunity to try this tropical treat is at the 6^th Annual SPAM JAM held May 3^rd. It is a Waikiki street festival celebrating Hawaii’s love for Spam. Even if eating SPAM sounds a little scary, you should check out the SPAM Jam. Where else can you see a giant 313 foot SPAM and weighing 275 lbs? You know what they say – “Cold or hot, SPAM hits the spot!” (Posted by CM – ref. WWFF, images Wikipedia & R.Huo)

Add comment March 20th, 2008

History of the Merrie Monarch Festival

Every year in Hilo on the Big Island, there a week long prestigious hula competition called the Merrie Monarch Festival. It is the Olympics of hula. This year it will be held from March 30 – April 5^th. This is an event not to be missed – assuming you can get a ticket.

Begun forty years ago the major purpose of the festival is the preservation of the art of hula and the Hawaiian culture through education. The festival is considered the world’s premier forum for people of all ages to display their knowledge of the art of ancient and modern hula.

So who is this “Merry Monarch”? It honors King David Kalakaua, who was nicknamed the "Merrie Monarch" for his patronage of the arts. He even has a street named after him in Waikiki. He is credited with restoring many Hawaiian cultural traditions during his reign, including the hula. Kalakaua almost single-handedly restored many of the nearly extinct cultural traditions of the Hawaiian people. These included legends and the hula, which had been forbidden due to the influence of missionaries for over 70 years.

Aside from being very entertaining, the Merrie Monarch Festival has maintained strict standards of authenticity, so the culture of the ancient Hawaiian people is being perpetuated. It is due to King Kalakaua himself that the hula will live on. (Posted by CM – images Wikipedia)

Add comment March 19th, 2008

Diamond Head – Full of Diamonds?

One of the most recognizable landmarks on Oahu is Diamond Head. Visible from an airplane and most of Waikiki, Diamond Head has been used in movies and international television commercials for many years as “the” iconic mage of Oahu. It is one of my favorite spots as on clear days you can see the island of Molokai and whales during their migration. It is a must-do on a visit to the island of Oahu. The views looking down from Diamond Head are amazing and well worth the many steps to the top. 

Diamond Head is actually an extinct volcanic crater. It is a lasting remnant of a volcanic explosion that occurred approximately 500,000 years ago. Ancient Hawaiians called it “Laeahi”. However what we know as "Diamond Head" can be traced to the 1800s, when British sailors mistakenly thought there were diamonds lodged in the crater’s soil. The "diamonds" turned out to be crystals embedded in the lava rock.

A popular activity for both tourists and residents is to head up the well worn paths to the 760-foot summit. It is a moderate hike taking about 90-minutes roundtrip. I would encourage you to go early as there is no shade on the trail. Important to note, there are many steps and stairs on this journey. 

Rest assured this volcano is safe as it has been extinct for at least 150,000 years. So grab your camera and enjoy the hike up to the top to one of Oahu’s most defining features. (Posted by CM – images Wikipedia)

Add comment March 18th, 2008

Hawaii News

In the news this week Maui is once again the number one island destination, Hilton unveils its new Lagoons, Duke Kahanamoku is featured and well as the Hawaiian shave ice treat, we also discuss Beach erosion in Hawaii and celebrity news and weather for the week.

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Add comment March 18th, 2008

What Would Waikiki Be Without Sand?

Lawmakers are considering a bill to fund the restoration of eroding beaches in Hawaii’s resort areas. Gray’s Beach, fronting the Sheraton Waikiki and Kaanapali beach on Maui are specifically named as future restoration projects. The proposed plan would be to install three T-shaped rock groins and widen the beach fronting the hotel as part of a larger upgrade of its properties. The project has been criticized by some stating the bill only supports multi-millionaire hotel and resort owners responsible for the beach erosion due to their hotel developments being built too close to the shoreline.

Keith Vieira, senior vice president of operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii & French Polynesia, said in the Star Bulletin that the beaches are an integral part of Hawaii’s success as a tourist destination. "The continued loss of sand from our key beaches are a concern and could have an affect on our economy in the future if people come to Hawaii and see no beaches," he said in support of the bill.

Music: GoJimmyGo

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Add comment March 16th, 2008

Duke Kahanamoku – Hawaiian Surfing Legend

Driving in the bustle of downtown Honolulu, it is hard to imagine over 100 years ago one of the best watermen on the planet lived on the busy corner of King and Bishop streets. Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku was born in 1890 at his family home. Duke was named after his father, who originally received the name “Duke” by a member of Hawaiian Royalty, after they received a visit from the Duke of Edinburgh.

Kahanamoku spent his youth growing up on the outskirts of Waikiki (where the Hilton Hawaiian Village now stands). It was at Waikiki Beach where he and his brothers developed their love of surfing and swimming. Unthinkable today, Duke surfed boards constructed in the style of the traditional ancient Hawaiians. These massive surfboards were made of wood, were sixteen feet long and weighed about 100 lbs. As if it wasn’t challenging enough, these huge heavy boards had no fins.

Duke’s athletic abilities were unmatched as he won countless amateur swim meets in Honolulu. He went on to become a member of the US Olympic team, winning 3 Gold and 2 Silver medals. Between Olympic competitions, Kahanamoku traveled to Australia and California to give swimming and surfing exhibitions. It was during this period that he dazzled spectators and popularized the sport. Thus becoming the “Father of Surfing”.

