A Trip to the Hawaiian Islands

I recently visited the big island of HAWAII and wanted to share some of my experiences with you.

There are six main Hawaiian islands – Oahu, Kauai, Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii, Molokai and Lanai.

What Does Aloha Signify?

 The Aloha Tower

 

Aloha is the most Hawaiian word. In the Hawaiian language, it can mean hello or goodbye. It also means love and affection. The word aloha is used in a combination with other words, such as aloha kakahiaka, which means good morning; aloha auinala used as a greeting that means good afternoon; and aloha ahiahi is how you can wish good evening in Hawaiian. Because of aloha’s unique meaning and popularity, Hawaii is called the Aloha State.
Aloha is a Hawaiian symbol. Its meaning goes beyond any definition you can find about it in the dictionaries. In Hawaii, you hear aloha all the time and you are treated with aloha everywhere.

What sets these islands apart from the rest of the world?

 

  Native Hawaiian Culture. This stunning culture is filled with fascinating customs, music, legends, traditions and values.

The Flower Lei

Today, probably the most enjoyable and unforgettable Hawaiian custom is the flower lei. Custom dictates that a lei should be offered graciously with a kiss and removed only in private. It's considered rude to remove a lei once it's accepted in view of anyone, but especially in view of the person(s) who gave it to you. Lei designs are limited only to the imagination and range from the simple common one-strand orchid or tuberose presented as a special treat to those who arrive by plane or ship to the more elaborate or rare depending on how important the occasion.

What exactly is a Luau?

 For Hawaii's people, it is a way to celebrate a variety of occasions, such as a birthday, successful harvest, graduation and many other occasions. A luau is a feast of life. It can be held at a family's home or a park in form of a huge family gathering, with lots of traditional luau foods and games.

Luaus are usually called "Hawaiian barbecues." They are, generally speaking, large parties in which the main meal is a Kahlua pig. Kahlua pigs are entire pigs that are steamed in underground ovens called "imus." The Kahlua pig is served alongside various appetizers called "pupus." The appetizers include haupia (pineapple and coconut pudding) and laulaus (pork cooked inside of leaves).

 

Hula Dancing

 

 This  Hawaiian traditional dance is supposed to tell a story in a flowing, dancing manner. The music consists of repetitive chanting, which are known as "mele." These chants are either done alone or accompanied by music. The hula has ancient origins in which it began as a style of worshiping. The instruments were made out of coconuts, gourds or logs covered in shark-skin membrane. The ukulele was also a major instrument used in hula dancing.

Hawaii’s nature is rich and  vivid. You will find your self looking at the most spectacular waterfalls cascading down from tall cliffs, lush tropical rain forests and valleys, active volcanoes and flowing lava.

 

Oahu is home to two monumental mountain ranges, the Koolau Mountains, which reach along the northeastern side, and the Waianae Mountains which lay to the west.

Oahu Hawaii

 

A land area of 607.7 square miles and 112 miles of coastline. Situated just below the Tropic of Cancer, Oahu is 2,390 miles west of San Francisco, California and one of the most remote spots on the globe. Oahu is the 3rd largest island in the chain of 8 major Hawaiian Islands, but it is home to 75% of the state’s total population.

 

 

 

 Hawaii has beautiful blue lagoons, waterfalls, lush rainforest's, sea cliffs and serene mountains to active volcanoes and even snow. you'll find beaches with white, black, red or green sand and everything from powdery soft sand to pebble and lava rock beaches. There is also a feeling of serenity and peace a person receives when standing on the sandy beach and are so closely connected to nature and its historical questions.

  

 

 

 Who is your top chef?

 

Andrew Sutton - Nappa Rose

Fritz Hasselback - Weingut Gunder

Heather Pats Sonoma Ca

Justin Bladwin

Raphael Lunetta - Santa Monica Ca

Roberto Vernes O'ahu Hawaii

Scott Higa

Semus Mullen Tertulia - New York

Takaaki Yamachi

Tsu Yoshi Kakao- Takerhara Japan

 

 



Oahu Hawaii Food and Wine Festival

 

 

Save the Date! The Hawai`i Food & Wine Festival is pleased to announce the dates for its third year to be held 
September 5 – 8, 2013. 

 

 

 Some Local Favorites

 



Roy's Capres Salad Ko Olina Beach Hawaii



Organic Roasted Vegetable Salad
 



Roy's Ko Olina Moriawase Sashimi

 



Roy's Ko Olina High Plaines Drifter Roll

  Roy’s Restaurant
Family Style Restaurant 

    92-1220 Aliinua Dr Ste 1

      Kapolei, Hawaii 967070-4296

 

 

The most beautiful things in life are simple and glorious just as they are.

The creation of beauty is like a painters pallet in one's own mind. 

Remember to explore the truth and life  in a childlike way. The time is now and the choice is ours. Aloha!

Linzi lives and works in Springfield, MO.
She loves shopping at Harter House
and Harer House World Flavors.