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Posts by AlohaBruce
Embracing the Asian Influence in Hawaii
You’ve come this far, let me take you a little farther west to Japan a la department stores with a direct link to the Far East: today Don Quijote. When I came to Hawaii, I found myself embracing the multiculturalism – especially the food. It was this desire to get some real local produce that…
Read MoreBird of Paradise in Hawaii – A Scientific Star
You’ll likely see the beautiful Bird of Paradise in Hawaii. This vibrant, unique flower appears in gardens, farmer’s markets, and artwork. We’ve got some interesting info to help you appreciate this intriguing plant even more! Bird of Paradise in Hawaii and in Science The strikingly beautiful Bird of Paradise flower is famous beyond Hawaii. In…
Read MorePali Overlook on Oahu is Wonderful and Windy
The Pali Overlook provides a scenic — and windy! — view of the windward side of the island of Oahu. It consistently ranks as one of the top attractions for visitors. Even with recent parking fees, it’s a bargain. The word “pali” means “cliff” in Hawaii. So Kauaii’s stunning coastline is called “Na Pali” because…
Read MoreTraditional Japanese Tea Ceremony in Hawaii
A tea ceremony with roots in sixteenth century Japan lives on in Hawaii. Visitors may experience the elegance of Chao, the Way of Tea, in public demonstrations. Small group sessions are held twice a week in a tea room and garden tucked in between towering Hawaii hotels in Waikiki. The foundations for Chado were laid…
Read MoreKapaa Offers Hiking, Biking, Swimming and Shopping on Kauai
Explore the ancient Royal Coconut Coast in Kauai with a stop at Kapaa Town. Kapaa (pronounced ka pah ah) is on the east side of the island of Kauai. In 1777 (Captain Cook’s time) the town was not populated, according to the book Rainbows Over Kapaa by Bill Fernandez. There is no mention of Kapaa,…
Read MoreLittle Marks Make a Big Difference in Hawaiian Words
Small changes convert “all done” into the Hawaiian word for a skirt worn by female horseback riders. Depending upon where diacritical marks are placed, “pau” can mean completed, smudge, moist or skirt. The okina looks like a single open quote mark. It sounds like a pause, like when you say “uh-oh.” It is not an…
Read MoreLocal Picks for Best of Kauai
Kauai’s most popular places to dine, shop or see, as chosen by island residents. Every year the local paper puts out the People’s Choice Awards. Residents have several months to cast their votes and the paper compiles the 100 best places on Kauai. This is by residents for residents but I thought I’d share some…
Read MoreHow to See The Best Hawaii Mountains
When you think of Hawaii, you probably first imagine its tranquil beaches and glistening sunsets. But once you’re here, you’ll be awestruck by another sight: the towering Hawaii Mountains. And most of them are begging to be explored, either from their valley or their peaks (or maybe both). Many states have mountains, but none are…
Read MoreThe best time to visit Hawaii
When is the best time to visit Hawaii? It depends on three things. (1) the best weather in Hawaii The first time I visited Hawaii was for a conference, so I had no control over the timing (and was not paying the bill). When I wanted to return, I wondered about the best time to…
Read MoreAncient figure inspires women in Hawaii
Representations of the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin, appear throughout Oahu. This figure has now grown beyond her plantation roots to inspire woman seeking the pine feminine — a counterpoint to male-dominated religion. Kuan Yin (also Kwan Yin) came to Hawaii with plantation workers. She was known as a bodhisattva, one who seeks enlightenment…
Read MoreSausage Tree in Hawaii
It may be difficult for the casual observer to identify trees by their appearance (it’s easier if they grow fruit.) But in the case of the Sausage Tree in Hawaii, it’s hard to be mistaken. Once you notice this unique tree, you’ll be spotting it again and again. Want to learn all about it? Read…
Read MoreHawaii’s Natural Umbrellas
Hawaii’s exotic plants provide a natural umbrella as they collect the morning mist. On my walk across campus today, I could see light rain falling in the sunlight of a clearing ahead, however I was dry – protected by leaves from trees and very large plants. One of the most interesting “trees” in Hawaii is…
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