The Twelfth Tribe of Israel

The Twelfth Tribe of Israel

http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-news/oahu-hawaii-apartment-building-glass-bottomed-pool

Hawaii's New Years Eve Culture 2017

Hawaii New Years Culture 2017

Bethany Hamilton and Her Shark Encounter in Hawaii

The little island of Oahu I once lived on is surrounded on all sides by miles and miles of ocean. Visiting the beach was one of our favorite activities. Boating, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and boogie boarding kept us cool and happy. I love the ocean, but once in a while, I worry about what may be lurking beneath the tranquil turquoise expanse. Here is a true story about a shark encounter. Speilberg did such a good job on his movie Jaws, that I still remember it every time I go into the ocean. There is a very inspirational story about a young surfer girl from the island of Kauai. A movie was produced on the islands of Oahu and Kauai based on the autobiography of Bethany Hamilton. She has competed and won professional championships for six years after having lost her arm to a shark when she was thirteen years old. Bethany has the heart and soul of a champion. Born in Hawaii, at age eight she entered her first surfing competition. She went on to win some championship meets and won sponsorships.She had dreams of becoming a pro surfer, but they were rudely interrupted by a fourteen-foot tiger shark. The shark bit off her left arm close to the shoulder while she was surfing, and swam away with it. She managed to get herself to shore, and eventually lost nearly half of her blood, barely surviving. Bethany never lost her dream, and only one month after the disaster she bravely went back into the water. She learned to paddle without her left arm, and to keep her balance on the board. Her surf sponsor never gave up on her either. Rip Curl stood behind her as she went on to win the NSSA National Surf Championships only two summers later. By the end of 2009, she was ranked with the top 12 Junior Pro surfers in the world. She is an inspiration to people all over the world. In the tribute movie, Anna Sophia Robb and Carrie Underwood star in the movie called Soul Surfer which displays the real courage Bethany Hamilton showed. If you would like to have a shark encounter of your own, there are actually tours in Hawaii that cater to you.It has been kind of a controversial issue in Hawaii and other places, but so far, the tours continue. I lived only a few miles from the location on the North Shore of Oahu. The tour actually takes you into the open ocean, over three miles off shore, where you can observe Galapagos and Sandbar sharks in their natural environment from the safety of a cage. Humans and sharks are safely separated from each other by a floating cage. Guests enter the cage from above and stay on the surface using a mask and snorkel. No scuba experience is required. A large window made of poly glass lets you look into the ocean and watch as sharks glide through the deep blue. How would you like to be face to face with one of these sea creatures? I am not sure I could just stare at them. You are educated by specialists about shark behavior and biology, conservation issues and about the significance of sharks in mythology and in the Hawaiian culture. Hawaiians see sharks as a revered part of their history and belief system. They are respected for their role in the natural balance of the island’s ecosystems.

https://hubpages.com/education/A-Shark-Encounter

Unique Hawaiian Phrases

Sunset in Hawaii Nei by Ruth Kongaika

Hawaii on a Budget

The Hawaiian Islands offer much for the sight seeker. The island of Oahu, on which I live, boasts many gorgeous beaches and lush dense mountains.

There are many educational and fun things you can do in Hawaii that are inexpensive or totally free. We are all looking for a great deal. Whenever I have visitors from the mainland, I tell them about the sites they can see without spending too much in the Hawaiian Islands. This is not a comprehensive list, but it includes some of my personal favorites.

http://hubpages.com/travel/Free-or-Inexpensive-Sights-to-See-in-Hawaii

Hawaii Navigation By The Stars

The stars played an important role in ancient ocean navigation. Stargazing is almost becoming a lost art in the Pacific. Fortunately, the Hawaiian Astronomical Society, The Polynesian Voyaging Society, as well as other individuals are inspiring many locals to study the stars again.