Sadly Duke passed away in 1968, but his rich legacy lives on. I encourage you to pay homage to his statue in Waikiki.  It showcases Duke standing in front of his surfboard with his arms outstretched. Many honor him by placing leis on his statue. I would then suggest a stroll over to Duke’s Canoe Club & Barefoot Bar to enjoy the ocean view and historic surfing photos of Duke and his brothers. Raise a glass to the surfers in the same Waikiki waves the Duke himself made famous and toast this true Hawaiian waterman that “Surfer Magazine” hailed as the surfer of the century. (Posted by CM – images Wikipedia)

Add comment March 12th, 2008

Hawaii Shave Ice – Fun Local Tradition

On the mainland they are called “snow cones”, in Puerto Rico “piragua” but here in Hawaii we know it as “shave ice”.  This is one fun treat that is worth trying.

The tasty shave ice was brought to Hawaii in the 1880s by the Japanese immigrants who came to work on the sugar plantations. At that time, the treat was sold on Sundays, the only day off for plantation workers. They would take a block of ice and shave it and then drench it in sweet syrup. When the Japanese immigrants moved off the plantations and opened their own stores, shave ice went retail and became hugely popular.

Shave ice is still a local favorite. Similar to a snow cone, but instead of the ice being crushed, it is shaved making it finer almost the consistency of snow. The fun begins when you select one of over 40 exotic flavors of syrup like lychee, lilikoi and li hing mui. According to a source at Matsumoto Shave Ice, strawberry and the pretty tri-colored rainbow are their most popular flavors.

In addition to the numerous flavors you can also select toppings with your shave ice. Commonly, a scoop of vanilla ice cream is first added to the bottom of the cup. If you really want to get wild you can add the mochi balls (a Japanese rice cake) and azuki beans (a Japanese sweet bean).

For fewer than three dollars you can try a shave ice at Matsumoto Shave Ice and Aoki’s Shave Ice, both in Haleiwa, on the North Shore or Waiola Shave Ice in Honolulu also on Oahu or Jo Jo’s in Waimea on Kauai. (Posted by CM – images Wikipedia)

Add comment March 11th, 2008

Exploring Manoa Valley

Located on Oahu, Manoa is a residential valley neighborhood. It is approximately 3 miles inland from downtown, close to Waikiki and Ala Moana. While it may not be on the list for tourists, it is a worthwhile spot to check out offering a look into one of Oahu’s older communities.

I learned that in 1825, Manoa was the site of the first sugarcane and coffee plantations in Hawaii. The word “Manoa” is a Hawaiian term translating to “thick, solid or vast” perhaps a reference to the valley itself. The valley receives a high amount of rain, keeping it lush and green so don’t be surprised if you see a rainbow.

The Manoa area is home to the University of Hawaii’s main campus and some of Hawaii’s most historic homes.  One such building has been converted into a charming brunch spot called the Waioli Tea Room. Manoa Marketplace is the central shopping area and features a farmer’s market several days a week. It is a great opportunity to mix with residents and support the local flower and produce farmers.

Close by is Manoa Falls, an easy 3 mile round trip hike. The waterfall features a vertical drop of about 150 feet into a small pool. Please note that the water is not safe for drinking. The trail is well worn and travels through an amazing bamboo forest and features some unusual native plants. Another area to stretch your legs is Lyon Arboretum.  This 200-acre botanical garden features beautiful trails and views of Manoa Valley. The Arboretum is open to the public on weekdays from 9 - 4 PM and admission is free. I encourage you to make the trip to Manoa Valley and see for yourself why it is one of Oahu’s most charming communities. (Posted by CM – images Wikipedia)

Add comment March 10th, 2008

Mai Tai Magic?

I started out on a quest for the history behind the Hawaii’s magical Mai Tai. This popular rum and fruit juice concoction has two very interesting men claiming ownership of its creative recipe. 

The well-known Mai Tai cocktail was purportedly invented at Trader Vic’s Polynesian themed restaurant in Oakland, CA in 1944. Trader Vic’s amicable rival, Donn Beach claimed to have created the Mai Tai first in 1933 at his own bar in Hollywood called Don’s Beachcomber.

It is unclear who really created the drink. Legend has it that Trader Vic created it one afternoon and tested it on some friends who were visiting from Tahiti. One of them tasted it and cried out "’Mai tai roa ae!" Translating to "very good, out of this world, the best”, morphing to become what we call the Mai Tai. 

After World War II ended, Donn Beach settled in Waikiki where he opened his second Polynesian Village establishment, entertaining his celebrity friends. Beach also went on to later develop the International Marketplace in Waikiki. In 1953, Trader Vic made his way to Hawaii claiming to have introduced the Mai Tai to Waikiki at the Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider Hotels. 

While we may never really know who was the true creator of this famous concoction with the Tahitian name, all can agree that is one tasty cocktail that will be forever synonymous with Hawaii. (Posted by CM)

Add comment March 10th, 2008

First Lady of Waikiki Celebrates 107th Year

We all know a true lady never reveals her age, but in this case we have to make an exception. The Moana Surfrider Hotel will be celebrating its 107^th year in operation on March 11^th when it officially opened its doors many years ago.

The Moana Hotel, also known as the “First Lady of Waikiki”, was built in the late 19th century. Construction of the Moana marked the beginning of tourism in Waikiki, becoming the first big hotel amidst the bungalows and beach houses. Opening her doors to guests in 1901, the Moana is still regarded as the flagship of Hawaii tourism, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The original owner Mr. Peacock was a true innovator, installing Hawaii’s first electric-powered elevator at the Moana, which is still in use today. And as hard as this is to believe, the first guests paid only $1.50 per night for their rooms.

In the center of the Moana courtyard stands a majestic Banyan tree that was planted in 1904. At that time the tree was only seven feet tall. It now stands 75 feet high and spans 150 across the courtyard. If only that tree could talk – all these years and so many tales tell. (Posted by CM)

Add comment March 7th, 2008