Beautiful Kauai, Hawaii

                    Oh the ever so beautiful Kauai, Hawaii.  www.tropicalparadise.net

Mele Kalikimaka

Mele Kalikimaka...

Thanksgiving in Hawaii

One year we spent Thanksgiving on the island of Oahu , Honolulu, downtown at the Wailana restaurant Such a great meal! Traditional holiday dinner served Waikiki style. My daughter and two Aunts delighted in the atmosphere and hometown service with so many smiles of Aloha. What a great memory! one I will never forget. Aloha.

Big Island , photo

I love this wonderful photo from the Big Island....so peaceful and calm...photo from: www.hawaiinn.com

September in the Hawaiian Islands...

September is one of the nicest months that one could spend in the Hawaiian Islands...Quiet and peaceful....great time for that special walk on the beach, have a saturday picnic and enjoy a great Waikiki sunset.....

Haupia Pie, Hawaiian favorite, photo...

This delicious Chocolate pie is a long tradition in the Hawaiian Islands. Made with a rich chocolate and coconut filling, topped with fresh whipped cream...served at Luaus, plate lunches and for very special occasions. Chocolate Haupia Pie is a favorite everyday of the week....Yummy!  photo:  www. hawaiimagazine.com

Two Languages in Hawaii...

FYI:   Did you know that there are two official languages in Hawaii?   English and Hawaiian...both are used together and make a very interesting culture. This is part of what makes Hawaii such a special place.

Art of the Hawaiian Islands.....

Hawaiian Arts are always of great interest in the Islands...Hula Dancing, Music traditions, painting, sculpture, food, outdoor art are in much demand everyday in Hawaii in the schools, galleries and private collections and in the tourism industry. When visiting the Islands be sure to check out all of the local art venues...you won't regret it.... Hawaii is one of the most enriched areas for cultural art....

Hawaiian Table Display....photo

This is a lovely display of a table for a dinner or lunch Hawaiian Style...simple but so elegant....photo from: www.captainstablecatering.com

State of Hawaii Flag....photo.

                Hawaiian State Flag...... photo:  www.hawaiimagazine.com

Mauna Loa Treats from Hawaii....photo

Mauna Loa wonderful Hawaiian products....Good and so tasty!  photo: www.maunaloa.com

Hawaiian Plate Lunches.....Yum! photo

               Hawaiian plate lunches are a staple of each day in the islands....so delish and yummy!  One of my special favorites!    photo :  www.hawaiimagazine.com

Taro Pie is now being served at McDonalds in Hawaii...

Taro Pie is a staple dessert in the Hawaiian Islands.... and now the local island McDonald's is serving these tasty pies again... Who knew....goes nice with a cup of coffee or fruit punch.... enjoy life island style....

Hawaiian Sun Passion Orange juice drinks.....photo

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Sea Life Park, Oahu Hawaii, photo

Sea Life marine park in Hawaii, the island of Oahu has long been a place of learning and entertainment for the entire family. It is a delightful park...a great place to spend a day...photo: tripadvisor.com

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Waikiki Beach, Honolulu Hawaii. photo

The beauty and Luxury or this famous hotel...have made it the place to be on Waikiki Beach. Also, known as the Pink hotel on the beach...lovely.  photo: wikipedia.org

Made in Hawaii Festival, Aug. 16-18 ,2013

The annual Made in Hawaii Festival will be held this year on August 16-18, 2013 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena.  Lets bring more business of all varieties to the Hawaiian Islands.... A great time to be had by all....enjoy.

Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs....nutritious and delish....photo

These Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs are so delicious and very healthy too... a taste of the islands you can easily make at home..... some of my favorite island food...from:  www.food.com

Lantern Festival....Hawaii.....photo

   Lantern Festival in Hawaii....so beautiful....rich in tradition.....a treat for all to see..photo: www.sun-surfer.com

Kailua, Oahu 67th Independence Day Parade....

67th annual Independence day Parade in Kailua, Oahu.....great parade, lots to do...Have fun!

The spirit of Aloha...

Good Morning to my family, friends and readers...May you have a wonderful day in the true spirit of Aloha..... take the best of each day in your thoughts....

The Hawaiian Language and the spirit of Aloha....

The Hawaiian Language is one of the shortest alphabets.  It consists of only eight consonants and five vowels. It is a very beautiful language passed on from generation to generation. The most famous word in the Island language is " Aloha". With all of its special meanings it is so much an important part of the culture of Hawaii.  Aloha means love, respect, hello, goodbye, passion, tradition and a spoken word that is used worldwide.  So today I wish you much Aloha for the day!