When I lived in Tonga, we traveled on little boats between the islands. Often there were no life jackets or emergency equipment of any kind. I feel fortunate to have lived through those experiences.
I was often amazed how the navigators of the little boats had a sense of where they were from the feel of the waves or swells on their hands, the wind, as well as from the stars at night.

I have been on some big ships that have many sophisticated instruments to keep them on course. This is a far cry from the non-instrument navigators I experienced in the little islands. These navigators have become finely attuned to nature. Even the color of the ocean and the shapes of clouds have meaning to one who has observed them for many years.

In the 1970s, The Polynesian Voyaging Society constructed a double hull canoe and named it the Hokulea. As a young man, Nainoa Thompson was taught traditional navigation by Mau Piailug, a Micronesian master. He became well acquainted with the stars and the other natural signs nature gives. With this knowledge, Nainoa was able to make a historic voyage from Hawaii to Tahiti and back again without the use of modern-day navigational tools.

A Star Compass
The main star, the one that does not move, is called Polaris. This beacon light has directed many mariners to safety over the ages. By learning where the other stars rise and set in relation to Polaris, the navigator can steer his boat with confidence. The celestial bodies in the heavens provide direction no matter where you are. This also includes the sun, the moon and the stars.

Pointer Stars
There are also pairs of stars in the heavens that cross the meridian at the same time - these are called pointers since they always point to either the north or the south poles when they arc across the sky. Most of us are familiar with the Big Dipper, but there are several others that can point the way.
Signs of land approaching are to be found in the amount of flotsam, birds and the presence and colors of clouds.

Nainoa combines his western knowledge with those passed down from Polynesian ancestors. His understanding of longitude and latitude, which they did not have in ancient days, together with his observations of nature result in a hybrid system of navigation.

Currently there are plans for the Hokulea to circle the globe in a worldwide voyage. The currently captain of the vessel is Chad Baybayan. He is excited to use traditional navigational techniques to train his crew members for what will surely be an epic journey.

Studying the stars is something that can be done by anyone. You can sit on your lawn with your family and neighbors and familiarize yourself with the stars. If you are in Hawaii, you will definitely want to pay a visit to the Bishop's Museum.

http://hubpages.com/education/Navigating-By-The-Stars-in-Hawaii

How the Ukulele Ended up in Hawaii

The ukulele is usually associated with Hawaiian music. But, before the haole (white) missionaries came to Hawaii, the Hawaiians knew very little about melody. They performed solo chants without any accompaniment for ceremonies and rituals with a monotone voice. Hawaiians also used pahu (drums), double gourds (ipu heke), or uliuli (gourd rattles), and also slapped their hands on their chests (pai umauma) to accompany dancers. The ukulele came much later.

http://hubpages.com/travel/How-the-Ukulele-Came-to-Hawaii

Hawaiian Party Costumes and Makeup Ideas

You may be having a party and have chosen a Hawaiian theme. Or, you might have decided to go

trick or treating as a Polynesian maiden.

Don't worry men, we did not forget you! You can go as a Haka Warrior Hunk! Children also love to dress up in hula skirts and leis. And, don't forget your dog!

Whatever the reason is, here are some costume and makeup ideas you might want to consider. For sure it will put you in a festive mood. You will feel like you are already in Paradise.

For the Ladies

• Grass skirt (you can make your own - see below)
• Hawaiian print midriff top, bikini top or coconut bra
• Clear sandals, flip flops or bare feet
• Flower to pin behind your ear
• Lei or leis - can be worn as anklets, crowns or bracelets
• You can also take a headband and sew artificial flowers to it

To look like the glamorous vintage Hawaiian pin-up girls

• Wear a figure hugging halter top with a cinched waistline in a floral print or a bikini top
• Sarong or pareo as a skirt
• With this you will want to wear stilletos
• Flower behind ear and leis around neck

Or if you are a bit shy and feel a little exposed, you can wear a sun dress or a muumuu-style dress which is long and flowing, and usually comes in floral colors or patterns.

