I Heart Hawaii!
I HEART HAWAII
Aloha! You've heard it, you love it, and know that on the surface it means "hello, welcome, I love you, goodbye." But as I learned at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu, that word has some very interesting etymology. Let's dig a little deeper, shall we?
Breaking it down...
Alo ~ Ha!
Alo: Share + Ha: breath of Life
"Share the breath of Life!"
Now it really comes alive with energy, mana, good vibes and all that... yeah?
My first time in Hawaii was January 2016. Almost 3 years ago. I've been entranced and captivated by the Aloha of the islands, describing it as a feeling of being 'seen and welcomed with a mother's gentle hug.' Now I can say I've been 5 times. Once in Kauai, once in Maui, and 3 times in Oahu, my favorite.
I always thought Hawaii was just another tropical destination, but after visiting some Caribbean islands, I'd have to say what makes Hawaii stand out is the "Aloha Spirit." It's not just about a smile and hospitality, or getting a perfumed lei placed about your neck... it is a palpable, almost otherworldly energy and laid back, positive lifestyle.
(Did you see who that above quote is from?)
The energy is often called "mana." Some say it's of a spiritual nature (with mentions of mythical Lemuria) and others say it's from being on a tiny piece of land surrounded by miles and miles of Pacific ocean energy. The lifestyle comes naturally from the vitality that this energy instills. And let's face it, how can you be unhappy living in such perfect weather conditions each and every day and night?
The air is a perfect combination of warm breezes and just the right amount of humidity. Doves sing a song on the islands that you don't hear on the mainland! You can feel the happiness of every living creature, and it's contagious. There's no light pollution to obscure the stars either. What a sight that is, especially in summer when the Milky Way is high in the sky.
Locals take their time and feel comfortable connecting with others. There's a little more eye contact, a little more care and consideration, less rush, and a genuine friendliness that takes you out of the pressure cooker of the mainland. There's a longer stretch between tick and tock. And that's contagious too... you find yourself slowing down, connecting to the pace. You look at the clock and say, "That's the time? It's only 11?" (when it feels like late afternoon.) Even the hula dance mimics the slow rhythm of the ocean.
Those born into this unique island paradise may not realize how special it is until they visit the mainland rat race. "Island time" is the opposite of mainland life, where shaka hands ("hang loose") replace the honking horns of impatient drivers during rush hour traffic.
Businesses actually answer their phones in Hawaii; yes, there's no "push 1 for English" or "push 2 for billing." It's like the old days when people appreciated a call, and gave you all the time in the world to talk.
Now for the sun. Being near the equator, you'd expect some harsh rays and sunburn, right? But I truly haven't had, or seen a sunburn there! What gives? The word I use to describe the sunshine is "soft." It feels like an invisible protective canopy floats over the islands. I don't recommend going without sunblock, but somehow the ubiquitous dark pink skin seen on the east coast never manifests in Hawaii... at least not to these eyes.
You may be wondering why Oahu is my favorite. Well, maybe it's because it has a little bit of everything. There's city life, beach life, and country life. Once you drive north through the tall green mountains, you find the place where R & R was invented. Birds eat out of your hand at the Buddhist Temple in Kaneohe, and north shore waves attract the surfers to Haleiwa in winter. Turtle Bay Resort is small and not too touristy, and it's great for live Hawaiian music, fire dancers, and sunsets.
My favorite spot on the island is "Waimea Gardens" in Pupukea. If you haven't yet experienced "mana," this place will give you a crash course in it. I am transported into another realm as I walk through the gardens there. I find myself staring at trees and smiling for no reason, listening for the laughter of menehune. :D It feels sacred and joyful. Above is a bird in my hand at the Buddhist Temple, and below is a pic of Mom in their gardens:
Kauai is my second favorite because it's the "Garden Isle." No big city chaos, just green, lush nature, complete with roosters crowing at 4 am. Lots of mana. A coffee plantation. Very peaceful.
Maui is beautiful, and the west side has a view of Lana'i and Moloka'i which both look like mountains standing in the water! It's what I'd call a bit more "touristy," as there are many destination weddings for those who get "mauied." But still you can find nature when you go for a drive, (I recommend the "Needle") and the drives are all easy two-lane roads along the water, with no major highways like in Oahu. The "Temple of Peace" in Haiku is a unique gem on the island and the best part of any Sunday morning.
You don't need bottled water here. Hawaii tap water is some of the best quality drinking water around. It is rainwater that is naturally filtered through underground porous volcanic rock for about 25 years before it reaches aquifers. Grab a cup and turn on the tap!
In a macadamia nutshell, Hawaii is probably the closest thing to walking with God in the Garden of Eden that you can find. I've often thought that every problem known to man could be solved simply by spending two weeks in Hawaii. Is it because God's presence is manifested there? Or is it sunken Lemuria? Is there a mystical healing in the air over the islands? Vortexes and volcanoes that energize us? I'd love to know! But for now, I'm just happy to experience it, and share it with you.
Aloha! You've heard it, you love it, and know that on the surface it means "hello, welcome, I love you, goodbye." But as I learned at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu, that word has some very interesting etymology. Let's dig a little deeper, shall we?
