Saturday, August 31, 2013

Aloha Festivals 2013



All events are free and open to the public! Our events are supported by Aloha Festival Ribbons and Powerband sales.
2013 Royal Court Investiture
Thursday, September 12, 2013, 3pm

Hilton Hawaiian Village, Village Green
Traditional chant and hula highlight this annual event as the 2013 Ali‘i receive their royal symbols of reign during investiture ceremonies. Free admission.
2013 Opening Ceremony
Thursday September 12, 2013, 5pm

Royal Hawaiian Center, Royal Grove
This ceremony marks the official beginning of the 2013 Aloha Festivals event on O‘ahu. Traditional hula and chant introduce our Royal Court on the grounds of the Royal Hawaiian Center's Royal Grove. Free admission.
2013 Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a
Saturday, September 21, 2013, 7:00pm

On Kalākaua Avenue between Lewers & Kapahulu Avenues
Celebrating its 61st year, the largest block party will kick off with the arrival of the Royal Court. Multiple stages of entertainment, lots of food, lei vendors and hawaiian crafters will be spread along the world famous Kalākaua Avenue. Free admission. the Royal Court. Multiple stages of entertainment, lots of food, lei vendors and hawaiian crafters will be spread along the world famous Kalākaua Avenue. Free admission.
2013 Aloha Festivals Floral Parade
Saturday, September 28, 2013, 9:00am

Click here to see CHANNEL808.com's recording of the 2012 parade
From Ala Moana Park, along Kalākaua Avenue to Kapi‘olani Park
A colorful equestrian procession of female and male pā‘ū riders, extravagant floats with cascades of Hawaiian flowers, hula Hālau and marching bands will brighten Kalākaua Avenue from Ala Moana Park to Kapi‘iolani Park. This is a "must see" event! Free admission.
Click here for the List of 2012 Parade winners

2014 dates are 9/20/14 for the Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a and 9/27/14 for the Floral Parade.
AFFILIATED EVENT:
The Pearlridge Keiki Ho‘olaule‘a
Saturday, September 14, 2013, 10am - 3pm

Pearlridge Center
Presented by Pearlridge center. Phone: 488-0981 visit their website:www.pearlridgeonline.com
OTHER CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS:
King Kamehameha Celebration
http://hawaii.gov/dags/kamehameha
Prince Kuhio Celebration
http://www.hawaiiforvisitors.com/events/prince-kuhio-day.htm
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Thursday, August 22, 2013

Sunday, August 18, 2013

`OLENA - Hawaiian Tumeric

Mahalo nui loe e 
Canoe Plants of Ancient Hawai`i

    `OLENA

`OlenaThis humble little root, about the size of an adult thumb, was probably one of the two dozen or so plants brought to Hawai`i by early Polynesian settlers in their voyaging canoes. `Olena's scientific botanical name is Curcuma domestica. It is best known throughout the world as Turmeric, and is a member of the ginger family.
`Olena is rarely found in Hawai`i today. It grows in cultivation and in the wild in moist forested valleys, up to altitudes of 3000 feet, preferring shade, yet able to tolerate heat.
The `olena is without a stem, yet the overlapping clustered leaves appear to be growing out of a stem above ground. The leaves are blade-like, 8 inches long by 3 inches wide, and rise to about 20 inches high, directly from the underground root. This root/rhizome grows its leaves much as the banana does.

It is `olena's rhizome which is precious. In tropical India, turmeric is widely cultivated as a dye and as a spice, being the yellow color we associate with curry powder, which is actually a mixture of spices that includes turmeric. The root is thick and orange or yellow-colored on the inside. It is this bright color that is characteristic of turmeric, the cooking spice. In the language of Hawai`i, `olena means yellow. Dyes from these roots were used to color tapa cloth. Young roots were steamed to provide a light yellow dye and the steamed older mature roots provided a golden or a deep orange dye. The juice of crushed raw roots produces stain also.
Traditionally, this root can be used medicinally. The roots are pounded and pressed to extract a juice that, when mixed with water, is helpful in earaches and to clear the sinuses through nasal application. The astringent qualities of `olena are also useful in cases of consumption, tuberculosis, bronchitis, colds and asthma, the root being lightly cooked and then eaten. Its use enhances the immune system by purifying the blood. At times `olena has been taken as a diuretic, and topically it can be helpful with pimples or to stop bleeding. Turmeric is anti-bacterial. Also, when taken daily, as a teaspoon or powder in food, tea or encapsulated, this plant offers relief from a variety of diseases. It alleviates inflammation in the blood, often considered to be a cause of our human diseases.
Ceremonially, the traditional use for `olena is as a purifier, containing much mana, spiritual power. Pieces of the crushed root mixed with sea water are sprinkled to remove negative influences from places, persons and things. Typically, when someone is ill, or when a home or other place is to be newly occupied and needing blessing, a ceremony is held. To sprinkle, a ti leaf is dipped into a calabash or bowl containing the `olena and sea water. The sprinkling is accompanied by prayers.