For the Men

• Loose fitting Aloha shirt
• Khaki shorts
• Sandals, flip flops or bare feet
• Straw hat or visor
• Sunglasses
• Lei

To look like the Haka Warrior Hunk

• Bare chest (looks best with muscles)
• Hula skirt or floral-print sarong worn tight like a short skirt - sort of like a diaper
• Spear or sharp stick
• Greenery around arms, ankles and on head (could be an artificial green lei)
• Fake tribal tattoos on biceps or wherever
• May need to use some quick tanning solution
• Colored contacts (brown or dark) if you really want to get into it (surprise her!)

Hawaiian Luau Makeup Ideas
To really have fun, add some vibrant Hawaiian makeup. Shades of turquoise, azalea, amethyst, ocean frost, and Aztec gold are just a few that are available to use.
Don't forget plenty of eyeliner and mascara. Don't forget the eyebrows too. Have fun with it.
Gotta have bright lipstick - come on it is just for one night!
There are some great eye makeup videos on this hub, so be sure to watch them and be inspired. I was.

Ideas for Face Painting at Your Party
Be sure to use hypoallergenic paints for face painting.
Of course, a luau brings to mind delicious fruits of Hawaii, including pineapples, coconut, and bananas.

Also, tropical flowers are popular, including orchids, plumeria, hibiscus and bird of paradise. You could even paint a small palm tree on some lucky person.

Sea creatures are fun and easy - a crab, seahorse, dolphin, whales, turtle or seals. Geckos and parrots would also be hits. Sand dollars, shells and starfish would also make someone really happy.
Children especially love face painting or you could do it as part of your Halloween costume.

Two Scoops Rice in Hawaiian Style BBQ Plate Lunch

Hungry for Plate Lunch

In Hawaii, lunch time usually means heading down to the local L & L Hawaiian Barbeque and getting a plate lunch.

There are a variety of meats available including pork, chicken, beef, fish or curry.

The portions are enough to satisfy a Polynesian appetite and usually comes with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad.

If you are very health conscious, you can trade one scoop of rice for a vegetable salad or coleslaw. The meat is served on a nest of grated cabbage and comes with soya sauce, tartar sauce or a lemon depending on the meat.

Actually L & L is one of my favorite places to eat in Hawaii, and chicken katsu would be may favorite choice on the menu.

L & L Hawaiian Barbecue became so popular that islands lovers in other states and other areas of world. It is now found in Alaska, Colorado, Arizona, California, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, American Samoa and New Zealand.

One plate lunch available at L & L the Hawaiian Plate. It is a Hawaiian tradition. It includes hefty pork chuck wrapped in taro leaf and is a favorite of the locals. It is served with smoked pork.
If you have a hard time deciding which meat you want to eat, never fear, the Hawaiian BBQ Mix is here. It includes barbequed chicken, short ribs and beef.
 

Like seafood, try the Seafood mix. It includes fried shrimp & Mahi Mahi (delicious white-meat fish). It is onolicious (delicious)!

For those that are anemic, or for those who need some energy, there is the Loco Moco (otherwise known as the heart attack). It consists of hamburger patties placed over rice afterwards covered with brown gravy and then topped with two eggs.

Two Scoops Rice

Recently, a Mega million jackpot winning lottery ticket was sold at an L & L Hawaiian Barbecue.

As you can see, rice is an important staple in Hawaii. The founder of L & L is Eddie Flores, Jr. The plate lunches share the aloha of the islands with Asians, Polynesians and all the diverse cultures of the islands.

The founders of L&L Drive-Inn were Eddie Flores, Jr., and Johnson Kam. They established the first diner in 1976 on Liliha Stree in Honolulu, Hawaii. Even though it was tough at first, they remained optimistic and worked hard.

The entrepreneurs made the decision to expand in 1988. They had earned a reputation for serving fresh generous food at low prices and became very successful in Hawaii.

They expanded to the mainland, first in California in 1999. They repackaged the franchise as L&L Hawaiian Barbecue.  There are currently 200 plus L&L Hawaiian Barbeques.

