The magnitude of the great, double-hulled ocean-going vessel, Hōkūleʻa, launching on her maiden voyage on March 8, 1975, cannot be overstated. It was a monumental event for all people of Hawaiian ancestry worldwide. This single event gave a burst of energy back into the Hawaiian culture and a tremendous upsurge in pride. Hōkūleʻa was launched… Read more »
Kūlia i ka nu‘u – Strive for the Highest
We have an End of the Year tradition at Temptation Tours where we take some time to reflect upon the year about to end. We look back on the year’s high points, the new friends we have made, and the great adventures we have hosted. And, we want to look at any areas where we have… Read more »
Birds of Hawai’i and Their Exclusive Story
Hawai’i has many unusual and rare birds, which recently made the American Birding Association’s official Life List. The Life List is a checklist of birds you really want to see in your lifetime. Since Hawai’i is the most remote landmass on the globe, the state has a large number of endemic or indigenous birds. Many… Read more »
For You a Lei – This is the Language of Aloha in Hawai’i
Receiving a Lei of fragrant flowers as you step off the plane into the soft, tropical breeze of Hawai’i is a moment to be remembered and treasured always. The sweetly scented flowers around your neck – full of Aloha – is your welcome into paradise. Hawai’i is not the only place where flowers are sewn… Read more »
3 More Popular Ocean Activities – PLUS Some History – Part 2
Most visitors that come to Maui or any of the islands come primarily to chill out on the beach, play in the waves or do some serious thrill-seeking like surfing. Two weeks ago, the ocean activities we talked about were stand-up paddling, outrigger canoeing, and whale watching. These three popular and fun ocean activities are… Read more »
3 of Hawaii’s Most Popular Ocean Activities PLUS Some History
Most ocean activities in Hawai’i are steeped in history and tradition. Because of this, our Ocean Activities Blog will be in 2 parts. We enjoy sharing the comprehensive and detailed history that brings us meaning. This connects us to our ancestors in our island home. It is always a richer experience to recognize that the… Read more »
Our Dream to Live on Maui – Here are 5 Reasons Why
The mysterious pull to live on Maui or on any of the Hawaiian Islands is strong. Many people move here, sight unseen, having never set foot in Hawai’i. Sometimes, people feel the pull from a postcard they receive. There is something about the color of the sky or impossibly blue ocean and they know!… Read more »
Permission to Gather – 5 Sacred Plants of the Hula
Sacred Plants Have Been Around Since Man’s Earliest Awareness of Spirit Many plants and flowers have deep cultural significance; the red rose for love, the yellow rose for jealousy, or the white rose for purity. Although there are deep emotions and cultural significance in these sentiments, these are not the “sacred” plants we will explore… Read more »
The Sound of the Past, Bringing in the Future
For countless generations, the sound of the pū* would broadcast the arrival of Ali’i*, the beginning of protocols, the coming of canoes, and the setting or rising of the sun. It was even used to call Ke Akua*! In more modern times, it calls a gathering to attention at the beginning of an event, blesses… Read more »
Canoe Plants of Hawai’i – 3 Magical Canoe Plants – A Healthy Mind, Body and Spirit
Since the beginning of humankind, plants have been used to nourish and heal. Additionally, many plants are used for ceremonies of gratitude and prayer that honor gods, people, and places. Plants affect us all deeply. It can be the majesty of a 2,000-year-old tree or vast meadows of waving grasses. They move us and stir… Read more »