Winter Fun in Hawaii

Ahhhh, paradise!  Especially for the “snowbirds”,  our visitors from colder climates.  From November to March the weather in Hawaii is especially nice — a bit cooler than the summer months and somewhat drier as well.  While most everyone on the US mainland is hunkering down, building fires to stay warm and sipping hot chocolate, we’re enjoying the beach and all the activities associated with summer. It’s a great time for a getaway!

All one really needs is a plane ticket, a place to stay and a “puka-shell tour guide”  to find some really great spots and fun things to do.  If you have frequent-flyer miles saved up and a timeshare you’re ahead of the game.  There are deals out there if you look at Kayak.com, Expedia, Priceline or any of the other travel sites.  Booking ahead is a good idea but there are lots of “last-minute” deals if you search around.

The Big Island, also known as the island of Hawaii, is the largest in the Hawaiian island chain.  It’s actually larger than all the other islands put together.  While you can get around the other islands in a few hours, the Big Island requires a few days to really see everything.  Whether you’re arm-chair traveling or actually planning a trip to Hawaii, here’s a few ideas for some winter fun…Aloha!





Postcards from Hawaii

These exotic beauties mature slowly and last for about two months.  The purple flower is lightly scented and the blooms come out one at a time.

Hibiscus come in many colors.  This rare variety blooms upside down and has an extra-long stamen.  The petals are amazingly split rather than solid.

White plumeria is common, but oh, so fragrant!

 

 

 

 

Pikake, or Jasmine is  just delightful…one of the most fragrant flowers found in Hawaii.  The blooms are often strung into lei’s.

Coral-colored anthirium also known as “boy flower”.  These are another long-lasting bloom that come in a wide variety of colors and shapes.

 

 

Aloha from Hawaii, USA

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honolulu — happiest city in the country?

Magazine names Honolulu happiest city in the country.

Honolulu is a lovely city.  It’s like any other big city in a lot of ways but Honolulu is a great place to enjoy cultural events, visit historical sites, swim, surf and find some really great restaurants.  The beautiful warm weather probably has a lot to do with the happiness factor.  And who doesn’t want to be happy?

Handing Down Hawaii’s Rich History

Handing Down Hawaii’s Rich History by Frankie Stapelton
A heartfelt article about a truly great lady with a long Hawaiian heritage…she was a blessing to many and will be so missed.  Aloha nui loa Aunty Wattie.

Guardians of the Place of Refuge

These ki’i guard the Place of Refuge

Hawaiian Beach Vacation

There’s so many beautiful places to visit on the island of Hawaii.  The most popular attraction is by far the Volcano’s National Park where eruptions have been almost continuous since January, 1983.  But along the west side of the island lies another National Park that’s well worth your time while visiting the island.  Pu’uhonua o Honaunau is on the Kona Coast about 15 miles south from the village of Kailua-Kona.

If you have a National Park pass entrance to the park is free, otherwise there’s a small charge to enter the park.  The visitor’s center offers a self-guided walking tour through a recreated ancient Hawaiian village complete with carved tiki and Hawaiian canoe’s and shows how Hawaiians lived centuries ago.

Just imagine the history.  Honaunau Bay, as it’s known today was long inhabited by early Hawaiians.  The  royal grounds were home to the ali’i’, the royal chiefs.  The canoe landing and royal grounds were for the exclusive use of the ali’i’ and their servants.  Their residences included thatched huts, coconut palm groves,  and fish ponds.

The Place of Refuge, or pu’uhonua is separated from the royal grounds by a huge wall made of stone around 1500 and is said to have been a sanctuary for those who were caught breaking any kapu, or sacred laws.  If an offender were to make it to the pu’uhonua safely a priest, or kahuna, could perform a ceremony for their deed to be forgiven.  This was important because breaking a kapu could mean death.

The structures, plants, artifacts and wildlife all make this National Historical Park a must-see for visitors.  Each summer around the 1st of July an annual cultural festival is held.  Picnicking, hiking, diving, snorkeling and fishing are features as well.  Online information is available at http://www.nps.gov/puho

For more fun and Hawaiian activities visit http://www.healthyinhawaii.com “Healthy Fun on My Hawaiian Vacation”