In Hawaii, plate lunch is a tradition. It is a mixture of Asian and American cuisine which helped it to become widely sought after.

Each L&L restaurant has a decentralized system of ownership. They have brightly colored restaurants with Hawaii scenic views displayed.

The chain has earned many awards and impressive rankings in national magazines.

http://hubpages.com/food/Two-Scoops-Rice-Hawaii-Plate-Lunch

Kayaking in Hawaii

Recently our family went to a sand bar in Kaneohe Bay about a half hour from our home. It was a beautiful sunny day with trade winds blowing.

The children were so excited as we boarded the double hull boat with an outboard motor.
I had heard about the sand bar, but it was my first time actually going there. When the tide is low, you can see the sand, but when the tide is high, it disappears.

We were lucky enough to see a few turtles swimming by our boat on our way to the sand bar.
The water was so blue and the surroundings in the Kaneohe Bay never cease to amaze me.
When we arrived at the sand bar, there were several other boats already anchored there, and people had set up some tents. One family was actually having a barbecue.

It was amazing to see so much sand knowing it was just out in the middle of the bay. No roads here! No restaurants, bathrooms, or other amenities. Only sand and sea.

Not to worry. My son had rented a kayak and snorkeling gear. We had brought along our own food in an ice chest, and knew it would only be a couple of hours before the tide would come in. So, we set about making use of our limited time.

I went for a walk with the grandchildren on the white sandy beach. We saw many interesting marine life wandering around in the shallow water and sand.

You could see little holes where the crabs were hiding and we found a few shells.

I had heard there were hammerhead sharks in the waters around the sand bar, and that was enough to keep me on the sand instead of in the water.

The sand bar is around three miles long and one mile wide, so even if you can't see the whole thing, it is pretty large. Of course there are no shade trees, so we had to lather on the sunscreen, and wear our sunglasses.

The fun really began when the kayak was put in the water. Each of my grandchildren had their turn and even their mother who does not swim. Since it was my son that was the chaperone taking each person for a ride, he got a great workout.

I had a good walk around the amazing sand bar and mostly relaxed. What a perfect day to be with family.

There are parties held at the sand bar a couple times of year. Some even bring bands out on the boat and have dances.

Kaneohe Bay does not have long white sand stretches and crystal clear water that make so many of the Hawaii beaches like Waikiki so popular. Instead, it possesses a combination of unique factors that make it one of the most studied coral reef systems in the world!

Kaneohe Bay's waters are sheltered by a barrier reef. Swells generated by the islands' predominant trade winds create perfect conditions for the growth and formation of numerous patch reefs and fringe reefs (over forty)throughout the bay.

If you view the bay from a higher vantage point… like the Pali Lookout, or coming out of the windward-bound H-3 tunnels, you will see a spectrum of color caused by the varying depths and bottom formations of different areas within the bay.

You can see hues of ivory, teal, light and dark blue, and even brown depicting the different bottom conditions and water depths of each of the bay's different areas.

You can kayak, snorkel, paddle surf and swim almost year round in Hawaii, especially in Kaneohe Bay.

As for our day at the sand bar, it was an experience I shall not soon forget.

http://elayne001.hubpages.com/hub/Kayaking-in-Hawaii#

Hawaiian Scary Ghost Stories

Most people call them goose bumps, but in Hawaii, when you feel the presence of a ghost, or you are affected by a spooky story, we call it "chicken skin" . This is the sensation where you feel the hair rising on the back of your neck, your eyes get big, and your heartbeat races. This particular ghost story was told by Cheryl Wilson to Glen Grant, a famous story teller in Hawaii, who died in 2003.

The funeral for my grandmother in the spring of 1950 was a beautiful memorial service held in a church in Kaimuki. My grandmother had lived a full life and left this world attended by her large, grieving family. She and my grandfather had been blessed with many children who bore them numerous grandchildren.

