Posts filed under 'Hawaiiana'
Hawaiian lava sledding is as extreme a sport as it got for ancient Hawaiians. Racing headfirst downhill at speeds of 60 or 70 miles per hour sounds death-defying. But it's how ali‘i (royalty) enjoyed spending their free time, even if it meant getting a few injuries along the way.
He‘e holua, as it was called in Hawaiian, is a 2,000-year-old tradition involving a specialized sled and carefully constructed runway. Rocks and soil were piled up on the side of a hill and covered with ti leaves to make for a smoother surface. Because the track was so narrow, only one person could race at a time. The sled would usually extend out onto a plain or into the ocean at the bottom of the slide.
The sled itself took time to make. It consisted of solid wood and two narrow runners (as long as 18 feet). Matting, usually lauhala, was stretched along the cross bars. Today, you can see an 800-year-old sled on display at the Bishop Museum. Or, if you're lucky, you'll see the handful of modern-day riders practicing this ancient sport.
Tom "Pohaku" Stone has been among those daredevils trying to bring back Hawaiian tradition. The longtime waterman even builds and sells sleds today. In a Star-Bulletin article, he said he wanted to recreate a mile-long rock slide on the Hawai‘i Island, where he'd hope to host the first he‘e holua event in more than 100 years.
According to him, the only ancient tracks in rideable condition today are two on the Hawai‘i Island and one at Ka‘ena Point on O‘ahu. Not sure if it was my imagination, but I could still see marks in the grass where it looks like some recent sledding occurred. Pretty cool to know that an ancient tradition such as he‘e holua lives on in today's modern world.
Source: Hulihe‘e Palace and "Thrill ride" by Alexandre Da Silva, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
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.
May 17th, 2013
Having a good book is a must when lounging on the beach in Hawai‘i. It's like making sure to have sunscreen and a towel; you wouldn't leave the hotel room without them. That's why the Hawaii Book & Music Festival is a great place to replenish your bookshelf – or at least your travel reads while on vacation.
Every May, book lovers young and old gather on the grounds of Honolulu Hale. They look forward to trading old books for new or gently-used ones at the popular Book Swap. The booth donates the collected books to Hawaii Literacy, a local organization that strives to provide literacy and lifelong learning services to the community.
The Book Swap is mostly why I started going to the festival. It is truly a treasure chest of all kinds of books – from picture books to pocketbooks. Each year, readers dig up this chest at the festival. The swap is where I picked up one of my favorite books called The Worse-Case Scenario." It's a simple – yet humorous – little handbook to survival that always reminds me how things could be a lot worse in life.
The best thing about this annual fest is that it gets kids psyched on reading! There are tons of activities for them to take part in. There's reading time with well-known authors and a meet-and-greet with PBS Kids and other classic characters, like The Cat in the Hat, Curious George and The Lorax. It's like Disneyland but much more educational.
HAWAII BOOK & MUSIC FESTIVAL / Every May at the grounds of Honolulu Hale / www.hawaiibookandmusicfestival.com
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.
May 13th, 2013
Armed Forces Day honors those who serve or have served our country. In Hawai‘i, however, it’s been extended to include the entire month of May. That means extra time to show our appreciation and extra bonus discounts.
If you’re visiting the islands during Hawaii Military Appreciation Month, be sure to check out some of these special perks.
Polynesian Cultural Center / Entire month of May / 55-370 Kamehameha Hwy. / Special rates on general admission ($15) and the Ali‘i Lu‘au ($59), which includes all-day admission, dinner and show / www.polynesia.com
Waikele Premium Outlets / Entire month of May / 400 Farrington Hwy. / Present your military ID at the Information Center for additional discounts / www.premiumoutlets.com
Sea Life Park / Until May 15 / More than half off normal admission rates, $12 adults, $10 kids / 41-202 Kalani‘ana‘ole Hwy. / www.sealifeparkhawaii.com
Honolulu Zoo / May 19 / A day of free entry to the zoo; one cardholder per family. Free shuttles from each base / 151 Kapahulu Ave. / www.honoluluzoo.org
National Park / May 19 / Free national park annual pass from any federal recreation site / www.nps.gov
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.
May 11th, 2013
Over the past decade, farmers markets have taken the “Buy Local” mantra by storm. In Hawai‘i, there’s at least one market a day on each of the major islands. In fact, it seems there are more and more markets being added to the list every other month.
Here’s an updated list of farmers markets on O‘ahu, particularly ones nearest Waikīkī:
WAIKĪKĪ
- King’s Village Shopping Center, 131 Ka‘iulani Ave. / Mondays to Fridays, 4 to 9pm / www.kingsvillage.com
- Waikiki Community Center, 310 Paoakalani Ave. / Tuesdays and Fridays, 7 to 1130am / 808-932-1802
- International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave. / 808-225-4002 / www.bymela.vpweb.com
HONOLULU
- Mānoa Marketplace, 2752 Woodlawn Dr. / Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, 6 to 11am / 808-988-0520
- Shops at Dole Cannery / Mondays, 930am to 1230pm; Fridays, 10am to 5pm / 808-375-8764
- Blaisdell Center, 777 Ward Ave. / Wednesdays, 4 to 7pm / 808-848-2074
- Makiki Farmers Market, Corner of Wilder Ave. and Makiki St. / Thursdays, 430 to 730pm / 808-955-7745
- Ala Moana Center, parking deck near Sears / Saturdays, 8am to noon / www.alamoanafarmersmarket.com
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.
