The first whales of 2024 have been spotted! Mid-September is unusually early to be seeing North Pacific Humpback Whales in Hawai’i. In previous years our earliest whale sightings were usually late October to early November. This year the first whales were sighted on September 15th. We have learned that this is not the earliest date… Read more »
Winter is just around the corner. Many of you have already had to put on heavier clothes or insulated raincoats for some chilly autumn days. Or, you are probably not leaving the house without something to keep you warm, just in case! Meanwhile, in Hawai’i, we are breaking out our hoodies (that is our winter… Read more »
Ancient Hawaiians loved scary stories. The ancient Hawaiians did not have the Christian idea of All Hallow’s Eve, sometimes known as Halloween. But, they did have equally intimidating characters with whom they told stories. The scary stories would often be told at night, sitting around the open fire, in much the same way as… Read more »
The fern is symbolic of everlasting youth. Many indigenous people believe that the fern represents new life and new beginnings. In Japan, ferns exemplify family and hope for the future. From the Victorian era, the fern embodied trustworthiness and humility. Often called Living Lace, there are approximately 200 species of ferns in Hawai’i. 65% of… Read more »
Hawaiian Music… When you hear those two words, you immediately hear the double strum of the ‘ukulele and the languid steel guitar, bending musical notes to perfection. It sounds like the swaying trunk of a coconut palm. And then, enter the impossibly sweet falsetto voices singing in 4-part harmony. You are transported! Those three together,… Read more »
It’s Maui VACATION time! Whether you have been to Maui or not, there is always something new and fun to do. For the past several years, we have been compiling lots of excellent information about Maui and the state of Hawai’i in our Temptation Tours’ blogs. So you can start your search there, but first,… Read more »
No Matter Our Culture or Heritage, All People are Drawn to the Mountaintop The mountains are calling and I must go – John Muir. I have been to the Mountaintop – Martin Luther King Jr. The wind howls but the mountain remains still – Japanese Proverb Since ancient times, Haleakalā* has been and remains a… Read more »
Hawai’i has many unusual and rare birds, which recently made the American Birding Association’s official Life List. The Life List is a checklist of birds you really want to see in your lifetime. Since Hawai’i is the most remote landmass on the globe, the state has a large number of endemic or indigenous birds. Many… Read more »
Upon arrival to Hawai’i, it is easy to feel that our island chain is the most remote archipelago in the world. It takes a long time to fly here from anywhere. Along with this distinguishing fact of geographic isolation, many wonder, how was it possible for the miracle of life to first find its way… Read more »
Many people who visit Hawai’i, especially for the first time, comment on how laid-back the lifestyle is here. The pace most locals and residents move seems slower than what people expect or are used to. You may even see a bumper sticker warning visitors or even rambunctious residents to, “Slow DOWN! This ain’t the Mainland!” … Read more »