When the Mass was over, the final blessings were given to be followed by the procession out of the church. The six pallbearers were chosen to carry my grandmother to her final resting place. They solemnly gathered around her coffin, slightly bent their knees and genlty lifted the side handles in precise unison. As all six of the men then attempted to rise up and take grand mother on her last journey, the coffin would not move. It seemed as if it were fastened down to the bier with bolts. 

Quickly glancing at each other in astonishment, they tried again to lift the coffin. Again grandmother's remains would not budge. Realizing now what strange occurrence was taking place, a murmur rose from the mourners in the church.

My grandfather knew instantly what was happening. Although he was a devout Catholic, grandfather was well-steeped in old Hawaiian beliefs concerning the spirits of the dead. When the coffin did not move, it was the Hawaiian understanding that the deceased was not ready to go because the loved ones were not there to say good-bye.

Now grandfather looked among the mourners to see if everyone my grandmother loved was in attendance. Her punahele or favorites were her mo'opuna or grandchildren. All of the grandchildren were at the funeral, grandfather knew, but my two older boy cousins were nowhere to be found. As the first grandchildren, they were especially favored by grandmother.

A quick search was made for the cousins and they were soon discovered outside, playing on the church grounds. The boys were ushered in to pay their respects and to bid a fond aloha to their beloved kupuna.

After the good-byes were said, the pallbearers lifted the coffin without any trouble. The procession followed my grandmother out of the church and then on to Diamond Head where she would eventually be laid to rest.

In her final farewell, my grandmother had taught her mo'opuna her last earthly lesson. The bond of aloha is not severed by death.

Hawaii Saimin and Ramen Noodles

Ever since I have been living in the South Pacific, the meal we rely on for quick fixings, or the easy anytime snack is saimin, otherwise known as ramen noodles. Saimin is the Hawaiian version of ramen, possibly stemming from the Chinese words sai (thin) and mein (noodle). It is usually served with beef, chicken or shrimp broth. My kids grew up eating it, and they would even eat it raw (not sure how good that was for them), but they survived. Click Here to read a great story of how saimin got started in Hawaii.

Actually, there are many ways you can fix saimin or ramen. To make them more healthy, you can add broccoli, peas, diced carrots, water chestnuts, green onions, grated ginger, mushrooms, cabbage, zucchini, celery, green peppers, spinach, diced tomatoes, or any other veggie that can be steamed quickly.

To add more substance, you can add your favorite meat, including cooked salmon, cooked hamburger, diced and cooked turkey or chicken, diced ham or better yet diced spam, bacon bits, can of chili with beans, ho, the possibilities are endless.

My favorite is to add a couple of scrambled eggs to the boiling noodles. You can even add grated or shredded cheese, light cream, mushroom soup, soy sauce, garlic, thyme, rosemary or parsley. Be brave and experiment.

You can also garnish your saimin or ramen with crushed oregano, lettuce or parsley.

If you like hot food, add a bit of curry, cayenne pepper, red chili peppers, horseradish, or tobasco sauce.

Here are some fun stories from "Everybody Loves Ramen" by Eric Hites.

When I was a kid, we had Ichiban-brand ramen, and we called it "Itchy Bum noodles."
~J. Stormwood

Once I had to ship a glass to my brother (in a hurry, too). I had gotten everything ready to go and I was about to add the packing peanuts, when I realized I forgot to buy some. In a frenzy, I searched my cabinets for something to use for packing. When I opened my cuboard I saw I had a good supply of ramen noodles. So I broke up the packages and used them as filler for the package. The glass arrived safely at my brother's house a few days later! Thanks a bunch, ramen!
~ Dan H.

Do you know that if you ate one package per day, you could eat your weight in ramen noodles in approximately two and one half years?

Did you know that one pound of saimin noodles weighs the same as one pound of gold, but can't eat gold (saimin is great for food storage).

Did you know it would take 432,000 packages of saimin noodles to cover a football field. But you would have to pray that it doesn't rain!