King Kamehameha statue in Honolulu, Hawaii, photo

King Kamehameha statue in Honolulu, Hawaii  is a lovely addition to the state capital.... the statue is watching over the palace... photo: www.aloha-hawaii.com

Don Ho of Hawaii....a true legend..

Don Ho, a true Hawaiian Singing Legend..... My Music, My Life is a cherished collection of his wonderful island style songs..... remember the music....photo:  Hawaiimagazine.com

Don Ho, music of Hawaii, favorite songs.

Hawaii's favorite song stylist Don Ho...a true legion for so many years in the islands...his voice is still a timeless classic...My favorite songs are:  Tiny Bubbles, Pearly Shells,  Lovely Hula Hands, Moonlight Lady, Hanalei Moon and Sweet Lelani, Blue Hawaii...great songs, great memories....

Hawaiian Dolphins....photo

These playful dolphins can be found at a variety of aquariums, hotel pools and beaches...A true delight of the islands...from: www.outdoor.com

Rainbow Falls, Hawaii, photo

Lovely Rainbow Falls is a wonderful waterfall on the Big Island of Hawaii, a must see while visiting the island.  A true island splendor...photo: www.city-data.com

Windsurfing on Maui, Hawaii....photo

Ah.....Windsurfing on the waves of Maui, Hawaii.... photo: mauiwindsurfing.net

Queen Emma Summer Palace, Oahu Hawaii, photo

The lovely Queen Emma Summer Palace, located on the Pali highway, just out of Honolulu..it is restored and now a museum. Originally built in 1847 and was used by the Royal Monarchy of Hawaii...photo: www.hawaiimuseums.org

Hawaiian Petroglyphs....photo

Hawaiian Petroglyphs..... Hawaiian Heritage......a rare find...Photo: hawaiiantouristattractions.com

Hawaiian Culture

In Hawaii we embrace our our rich and vast heritage. Our culture is unique to our special Hawaii. We are a diverse population filled with the "Aloha Spirit" everyday. The sun, sand and people make the "Islands of Aloha" a true life experience that a person never forgets....

Beautiful Kauai, Hawaii....photo

                                Beautiful Kauai, Hawaii.....scenic and lovely everyday!  www.gohawaii.about.com

Hawaiian Coffee....

Did you Know?  Hawaii is the only state in USA that grows coffee. In 2003, 8.5 million pounds of delicious coffee was produced and shipped worldwide. One of their  "Kona coffee" brands is a special favorite!  Next time you are sipping your coffee, it may have come from the Hawaiian Islands!

The Hawaiian National Wildlife Refuge

Did you know?  The Hawaiian National Wildlife Refuge on the northwest side of Kauai, it is the worlds largest native bird sanctuary....interesting fact....

Pineapple Production:

Did you know that Hawaii produces about 320,000 tons of Pineapple every year..... very interesting!

Hawaii Standard Time

Living Life on Island time is indeed special...Did you know?  Hawaii does not observe daylight savings time...Hawaii is on its own time zone always....Hence:  Living on island time makes sense!

Maui Onion Festival, 2013...

Who knew?  20 years of Hawaiian Maui Onion Festival...Held in May....celebrity chefs, cooking competitions, good food tasting and lots of good times.... lots and lots of those delicious sweet Maui onions...Yummy!

Hawaii Food and Wine festival...Third Annual Sept. 1-9, 2013

This year on Sept. 1-9, Oahu, Hawaii will again feature its ever popular " Food and Wine Festival" island style.  This is a premier epicurean destination event in Hawaii. Featuring over fifty renowned chefs and wind producers, highlighting locally grown food and products. The best of the best in Food and Wine... A must see event while you are in the Islands...Enjoy   www.hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com

"Ohana" means family, Hawaiian style

The word "Ohana" in Hawaii means "Family"....this has long been a part of living life in Hawaii. Ohana are the people who keep you healthy, provide a home and good food as well as emotional support and learning. All members of the Ohana guide the others to a better life. The Grandparents are the givers of Wisdom and Knowledge to the younger members...This wisdom is passed down from generation to generation.  Life filled with the Aloha spirit....

My favorite Hawaiian Newspaper...

The newspaper that tops my favorite list is:  Honolulu Star Advertiser....they are still in paper print and online also @ www.staradvertiser.com    They have a little bit of every island and all tourist attractions...but mostly Island news of the day....worth checking out if you are planning a trip to Hawaii....

Top 5 Best Beaches in the Hawaiian Islands....

The Hawaiian Islands are known for the fabulous beaches... My top 5 favorites are as follows:  Hanalei Bay, Lanikai, Kailua, Kaanapali and Hapuna....Each an every one is a true scenic wonder...plenty of room to walk, swim and enjoy the day... golden soft sand, colorful blue ocean water, trade winds blowing... great beaches to enjoy all that nature has to offer....Aloha...

