Hawaiian Music… When you hear those two words, you immediately hear the double strum of the ‘ukulele and the languid steel guitar, bending musical notes to perfection. It sounds like the swaying trunk of a coconut palm. And then, enter the impossibly sweet falsetto voices singing in 4-part harmony. You are transported! Those three together,… Read more »
Upon arrival to Hawai’i, it is easy to feel that our island chain is the most remote archipelago in the world. It takes a long time to fly here from anywhere. Along with this distinguishing fact of geographic isolation, many wonder, how was it possible for the miracle of life to first find its way… Read more »
Many people who visit Hawai’i, especially for the first time, comment on how laid-back the lifestyle is here. The pace most locals and residents move seems slower than what people expect or are used to. You may even see a bumper sticker warning visitors or even rambunctious residents to, “Slow DOWN! This ain’t the Mainland!” … Read more »
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 »
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 »
It’s Maui VACATION time! To make your upcoming trip to Hawai’i smooth and seamless, please read the following requirements the governor has set out. We even suggest you take notes, make a list, and take care of the details so the fun can start ASAP! There are always moving parts when coming to Hawai’i, so… Read more »
The people who live in Hawai’i tend to live an active lifestyle centered around being outside. As soon as their work is pau*, the outdoors calls. Things like surfing (body, board, wind, kite), SUP (stand-up paddling), paddling (canoe, kayak), snorkeling, swimming, running on the beach, or hiking to a waterfall with a freshwater pool. There… Read more »
Like so many traditions in Hawai’i, The Aloha Shirt is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and history. Seeing an Aloha Shirt will make most people feel the irresistible pull toward Hawai’i. Everyone has a dream to someday visit or return to these magical islands. The Aloha Shirt was initially called The Hawaiian Shirt. It was… Read more »
No Matter Our Culture or Heritage, All People are Drawn to the Mountaintop The mountains are calling and I must go – John Muir. I have been to the Mountaintop – Martin Luther King Jr. The wind howls but the mountain remains still – Japanese Proverb Since ancient times, Haleakalā* has been and remains a… Read more »
Proteas are not native to Maui. In fact, they have only been residents of Maui since 1977. Yet, they are renowned for being one of Maui’s most striking flowers! Generally, when people see them for the first time, they cannot believe they are real flowers. They comment, “they look prehistoric” or “they look like they… Read more »