Move from the Mainland to Hawaii

So, you are moving to Hawaii. Lucky you! Beautiful scenery, temperate weather, and beaches! Living in Paradise has some perks, and also some extra costs. You will be better prepared and assimilate faster into the community if you are aware of a few things.
Hawaii is a group of islands in the middle of the huge Pacific Ocean. It is the 50th state to join the United States. The more that you learn about the history of Hawaii, the better you can understand those around you. If you show a love and respect for the culture and especially the land ('aina), you will have a much more positive experience.

Try to learn a few basic Hawaiian words and their meanings. The population is so diverse, but for the most part they speak in English and pidgin (a mixture of dialects). Most of the people who live in Hawaii share the aloha spirit, but you may find that a few are quite resentful of the way Hawaii became a state. Most of all, do not be judgmental and try to learn all you can from the people.
You will find that because the weather is fairly good all year round, the insects love it too. In order to avoid infestations by termites, cockroaches, mosquitoes and other creatures, you will need to spray or put out baits on a regular basis. It is better to control them than to get rid of them.

The moist salty air is perfect for rusting just about everything. Vehicles and appliances seem to suffer the most. There is rust spray available that you can use to slow down the process. Also, mold and mildew can form quite easily especially in places where it is warm and moist like the kitchen and bathrooms. It takes extra effort to keep this under control unless you have an air conditioner going all the time. This can be harmful to your health if the mold is allowed to grow.

Also, food items seem to go bad quicker unless they are stored well inside of plastic air-tight containers. You can also keep many things in the refrigerator or freezer that you may not have in the mainland.
When there is no breeze, it can become quite hot and humid. Be sure to purchase enough fans or air conditioners to make your family comfortable. With the use of electricity comes a higher bill also, so think about cost-effective appliances.

Traffic on the island of Oahu can become very frustrating, especially close to Honolulu. Also, there is only one main road going to the North Shore of Oahu, so it can also be totally cut off if there is an accident or an electricity pole falls down on the road.

It is wonderful to have sandy beaches and palm trees close by. But, as I said, living in Paradise does come with a cost. In fact, prices in Hawaii are some of the highest in the nation. The cost of gasoline, groceries and clothes can be quite expensive. There are Walmarts, Costco and Sam's Clubs where you can get the best deals. The cost of housing can be two or three times as much as on the mainland. It is also usually smaller than what most people on the mainland are used to.

Funny though, even with all the pros and cons of Hawaii, people who have lived in and loved the islands of Hawaii do not want to leave, or hope to move back soon. We have been living here for almost twenty years now and really love it. I have learned many lessons the hard way, so I thought writing this hub may help someone that is moving here have an easier time.

There is so much to see and do in Hawaii. Hiking, swimming, golfing, cruising and gardening are just a few things that can be done almost year round. Because of this, you probably will not want for visiting family and friends from the mainland while you live in Hawaii.

The Coolest Places in Hawaii for Shave Ice

Mainlanders call them snow cones, but in Hawaii the coolest treat around is shave ice. It is not shaved ice, rather just shave ice !

For those taking a drive around the islands, or trying to cool off after a day on the beach, nothing hits the spot like shave ice.

It is snow! No, it is a drink, and you can eat it with a spoon straw!

Regarding shave ice, Matsumoto Shave Ice is a North Shore Treasure.

It is nearly impossible to go past the small shop without stopping and indulging. Matsumotos is a family business which has been in operation since 1951.

There are photos on the walls of famous Americans, Japanese and others. Here is just a few of the names on the walls: Tom Hanks, Kristi Yamaguchi, Jason Scott Lee, Megumi Oishi, and Junichi Ishida.

How Shave Ice is Made

The ice is actually shaved off a big block right in front of you into a fine powder so it's easy to eat. Then it's topped with any one of countless exotic tropical fruit flavors, and sometimes questionable ones like root beer and bubblegum.

