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Posts by Aloha_Admin
Mele Kalikimaka – Christmas in Hawaii with Shaka Santa
Christmas in Hawaii is always a great idea! Just ask Shaka Santa (or the many residents who celebrate the Holiday season in the islands)! “Mele Kalikimaka,” I say with a smile to my neighbors, friends, and family. It means “Merry Christmas” and is a common phrase used in Hawaii during the holiday season. I look forward…
Read MoreHawaii’s Rubber Slippers
You may know them as “flip-flops” or as my Australian mates call them “thongs,” but here in Hawaii we wear “rubber slippers.” Living on an island, slippers are an essential part of an un-official Hawaii uniform. Flip-flops were inspired by traditional woven Japanese sandals. Post war, versions were briefly popularized by servicemen returning from Japan.…
Read MorePrimo Beer Back in the 808 State
Back in the 1960’s the local brew to drink in Hawaii was Primo Beer. About ten years ago, the beer was discontinued when parent company Stroh Brewing decided to stop production. So Primo lovers were more than ecstatic to learn that their beloved beer was back and available this week on Oahu. Once the island’s…
Read MoreA Brief History of Merrie Monarch Hawaii
Merrie Monarch Hawaii is basically the Olympics of hula. This week-long prestigious hula competition occurs each year in Hilo, putting the Big Island town on the map and bringing in a crowd of competitors and spectators. If you ever get a chance, you should definitely attend the Merrie Monarch Festival! A Merrie Event for 60…
Read MoreDuke 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…
Read MoreHawaii 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…
Read MoreMai Tai Magic?
I started out on a quest for the history behind 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 cocktail was purportedly invented at Trader Vic’s Polynesian-themed restaurant in Oakland, CA in 1944. Trader Vic’s amicable rival, Donn Beach claimed…
Read MoreExploring Manoa Valley
Exploring Manoa Valley is a must-do when visiting 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…
Read MoreThe Hawaiian Lei — A Custom of Aloha
One of the great things about visiting Hawaii is that someone will give you a flower lei. They smell nice and are beautiful, but do you know where the tradition comes from? What is the significance of receiving a Hawaiian Lei? Navigating to a new world In the age-old days, when the vastness of the…
Read MoreKualoa Ranch: Discovering Moli’i Fishpond
Kualoa Ranch is located on the northeastern side of Oahu in the countryside, less than an hour from Honolulu. The ranch terrain varies from rainforests and valleys to awesome cliff faces. It is truly a paradise for outdoor recreation, with many places accessible only by horseback or by foot. It is a beautiful spot not…
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