Breaking it down...
Alo ~ Ha!
Alo: Share + Ha: breath of Life
"Share the breath of Life!"
Now it really comes alive with energy, mana, good vibes and all that... yeah?
My first time in Hawaii was January 2016. Almost 3 years ago. I've been entranced and captivated by the Aloha of the islands, describing it as a feeling of being 'seen and welcomed with a mother's gentle hug.' Now I can say I've been 5 times. Once in Kauai, once in Maui, and 3 times in Oahu, my favorite.
(My ideal job in Hawaii, I'm living vicariously through this beautiful wahine)
I always thought Hawaii was just another tropical destination, but after visiting some Caribbean islands, I'd have to say what makes Hawaii stand out is the "Aloha Spirit." It's not just about a smile and hospitality, or getting a perfumed lei placed about your neck... it is a palpable, almost otherworldly energy and laid back, positive lifestyle.
(Did you see who that above quote is from?)
The energy is often called "mana." Some say it's of a spiritual nature (with mentions of mythical Lemuria) and others say it's from being on a tiny piece of land surrounded by miles and miles of Pacific ocean energy. The lifestyle comes naturally from the vitality that this energy instills. And let's face it, how can you be unhappy living in such perfect weather conditions each and every day and night?
The air is a perfect combination of warm breezes and just the right amount of humidity. Doves sing a song on the islands that you don't hear on the mainland! You can feel the happiness of every living creature, and it's contagious. There's no light pollution to obscure the stars either. What a sight that is, especially in summer when the Milky Way is high in the sky.
Locals take their time and feel comfortable connecting with others. There's a little more eye contact, a little more care and consideration, less rush, and a genuine friendliness that takes you out of the pressure cooker of the mainland. There's a longer stretch between tick and tock. And that's contagious too... you find yourself slowing down, connecting to the pace. You look at the clock and say, "That's the time? It's only 11?" (when it feels like late afternoon.) Even the hula dance mimics the slow rhythm of the ocean.
Those born into this unique island paradise may not realize how special it is until they visit the mainland rat race. "Island time" is the opposite of mainland life, where shaka hands ("hang loose") replace the honking horns of impatient drivers during rush hour traffic.
(My cousin and I having fun with Shaka shadows!)
Businesses actually answer their phones in Hawaii; yes, there's no "push 1 for English" or "push 2 for billing." It's like the old days when people appreciated a call, and gave you all the time in the world to talk.
Now for the sun. Being near the equator, you'd expect some harsh rays and sunburn, right? But I truly haven't had, or seen a sunburn there! What gives? The word I use to describe the sunshine is "soft." It feels like an invisible protective canopy floats over the islands. I don't recommend going without sunblock, but somehow the ubiquitous dark pink skin seen on the east coast never manifests in Hawaii... at least not to these eyes.
You may be wondering why Oahu is my favorite. Well, maybe it's because it has a little bit of everything. There's city life, beach life, and country life. Once you drive north through the tall green mountains, you find the place where R & R was invented. Birds eat out of your hand at the Buddhist Temple in Kaneohe, and north shore waves attract the surfers to Haleiwa in winter. Turtle Bay Resort is small and not too touristy, and it's great for live Hawaiian music, fire dancers, and sunsets.
My favorite spot on the island is "Waimea Gardens" in Pupukea. If you haven't yet experienced "mana," this place will give you a crash course in it. I am transported into another realm as I walk through the gardens there. I find myself staring at trees and smiling for no reason, listening for the laughter of menehune. :D It feels sacred and joyful. Above is a bird in my hand at the Buddhist Temple, and below is a pic of Mom in their gardens:
Kauai is my second favorite because it's the "Garden Isle." No big city chaos, just green, lush nature, complete with roosters crowing at 4 am. Lots of mana. A coffee plantation. Very peaceful.
Maui is beautiful, and the west side has a view of Lana'i and Moloka'i which both look like mountains standing in the water! It's what I'd call a bit more "touristy," as there are many destination weddings for those who get "mauied." But still you can find nature when you go for a drive, (I recommend the "Needle") and the drives are all easy two-lane roads along the water, with no major highways like in Oahu. The "Temple of Peace" in Haiku is a unique gem on the island and the best part of any Sunday morning.
You don't need bottled water here. Hawaii tap water is some of the best quality drinking water around. It is rainwater that is naturally filtered through underground porous volcanic rock for about 25 years before it reaches aquifers. Grab a cup and turn on the tap!
In a macadamia nutshell, Hawaii is probably the closest thing to walking with God in the Garden of Eden that you can find. I've often thought that every problem known to man could be solved simply by spending two weeks in Hawaii. Is it because God's presence is manifested there? Or is it sunken Lemuria? Is there a mystical healing in the air over the islands? Vortexes and volcanoes that energize us? I'd love to know! But for now, I'm just happy to experience it, and share it with you.
Alo... ha!
Your comments will help the tourism industry overcome the damage done by volcanoes and hurricanes. Live aloha!!!
ReplyDeleteMahalo, friend!
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