Posts filed under 'Animals of Hawaii'
The Honolulu Zoo decided on names for their newborn lion cubs: Kekoa, Alohi and Iolana. They're beautiful names for such beautiful creatures obviously never seen in Hawaiian forests. At the zoo, however, they're quite the hit.
Kekoa means "brave and courageous;" Alohi means "to shine or sparkle;" and Iolana means "to soar. Zoo officials opened a naming contest to children, who submitted their suggestions as well as a haiku poem. The community had a chance to name another breed of newborns, the pumbaas of the zoo.
I love the idea of a naming contest that gets the community involved in all the good stuff happening at this Honolulu facility. Visitors can also participate; otherwise, they're sure to learn a Hawaiian word or two from such contests. It may take some practice in pronouncing them, though. But with practice comes perfection, and soon, visitors will be able to add a few Hawaiian words to their collection.
The zoo itself has been improving continuously over the years. We've seen several major animal births and newly-renovated exhibits pop up recently. There's always some kind of event happening, too. I can't think of a better way for animal lovers to spend their time in the islands. Be sure to visit the Honolulu Zoo in Waikīkī and meet the newest keiki (children) of the family.
Photo Courtesy: Honolulu Zoo Facebook
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
April 10th, 2013
The gentle gallop of horse hooves signal the start of another polo season for O‘ahu's North Shore. Since 1963, it's become quite the scene for the tiny nook of Mokule‘ia. Families and fans of the classy sport make their way to this countryside field every Sunday in the spring and summer months.
The equestrians themselves have traveled quite a ways, too. Teams from all over the world trek to this humbled part of the Pacific. They come from places like, New Zealand, China, India and Argentina – to name a few. There are also matches against teams from closer to home. A Maui versus O‘ahu game has always been a hit with island polo fiends.
Perhaps it's the camaraderie among the polo community that makes this time of year so special for Mokule‘ia. Matches start around April and continue through July. It's always fun to make a day of it out there. Because gates to the premises open a couple hours before the match starts, crowds often trickle in early to get a spot on the lawn that's overlooking the beach. They picnic, play or just enjoy each other's company on yet another relaxing Sunday in the islands.
Polo has been a part of Hawai‘i's culture since the late 19th century, during the time of the Hawaiian cowboy – or paniolo. Since then, polo has galloped throughout the island chain from the mountain vistas of Makawao on Maui to the beachfront property of Kaua‘i's Anini Beach. O‘ahu has been graced with two open spaces of emerald-colored fields – one in Mokule‘ia and the other in Waimānalo.
Tailgating, Hawaiian polo style.
The Hawaii Polo Club credits an Australian cowboy visiting from India for introducing this dramatic horse sport to the islands. A beautiful blend of East meets West meets Polynesia – which perfectly defines the best of Hawai‘i's polo.
Photo Courtesy: Hawaii Polo Club
O‘AHU POLO MATCHES / 68-411 Farrington Hwy., Waialua, HI 96791 (Map) / Sundays in the spring to summer months / Gates open at 11am, matches start at 2pm / $10 adults and $8 military (open seating on field), $25 for clubhouse seating, free for children 12 and under / 808-226-0061
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
April 4th, 2013
Have you ever considered fostering a pet while on vacation in Hawai‘i?
It's become a growing trend for travelers, who make the local animal shelters their first stop after leaving the airport. I have a couple of friends who do it almost every time their in Hawai‘i. They say it's a win-win because both get the gift of companionship.
Even if just for a day, visitors can take a dog for a hike or a nice beach walk. Those staying at pet-friendly hotels might even choose to keep them for the weekend. It's a program very-much welcomed by Hawai‘i's overcrowded animal shelters. Workers could sure use the extra hand when it comes to giving these animals the love and attention they deserve.
If you're not quite comfortable with fostering pets but love animals, then please consider volunteering at a shelter. They're always looking for a helping hand – whether through foster programs or "voluntourism" ones. It may be as simple as hanging out with a sick or injured animal or even giving them a bath!
I absolutely love this idea of fostering pets while on vacation. It's a selfless act that will go a long way for these little fur balls. For me, there's nothing sadder than seeing animals at the shelter pace back and forth in their empty kennels, as they eagerly await adoption. Foster programs give them a chance to get out and be a dog/cat again!
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
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Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
March 5th, 2013
It's always big news in America when a woman older than 60 gives birth. It's even bigger news when that woman's the oldest wild bird in the world! Widsom, as she's been named, hatched a chick in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands at 62 years old – stunning scientists and bird lovers alike.
But the Laysan albatross is no stranger to motherhood. She's like the Octomom (times four) of the bird world, raising at least 30 to 35 chicks during her lifetime. To hatch a chick this late in life, however, is beyond impressive to scientists. It provides them valuable information on how to further protect these near-extinct creatures.
Wisdom's quite the traveler, too. She's logged about 50,000 miles a year as an adult. That's more than 3 million miles of airtime, which will make me think twice when I see a bird in flight from now on. Wisdom just seems to keep going and going and impressing scientists who've been studying her since day one at the conservation area.
Whether realizing it or not, we have a huge impact on how long these birds will be around. Picking up trash and respecting their space will help make all the difference. You'll likely see such birds nesting on Flat Island or the Mokulua Islands, both located in Kailua and both bird sanctuaries. So please enjoy their beauty from afar and help save these near-extinct creatures of the islands.
Photo Courtesy: USFWS Pacific
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
February 16th, 2013