You can have a scoop of ice cream in the bottom, or have them throw in some Azuki beans . That may sound a little strange to you, but in Asia they are Japanese sweets.

Azuki Beans comes from the Far East. They are prepared by boiling till the beans softens, some sugar is added. Azuki beans go into the cone shaped cup first then the Shave Ice above it. Of course, they are optional, but you should give it a try.

You can have up to three (3) flavors of your choice per Shave Ice and all of their flavors are home made.

Waiola Shave Ice

Of course, one shave ice spot would not be enough for all of Hawaii, so here is another favorite. There is no point on driving all the way out to North Shore even thought they are $2.00 cheaper (it will cost more than that for the gasoline)

The employees are friendly, and the ice comes out so fine you can barely taste the texture allowing the flavors to explode in your mouth. You may have multiple brain gasms otherwise known as brain freeze. You can't go wrong with Strawberry or Watermelon paired with ice cream and condensed milk.

Ululani's Shave Ice
If you are in Maui, they also have truly "ONO" (Delicious) and "No Ka Oi" (The Best) Shave Ice ever.
Ululani uses only pure cane sugar and filtered purified water.
The minute Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice dissolves in your mouth, you will definitely feel the LOVE

Picture Brides of Hawaii

In the early 1900s many immigrant men were recruited to work on the sugar cane plantations in Hawaii on temporary visas. Rather than intermarry, a match making organization sent pictures of these men home to recruit willing women to be their wives, and to help on the plantations. These were known as the picture brides.

Between the years of 1907 and 1924, more than 20,000 young Korean, Japanese and Okinawan women made the journey to Hawaii to be married in joint wedding ceremonies.

Photography had modernized the arranged-marriage tradition that began with matchmakers or with families who arranged face-to-face meetings to join their youth in matrimony. Now they could introduce prospective couples who lived miles apart or even across the ocean.

However, often pictures of younger and more handsome men were sent in order to make the girls more willing to travel the long distance. When they found they were "tricked into it", the girls often had no way out, since there was no money to pay their long way back home.

Most of the girls came from very poor families and were promised a better life. They were told that in Hawaii they would have freedoms denied them in their home countries. Historically, they were bound to traditions of filial piety (support and care of parents), carrying out sacrifices to ancestors, ensuring male heirs, and other burdens and expectations.

Often they had mass wedding ceremonies held at the dock or in a hotel shortly after the ship's arrival. On average, the men were 15 years older than the brides. Many of the men had put on suits or posed with a car and a nice house to attract the women, but when the women faced reality, they were very disappointed at the crude plantation quarters and sad living conditions.

Most of them did not want their families to know of their misfortunes, so they raised families and taught them traditions instilled in them from their homelands. Many of the picture brides ended up working long hours on the sugar cane plantations. Even though the women did similar jobs to the men on the plantations, they were paid considerably less. Some even strapped their babies on their backs and worked alongside their husbands. Some women left the fields and took in laundry or cooking for bachelors or wealthy families.They did all this to avoid bringing shame on their families back home.

For those picture brides who were abused, disillusioned or could not adjust to their new lifestyle, the Women's Home Mission Society provided temporary shelter as they waited and worked to go back home. Some husbands offered rewards for those that could find and return their pictures brides. Because of many of the problems caused through these practices, the picture bride process took on a negative reputation. It is interesting that it still continues from many countries today.

Woman's Typical Work Day on the Plantation (1910)

4:00 am          Women wake to prepare breakfast & lunch

5:00 am          Whistle! Wake-up 

6:00 am          Gather at train or walk to field

11:00 am         Whistle! Lunch (kaukau)

11:30am          Whistle! Kaukau finished (pau) go back to work

4:30 pm          Whistle! Pau Hana 

                        Go to furo/bath

                        Fix dinner

                        Garden, sew & other family care

8:00 pm          Whistle! Lights Out 

                        Continue family care activities as necessary

Hawaiian Flowers: Foster Botanical Gardens

We have lived in Hawaii for over ten years, and as were making our way through the usual traffic chaos on Vineyard Street in Honolulu we saw a sign that said Foster Botanical Gardens . We were not in a hurry, so we pulled over into the parking lot. The moment we opened our car doors, the most beautiful fragrance drifted to our nostrils. It was coming from the trees surrounding the entrance to the gardens.