May 10th, 2013
Did you know that Waikīkī used to have a grove of more than 10,000 coconut trees?
Called Helumoa, the fertile piece of land was rich with agriculture, as well as history in the islands. Legend points to an O‘ahu ruler named Kakuhihewa, who planted the niu (coconut) after a scuffle with the mythical rooster, Ka‘auhelemoa. The rooster left his mark in the earth, which the ruler saw as a sign to plant in this very spot. Hence, the name Helumoa means "chicken scratch."
Today, tourists can take a step back in time when visiting the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikīkī. Located in the heart of the center is The Royal Grove. It was inspired by the historic Helumoa oasis and spans more than 30,000-square-feet across the center's grounds. While it may not have as many coconut trees as it did in the past, the grove does make sure to be ethno-botanically sensitive by including native foliage to its landscaping.
The Royal Grove is also the site for performances of Hawaiian story-telling, music and dance. We watched a (free) Hawaiian jazz show at this open-aired space, which was especially nice on that clear and starry night. There's also plenty of seating for curious passerbys to have a sat and enjoy the show.
One of the most significant features of the Helumoa of present day includes an elegant bronze statue of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. As the great-granddaughter of King Kamehameha I, Pauahi inherited Helumoa during the 1880s. She was a well-known Hawaiian philanthropist who established Kamehameha Schools in Honolulu.
If you want to learn more about Pauahi or about the royal grove itself, take a few minutes to visit the Kaulani Heritage Room nearby. It's a mini theater offering short films on Hawaiian history, Helumoa heritage and contemporary Hawaiian society.
Photo Courtesy: Royal Hawaiian Center
THE ROYAL GROVE / Royal Hawaiian Center, 2201 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815 (Map) / Opens Mon-Fri 10am-10pm / 808-922-7555 / www.royalhawaiiancenter.com
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 11th, 2013
Mahina means moon or moonlight in Hawaiian.
And apparently, it's a very common baby name as well. In searching the web, dozens of baby name sites for girls pop up. It's interesting to note that some people may also have "mahina" as their last name. There was a point in Hawai‘i's history when Hawaiians were forced by law to take their father's given name as their surnames. Before that, Hawaiians didn't have surnames, so they ended up making their middle name a surname.
While "mahina" can be commonly seen in names, it is also seen in the Hawaiian Lunar Month. Determined by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon, the lunar month is divided into three 10-day periods known as 'anahulu.
The first 10-day period, or ho‘onui, begins on the first crescent. The second 10-day period, called poepoe, describes the moon when it becomes full and round. The last 9-10 days of the cycle is called emi, which means decreasing or waning. Hence, it's when the moon is in its last quarter.
So far in the past year or so, Hawai‘i's had quite the celestial show. We've seen a blue moon, red moon and even a super moon. Still waiting on our total lunar eclipse in 2014, though. That'll definitely be a sight worth seeing.
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Source: "Hawaiian Voyaging Tradition," Kapi‘olani Community College
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 27th, 2013
The Royal Hawaiian Band is truly a band with royal beginnings. Since 1836 – and during the Hawaiian monarch period, the band has been sharing the sounds of the islands with audiences all over the world.
The band was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame in 1999, under the direction of bandmaster Aaron Mahi (front, center).
Today, it continues this musical trend as the oldest and only full-time municipal band in the nation. You may see them performing and marching in more than 300 concerts and parades throughout the year. Many look forward to the weekly public appearances: Fridays on the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace and Sundays at the Kapi‘olani Park Royal Bandstand.
Perhaps the most influential bandmaster to shape the band was Heinrich (Henry) Berger. His "hymn of Kamehameha I" eventually became the Hawaiian national – and now state – anthem, Hawai‘i Pono‘ī. It was for this that he became known as the "Father of Hawaiian Music."
Bandmaster Henry Berger (1871 to 1915).
I remember my first time hearing them when I was getting lunch in Downtown. Their music was literally music to my ears because it pleasantly drowned out the hustle-and-bustle of this busy business district. I decided to get my lunch to-go and followed the Hawaiian hymns all the way to the palace grounds (which is adjacent to Downtown Honolulu).
It was there that I finally discovered the true meaning of "Aloha Friday," which ironically comes directly from the Downtown district next door. Businessmen of the 70s did away with the suit-and-tie combo and instead, chose aloha wear as work attire. The Hawaiian music at the palace grounds made me feel like I was taking a step back in time – beyond the 70s fashionista era – and instead, to an era when Hawaiian monarchs themselves graced the palace grounds.
The band got a royal visit of its own when King David Kalākaua's grandniece, Abigail Kawānanakoa, attended one of the Friday palace performances.