Lovely Hawaii....beach photo

The famous beaches of Hawaii......so lovely...photo:  hawaiianweathertoday.com

First Fridays Art Walk...Honolulu Hawaii

Free on the first friday of every month...Open to everyone, all ages in downtown Honolulu Hawaii is the famous Art Walk. More than twenty art galleries participate. Also Aloha shopping, eating in gourmet restaurants, can be a wonderful way to spend a friday evening enjoying life with the Aloha Spirit.....

Hawaiian Style Island Pizza, photo

Hawaiian Style Island Pizza....Delish!  a pride of the islands......I could eat this everyday...from: foodnetwork.com

Hawaiian Ukulele....photo

The charm of Hawaiian music is due in part to this great instrument....The Ukulele.....great sound ....pride of the islands....photo:  ukes.com

Iao Valley State Park, Maui Hawaii, photo

A very interesting Hawaiian state park is located just off the "Iao Valley road on Maui.. scenic wonderland...

King Kamehameha the Great.....

      King Kamehameha, the great one....the official day to honor him is June 11th. A special day rich with Hawaiian culture.  He is best known for the King that unified all of the Hawaiian islands. He was ruler from 1795 to 1819.  A true legend in Hawaii.....many festivities are planned for this special day. Be sure to check these out if you are in the islands.  Aloha always.....

Sacred Islands of Aloha....Hawaii

I believe that we need to preserve the sacred islands of Hawaii...the land of " Aloha".  A rich balance of culture and scenic beauty..for all to enjoy...the spirit of aloha lives in the Hawaiian islands everyday, forever.

Traditional Aloha Festival Parade, Hawaiian style...photo

This is a lovely example of a Traditional Aloha Festival Parade....Hawaiian Style...  photo: Hawaii-aloha.com

Wailua River State Park, Kauai Hawaii, photo

This lovely state park is located on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai....Wailua River State Park is just off the Kuhio highway by the shore of the Wailua River. It is a free day use park. Picnic in a green lush coconut grove and enjoy a tropical garden...photo:  Hawaiistateparks.org

Eight major islands....Hawaii

1. Hawaii  2. Oahu  3. Maui  4.  Kauai  5. Molokai  6.  Lanai  7.  Niihau  8.  Kaho'alawe     Each island is beautiful and has its own special charm... The most beautiful sunsets, beaches, and adventure await you!

Greenbeach Rocks on Maui Hawaii, photo

Greenbeach Rocks is located on the island of Maui, Hawaii. This is a very unusual and interesting beach to visit. Truly unique....   photo: Hawaii.net

Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu Hawaii, photo

Ala Moana Beach Park is located on 76 acres just west of Waikiki beach. This park has something for everyone....enjoy!  photo from: aloha-hawaii.com

Movies filmed in the Hawaiian Islands....

Many wonderful movies have been filmed in the Hawaiian Islands beginning in 1913... the list includes many favorites: Lilo and Stitch, Waterworld, Flight of the Intruders, Mighty Joe Young, Karate Kid III, Wackiest ship in the army, From Here to Eternity, Blue Hawaii, Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Endless Summer, just to name a few... Movies and television programs are being filmed now also...a great industry for the islands.

Hawaiian Sunset, Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii, photo

                               Big Island Sunset, simply lovely....photo: hawaiimagazine.com.....

Hawaiian Sunsets.....

Hawaii has and always will be one of the best places to watch an evening sunset....each one splendid and different,  so beautiful!  Enjoy the simple days of life....

Aloha Tower, Honolulu, Hawaii....photo

The Aloha Tower in Honolulu, Hawaii.....complete with observation deck....a great tower in the city.  photo: www.tripadvisor.com

Hawaiian Goose, state bird, Nene Goose, photo

This is the state of Hawaii's bird....Nene goose....beautiful markings and fun to watch....you can see them in the wild or at the Honolulu Zoo on Oahu.  photo:  gohawaii.about.com

Hawaii Five-O....returning for another season...

One of my fav television programs this season is Hawaii Five O.... I've recently heard that CBS has renewed their contract for the 2013-2014  season still to be filmed entirely in the islands. The scenery is great and the acting is good too......happy watching....

State Flower of Hawaii, photo

The lovely Hibiscus is the Hawaiian State flower...blooms in all of its splendor year round. this photo is from the collection:  statesymbolsusa.org

Seventh Annual Hawaii Avocado Festival on the Big Island, Kona

This year the Seventh Annual Hawaii Avocado Festival will be held on the Big Island, Kona coast. From 10:00am to 5:00pm on April 13th, 2013. It is sponsored by the Sanctuary of Mana Kea Gardens Tropical Fruit growers, W. Hawaii and the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa. A truly delightful way to spend a day...enjoy.