We felt transfigured to another time and place. Luckily I had my camera since I saw so many beautiful tropical flowers in a various colors and shapes. I would start to put my camera away, and then I would see something else that I had to have a picture of. There were small signs labeling the different flowers and plants. We were surprised at how many of them we had never seen before.

We discovered that some of the incredibly large trees that towered over the gardens were planted around 1853. There were trees from many places around the world including Africa. These trees were so magnificent! They actually refer to them as exceptional trees because of their age, rarity, size, location and historical and cultural significance. They indeed were massive and I had to get a few pictures of my husband standing next to the trunks so we could remember how big they were.

The gardens are very well taken care of, and they are separated into areas of special interest including the Exceptional Trees which I have mentioned, the Lyon Orchid Garden which has several new and old world species, the Main Terrace (dating back to 1953), the Middle Terraces which includes beautiful palms, and some local Hawaiian heliconia and ginger plants, the Economic Garden which has various herbs, spices, dyes and even poisonous plants, the Prehistoric Glen which features plants from various countries, and the Orchid Conservatory which has orchids of so many different varieties.

As we strolled through the gardens, I could not help but think it would be the perfect setting for a wedding. I learned that it is possible to have weddings and wedding photos there with a permit. They also offer guided tours and several times a year, school children get to enjoy this enchanting place.
I witnessed flowers and trees that I have never seen before, and had quite an educational and fascinating experience at the Foster Botanical Gardens.

AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST IN THE FOSTER BOTANICAL GARDEN

• Lyon Orchid Garden - a collection of Old and New World orchid species
• Main Terrace - the oldest part of the garden dating from 1853.
• Middle Terraces - palms, aroids, heliconia and ginger plants.
• Economic Garden - herb garden, spices, dyes, poisons and beverage plants.
• Prehistoric Glen - primitive plants from around the world.
• The Orchid Conservatory - blooming orchid display.
• Exceptional Trees - 24 trees designated "exceptional" throughout the Garden.

The History of Royal Hawaiian Heirloom Jewelry

When I first moved to Hawaii, I was quite impressed with the amount and quality of jewelry that many of the older Hawaiian women wore. It was not uncommon to see four or five solid gold bracelets and three or more golden necklaces adorning their arms and necks. I was curious as to why these pretty women had to wear so many at the same time, and learned later that it was more of a tradition. So, here I will tell you about the beginnings of Royal Hawaiian Jewelry.

In 1887, during the Victorian Era, Queen Kapiolani and Princess Liliuokalani were invited to attend Queen Victoria's Jubilee in England. They were both presented with precious solid gold bracelets. Each had their own names engraved on them in Old English lettering which were filled with black enamel. They treasured these beautiful gifts, and upon their return to Hawaii, had similar bracelets made for other members of the Royal family for special occasions.

Thus, a tradition had begun. To celebrate special birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and other milestones, gold bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and rings are the choice of many native Hawaiians and also those who have chosen to make Hawaii their home.

Many tourists like to buy one as a souvenir to remember their special visit to the islands of Hawaii. With gold worth what it is now, it is really an investment that you can wear. Honestly, I am a little afraid to wear that much gold, especially during this economy, might I get kidnapped or mugged, but I still see many ladies that do wear it.

Personally, I have two bracelets, one with white gold and one with yellow gold. My name is engraved on one with a pretty floral pattern on either side. I also have a ring that has black enamel on the borders. I do cherish these since they were gifts for memorable occasions.

 

Amazing footage

World of Polynesia - In 4K!

World of Polynesia - In 4K!



We lived behind the PCC for 21 years. It was always fun to visit and see what was new.