Photo Courtesy: Royal Hawaiian Band
ROYAL HAWAIIAN BAND / www.rhb-music.com / Free shows: Fridays at ‘Iolani Palace and Sundays at the Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand
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.
March 16th, 2013
Although it's been almost two centuries since his reign over the Hawaiian Kingdom, Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli) still gets a huge birthday bash every year. The two-day event happens on the Big Island, the island on which he was born, and features live Hawaiian music by local entertainers.
As Hawai‘i's longest reigning monarch, Kamehameha III did quite a bit in steering Hawai‘i's history. He declared the right of religious freedom and established Hawai‘i's first constitution in 1840. He also established judicial and executive branches of government and a system of land ownership under the Mahele of 1848.
Most notable, however, Kamehameha III came to the throne when he was only nine years old. He shared the earlier part of his reign with Queen Ka‘ahumanu and then his half-sister Kīna‘u. And after a period of rebellion, he finally settled into his role as king. He lead the kingdom through a time when Hawai‘i was at its most vulnerable. The native population was down, the island's economy faced capitalism and the threat of annexation loomed over the kingdom.
In 1843, he coined Hawai‘i's state motto: "Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘āina i ka pono" which means "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." Today, we see this phrase on the state seal, which is hanging outside of the Capitol. We also celebrate his life with this annual birthday concert in March. Check it out if you're on the Big Island during that time; it's a great way of getting "to know" one of Hawai‘i's kings.
Source: HawaiiHistory.org
Photo Credit: Fern Gavelek
KAMEHAMEHA III BIRTHDAY CONCERT / Every mid-March on the Big Island / For more info, 808-222-0795
Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87
Related Posts
Queen Kapi‘olani's Legacy Lives On
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 25th, 2013
Hawaiian Queen Esther Kapi‘olani has a hospital named in her honor, a park and even a hotel, but who exactly was this woman and how did she fit into the rich history of Hawai‘i?
Those who knew Kapi‘olani described her as kind-hearted and compassionate, and as one of the last reigning queens of Hawai‘i, she was a woman full of humility. Kapi‘olani made it her mission to improve the health and wellness of her people, traveling throughout the kingdom to get a better idea of their needs and wants.
A statue of the queen at Kapi‘olani Park in Waikīkī.
Among those needs, she saw a need to ensure that Hawaiian mothers and children received proper medical care. Therefore, in 1890, she established the Kapi‘olani Maternity Hospital to improve childbirth for mothers and babies. The hospital, now called Kapi‘olani Medical Center, continues its care in Honolulu today.
Everyone loved the queen. Always the gracious hostess, she welcomed visiting dignitaries with grand receptions – making them feel right at home in the islands. But no one loved her as much as her king, David Kalākaua. She served as queen to her husband for almost two decades, until he passed away from failing health at the age of 54.
The regal couple had such a strong bond that the king gifted her a park in Waikīkī, which is known today as Kapi‘olani Park. Although that was more than a century ago, the park is still very much alive, as the home of the Wakīkī Shell and Honolulu Zoo. A bronze statue of the queen welcomes park-goers to enjoy the views of Diamond Head, the melodies of the nearby ocean and the colors of the setting sun.
Another place to see the queen today is at the Queen Kapi‘olani Hotel in Waikīkī. There's a portrait of her wearing that famous blue peacock dress she wore to Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1887. Whether in a park or in a portrait, the legacy of the queen lives on in the islands and so does her motto in life, "Kūlia i ka nu‘u," which means "strive to reach the highest."
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 21st, 2013
"Ohana by Hawaiian" could easily pass for the name of a designer line of clothing; except, this line is of custom-designed planes instead. Hawaiian Airlines decided on this name for its new turboprop fleet, set to fly to Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i this summer.
Passengers will be flying the friendly skies in style, too! Well-known Hilo artist Sig Zane and his son Kuha‘o came up with the traditional kapa print design, which is painted on the exterior of both turboprop aircrafts. The design fits the name of the plane well, too, because it weaves together the concept of ‘ohana (family) through symbols representing transportation and heritage. The carrier is proud to be the first company connecting all islands through flight.
However, the 48-seater aircrafts won't be the only decorative planes up there. Island Air just upgraded its fleet, as well, which includes a fresher-looking paint scheme and logo for their turboprop planes. This competition – made friendly through art and creativity – is definitely a welcomed one in such a heated market.
Sig Zane couldn't have been a more perfect artist for Hawaiian's new airplanes. He's famous for perpetuating the Hawaiian culture through his artwork and carefully hand cuts each plant and symbol that's printed on his clothing. Because of how easy it is nowadays to copy a design from the internet, it's even more admirable that Sig Zane comes up with his own unique designs – while still paying close attention to detail.
Hawaiian Airlines will be joining Island Air and Mokulele Airlines in their service to Lāna‘i. These smaller turboprop planes are necessary for less-populated islands because the airports are just as small. This begs the question of whether such new flights will result in Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i becoming the "new and ideal" vacation destinations for tourists, much like Waikīkī and Lāhaina are today. We'll just have to wait and see.
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 11th, 2013
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