Hawaiian Double Orchid Flower Lei...Photo

The true spirit of the Hawaiian culture in the land of Aloha....the flower Lei...used for all occasions..given with love...photo: www.withouraloha.com

A walk on the sand ....Hawaii

Any day of the week, in any season is a good day to take a relaxing and healthy walk along Hawaii's many lovely beaches. The fresh sea air, the crystal blue water and the brightness of the sky... and did I mention the warmth of the sun!  Enjoy your day with a walk.....Aloha......

Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii, photo

Beautiful Haleakala National Park, located on the west side of the island of Maui, Hawaii. Wildlife, history, great hiking trails, picnics and campgrounds. This is a very interesting place to spend the day...photo: Haleakala.national-park.com

Kapiolani Park Preservation Society,info

Kapiolani Park in Honolulu, Hawaii remains ever so popular...a great park for walking, events, picnics and enjoying life in the islands...The Preservation Society for Kapiolani Park has info available @ www.kapiolanipark.net....

Many years ago on a family vacation to Hawaii we visited the Dole Pineapple Cannery on Oahu. It was a delightful day filled with adventure. Riding the city bus to and from the processing plant, taking a guided tour and best of all sampling the delicious Dole pineapple products. My youngest brother, then a teenager was tired, hungry and very thirsty. At the end of the tour our Hawaiian guide asked if we would please help ourselves to the cool pineapple juice that was chilling in large containers. My brother stood in line and proceeded to drink 23 small cups of juice. " Wow, this is the best juice I've ever tasted!"  A great memory of a time in history when we enjoyed the fun, sun and the sandy beaches of Hawaii. Thanks Dole for being part of my families special memories.  Photo: Dole.com

Hawaii Public Radio, Maui

The Hawaiian Public Radio system is in a partnership with the Maui Arts and Cultural Center. They are located on HPR-1, 90.7 and HPR-2, 89.7    News, culture, arts.... good programming for all ages.

Elgranmilagro Hotel, Hawaii, photo

This is a spectacular entry way into the main lobby..simply stunning...one of the nicest in the islands...photo: elgranmilagro.com   on the Big Island......

The town of Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii, photo

Hanalei, Hawaii located on the island of Kauai....a rare and scenic wonderland....photo: hawaiimagazine.com

Paia, Maui Hawaii, photo

Paia, Maui is one of Hawaii's best small towns...full of shops, good food and fun....photo: Hawaiimagazine.com

Big Island of Hawaii Map....photo

Old Lahaina Town, Hawaii, photo

Lovely Old Lahaina Town  Maui, Hawaii..... this vintage art poster is so classic....photo: Printsellers.com

Authentic Hawaiian Luau, photo

This is a very good example of a Hawaiian style Luau......good food for all ages, along with music and traditional dancing..... photo:  authenticluau.com

NorthShore of Oahu, Hawaii, photo

The Northshore of Oahu, Hawaii....such scenic beauty....photo: resortislands.com    Aloha.........

Mens Hawaiian Blue dress shirt, photo

This is a fine example of a Mens Hawaiian blue pattern dress Aloha shirt.....worn for everyday or a grand Hawaiian Luau...photo: waveshoppe.com     Always in style.....

Kahanamoku Brothers, vintage surfing poster. Photo

The famous Kahanamoku Brothers of Hawaii surfing fame....this is a vintage poster...for purchase @ hawiin.com    The great days of surfing in Hawaii...notice how long the surf boards are?  Good times....

Pikake Flower, Hawaii

Lovely Pikake Flowers have the best scent ever.. used in the islands....enjoy. photo: Ebay

Ah, Surfing ....Hawaii's Own style...photo

Hawaii's own special style of surfing....peaceful, bliss and exciting.....surf the islands..............photo: Kauai Sand Hotel.......

Hawaiian Anthurium....Flowers, photo

These lovely Anthuriums come from Hawaii Floral Products......So wonderful!   One of the best blooms Hawaii has to offer......

Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu Hawaii, photo

The beauty of Hawaii in a lovely Luau and performance is located on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu....great entertainment and good Hawaiian style cuisine.... A must see...Aloha......

Traditional Long Red MuuMuu....Hawaii, photo

Lovely Traditional long red Hawaiian MuuMuu.....worn for all occasions.... anytime.....Very nice style for all to wear.....photo: waveshoppe.com

Vintage Hawaiian Art Poster, Hawaii, photo

  Vintage Hawaiian Poster from printseller.com    Such a lovely day on Waikiki beach........