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 »
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 »
Long before Western explorers and Protestant Missionaries arrived, Hawai’i people had a time of year called Makahiki*. This time was a season of rest and rejuvenation. The days were shorter and a bit cooler – there was more rain to nourish the earth, and life slowed down. A natural end of the yearly cycle, the… Read more »
Winter is just a few weeks away. Most of you have already had to put on winter jackets or insulated raincoats for some chilly autumn days. Or, you are probably not leaving the house without something to keep you warm, just in case! Meanwhile, in Hawai’i, we are breaking out our hoodies (that is our… Read more »
Sacred Places are found throughout the world. The word sacred can denote some sort of religious or spiritual significance to the place or site. A good example is Ka Pu’uhonua o Olowalu, a place of refuge sanctified by the gods of Ancient Hawai’i. Like many in Hawai’i, this place is held sacred by the hierarchy of… Read more »
Whales Were Here Before People! Graceful and awe-inspiring, the magnificent North Pacific Humpback Whales return to the tranquil waters of Hawai’i every year as they have done since 100/400 AD. A time before the first Hawaiians arrived. The ancient Polynesians revered and held the whales as sacred beings. Perhaps they may have been guided on… Read more »
Ancient Hawaiians loved scary stories. They did not have the Christian idea of All Hallow’s Eve, sometimes known as Halloween. But, they did have equally intimidating characters which they told stories about. The scary stories would often be told at night, sitting around the open fire, in much the same way it is still… Read more »
History says that quilting in Hawai’i began in the early 1800s when the first 7 missionaries arrived. Stunning quilts have been made in the unique Hawaiian Style for over 200 years. The quilts that have been made from those early days until now are unlike any quilts you will find anywhere. Quilts tend to bring… Read more »
Many a fiancé has dreamed of a beach wedding in Hawai’i. Adding the sounds of the beach, of the gentle surf as it whispers across the sand, makes the heart sing. So many brides and grooms have had that beach wedding dream come true! Looking at the numbers, there are approximately 22,000 weddings annually… Read more »
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 »
