Did you know that Hawai’i has 2 breeds of indigenous butterflies? Over 1000 butterfly species that call Hawai’i home have been recorded through the years. Of all these butterflies, there are two native species and about fifteen alien species which dominate the island chain. An authentic native butterfly, The Kamehameha Butterfly, is the official Hawai’i… 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 »
Why Do the Road to Hana? Here are Important 3 Reasons Why
The Road to Hana has a special allure for people visiting Maui. Most visitors to Maui are tempted to try quite a few world-class activities during their Hawai’i vacation. There are surf lessons, zip-lining, Haleakalā Sunrise, boat trips, and more. Yet, we still consider the Road to Hana a must. Maui’s iconic Road To Hana… Read more »
Poke Is Hawaiian Comfort Food That Spreads Delight to the World
One day around lunchtime you suddenly have a craving for some Poke (poh-kay). In Hawai’i, you would say: “I am so ono for Poke!” Your friends would immediately understand and probably agree with you. Someone in the group would set off for the neighborhood market and pick up some fresh Poke, perhaps a few Poke… Read more »
64 Years – Join in the Paniolo Fun!
Everyone loves a parade! We have heard that saying for ages. When it comes to parades, people on Maui are no different. Especially the residents of Makawao town, where local people have gathered for the last 64 years to participate in a four-day event, the colorful July 4th Paniolo* Parade and Rodeo! The town spends… Read more »
Start Your Day With a Home Grown Great Cup of Coffee on Maui
Someone found out that I had once lived on an old coffee plantation on the Big Island. So, they asked me, “How did coffee end up being grown in Hawai’i?” As I pondered this question, I thought about when going to get a good cup of coffee at a cafe on Maui was a rare… Read more »
Bike Maui – See the Beauty, Feel the Tradewinds, AND Smell the Flowers
For the lucky few, cruising around Maui on a bicycle is a rare treat. On most days, it’s about as close as you can get to bicycling heaven! If you have access to a road bike with good tires, you can travel the same places all the other visitors do. Except, you are up close… Read more »
Living With Rainbows – Hawaiian Style
The early Hawaiians had no knowledge of modern-day science, physics, or prisms. So just imagine, for a moment, what came into their minds when they saw a Rainbow. Was this a God or Goddess standing before them? Were these radiant colors in the sky an entry into another island, a door into Heaven… Read more »
Top 5 Favorite Hawai’i Subscription Boxes for 2022
Subscription Box Companies began in 2004. One of the earliest examples of these companies was called The Sampler. It offered samples of products from independent web-based artists, crafters, zines, and specialty shops. The early subscription box business model worked like this: The company sends you a package every month or 3 (depending… Read more »
Celebrating Over 130 Years of Japanese Bon Dance in Hawai’i
Bon Odori, AKA Bon Dance, originally from Japan, has been a Hawaiian tradition for over 130 years. Bon Odori is a style of folk dance performed at festivals in Japan during the Obon season. Deeply important and influential in Japanese culture, Obon is as important as other cultures’ New Years celebrations. The Obon season in… Read more »