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 »
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 »
Like so many traditions in Hawai’i, The Aloha Shirt is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and history. Seeing an Aloha Shirt will make most people feel the irresistible pull toward Hawai’i. Everyone has a dream to someday visit or return to these magical islands. The Aloha Shirt was initially called The Hawaiian Shirt. It was… Read more »
The people who live in Hawai’i tend to live an active lifestyle centered around being outside. As soon as their work is pau*, the outdoors calls. Things like surfing (body, board, wind, kite), SUP (stand-up paddling), paddling (canoe, kayak), snorkeling, swimming, running on the beach, or hiking to a waterfall with a freshwater pool. There… Read more »
If you have been to Maui, you have been to Lāhainā. Lāhainā has been rich, colorful, and vibrant since it was called Lele in ancient times. The town was chosen as the royal capital in 1820 by King Kamehameha the Great. It remained the capital until 1845. It was a very sad day when an… Read more »
