Tattooing – A Gift to the World from Hawai’i and Polynesia

When I tell someone that the art and practice of Tattooing first originated in Polynesia and Hawai’i, people do not believe me.  However, it is true. The art form of Tattooing was utterly unknown in the western world before Captain Cook’s first voyages through Polynesia and Hawai’i.  Even the word, Tattoo, is one of a… Read more »

The Excitement of Traditional Games During the Hawaiian New Year

Centuries before the European sea-faring explorers discovered Hawai’i, the people living on these islands had already developed a great New Year’s tradition.  This tradition is called Makahiki. The Makahiki preparations, ceremonies, and celebrations were extensive. This particular time of the year lasted from October through January. Four months were needed for all the activities that… Read more »

See Majestic Humpback Whales When You are on Maui

Their Hawaiian name is Koholā* The humpback’s high status in Hawaiian culture has been made clear in the Kumulipo*.  This creation chant announces the birth of the whale near the beginning, in the second section. That is a very high ranking in a 2,102 line chant.  Hanau ka palaoa noho i kai  — born is… Read more »

Don’t Miss Out! Hiking in the Crater

      Haleakalā – The House of the Sun The mountain, the dormant volcano, and the crater have captivated human beings since they first gazed upon her beauty! Mark Twain called sunrise from the summit “the sublimest spectacle I ever witnessed.” Jack London wrote, “Haleakalā has a message of beauty and wonder for the soul that… Read more »

History of the Shaka and Meet Shaka Santa & Tutu Mele

Santa loves kids in Hawai’i just as much as he loves kids all over the world. We told you how he especially loves to come to the beach and shower small gifts or treats upon the children here in the islands in our blog titled: 7 Reasons You Should be on Maui for the Holidays…. Read more »

5 Hawaiian Customs That Will Enhance Your Appreciation of Hawai’i

  One of the things the residents of Hawai’i love most about our Island Home is the rich, multicultural traditions and customs. We share these customs with our friends, neighbors, and communities. Whether it’s the 4th generation Japanese, making hand-made mochi for the New Year, or the Dragon Dance for the Chinese New Year,  there are… Read more »

We are Grateful – 37 Years of Reflection

This year has been and will be a year for the history books. We all feel the multiple challenges and amazement of nine months of a worldwide pandemic. So many people have stepped up to help their fellow humans.  Now that Hawai’i has opened again to visitors, we at Temptation Tours find ourselves grateful as… Read more »

HANA! You’ll Never Want To Leave Part 1

Thank God For Hana! is a bumper sticker often seen on locals’ cars on Maui. For many, it’s their favorite place on the island. Once you go there and really experience it, you will understand why. It is one place where Old Hawai’i shines through.  Hana is one of the most isolated communities in the… Read more »