If you wish to cultivate `olena in your garden, remember that this plant likes rich soil, some shade and plenty of water. After the rhizomes are planted, `olena hides in the garden for three or more months. In addition, this plant is usually dormant from about September to March, but the roots do survive and will revive to come up with green leaves once again. When they do, they will later show flowers on a stem developing from the center of the leaf stalks, called petioles. The cylindrical flower cluster is about 5 inches long. The pale yellow and white flowers grow on the lower pale green bract, while the upper pinkish part of the bract grows no flowers.

Spartan Kualoa

 










Sunday, August 11, 2013

Diamond Head State Monument




Mahalo Nui Hawaii State Parks!
Click for website


Diamond Head State Monument


Description: The unique profile of Diamond Head (Le'ahi) sits prominently near the eastern edge of Waikiki's coastline. Hawaii's most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views, and military history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses over 475 acres, including the interior and outer slopes of the crater.

This broad, saucer-shaped crater was formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, explosive eruption that sent ash and fine particles in the air. As these materials settled, they cemented together into a rock called tuff, creating the crater, and which is visible from the trail in the park. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

The trail to the summit of Le'ahi was built in 1908 as part of O'ahu's coastal defense system. The 0.8 mile hike from trailhead to the summit is steep and strenuous, gaining 560 feet as it ascends from the crater floor. The walk is a glimpse into the geological and military history of Diamond Head. A concrete walkway built to reduce erosion shifts to a natural tuff surface about 0.2 mile up the trail with many switchbacks traversing the steep slope of the crater interior. The ascent continues up steep stairs and through a lighted 225-foot tunnel to enter the Fire Control Station completed in 1911. Built on the summit, the station directed artillery fire from batteries in Waikiki and Fort Ruger outside Diamond Head crater. At the summit, you'll see bunkers and a huge navigational lighthouse built in 1917. The postcard view of the shoreline from Koko Head to Wai'anae is stunning, and during winter, may include passing humpback whales.

Services: Restrooms, vending machines, lunchwagon/food, trash cans, trail, lookouts, interpretive signs, brochure/species list, drinking water, picnic area, bus accessible.

Special Tips: Last entrance to hike the trail is at 4:30 p.m. The gates are locked at 6:00 p.m. daily and all visitors must be out of the park by this time. NO PETS ALLOWED IN THE PARK EXCEPT SERVICE ANIMALS.

The hiking trail to the summit is very steep and uneven in some areas. The last 1/10 of a mile is all stairs and especially steep. The site is accessible to those with disabilities near the visitor booth. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your hike. Wear good walking shoes, bring water, and wear a hat and sunscreen.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Friday, August 9, 2013

Sand sculpture at the Sheraton Waikiki

Sand sculpture at the Sheraton Waikiki

"'Upena Lawai'a" (net fishing)


Restaurant Suntory


Restaurant Suntory

Serving the finest Japanese cuisine in Waikiki for over 30 years. Authentic Japanese dishes from Shabu-Shabu to Sushi, Teppanyaki and Elegant Kaiseki Dinners.
PHONE:
(808) 922-5511
LOCATION:
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center
Building B
Level 3, B-307

Try the lunch 
Teppanyaki special! 
The cost is $13 and it is really good. I snapped the photo below from my table. Oiishi!


Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Maile - Alyxia oliviformis

Mahalo Aloha-Hawaii.com for this information


Maile 

 popular for lei


Lei reserved for memorable occasions
In Hawaii, the placing of a lei over the head and around the shoulders of a person exemplifies the bestowing of honor and respect, and also the spirit of aloha. According to Hawaiian tradition, the maile was the lei for people of all classes and all occasions. The maile is a long lasting lei and probably the oldest and most popular material used in leis by the early Hawaiians. It is an open-ended horseshoe fashion lei made of the spicy scented green maile stems and leaves.
The native Hawaiian vine, with shiny fragrant leaves, is a member of the periwinkle family, and is also associated with Laka, the goddess of Hula. Maile along with other plants of the native forest were considered sacred to Laka, and were offered at her altar at hula dance practices and shows. In ancient Hawaii, the maile was also considered a peace offering in the field of battle.

When It’s Used

The maile is most often reserved for memorable occasions. It is known to many as the “lei of royalty,” given to signify respect and honor. The maile is very popular at weddings, graduations and especially proms. On the US mainland, young men usually receive a boutonniere from their prom dates. In Hawaii, they are presented with a maile lei. Wedding leis are a Hawaiian wedding tradition. The maile is the most traditional wedding lei, as it was used by the Kahuna (Hawaiian priest) in old Hawaii to bind the hands of the bride and groom, symbolizing their commitment to each other.

Maile plants are rare and do not look like much until they are woven together to make a lei

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Made in Hawaii Festival 8/16 thru 8/18


First Hawaiian Bank Presents the 2013 

Made in Hawaii Festival 


A 3-day showcase of "Made in Hawaii" products, including food, books, art, gifts, fashions, plants, crafts, produce and more. Plus cooking demonstrations and ongoing entertainment



WHEN: Friday – Sunday, August 16-18, 2013 Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii

Cost: $4; children six and under free; look for $1.00-off coupons at First Hawaiian Bank's Oahu branches, starting in mid-August (while suplies last)