As anyone in my family will tell you, I’m not much of a shopper. There are several reasons for this, starting with the fact I don’t like traffic or trolling for a parking space. But despite the daunting prospect of full parking lots and possible inclement weather, I do appreciate beautiful things, which is
Articles Categorized Hawai`i
Entertaining the Bride-Elect, 1939
On Sunday, December 3, 1939 the Hilo Tribune Herald noted that “being a very popular bride-elect of the winter season, Miss Helen Henderson is being entertained at one party after another each week by her many friends and relatives in Hilo and the Big Island. The wedding will take place on December 16 at the
Francis Hyde I’i Brown: “The Last Ali`i”
This is a story about family, love, and history, with a light touch of scandal. The story happened at the Eva Parker Woods Cottage Museum, a wooden structure that rises above fishponds to face the sea. But the story isn’t about Eva. It’s about Francis Hyde I`i Brown, a public man who lived a secluded
Kilauea Lodge & The Fireplace of Friendship
Kilauea Lodge may be the most famous structure in Volcano Village. Visitors and tourists comment on the excellent food and serene atmosphere. Only a mile from Volcano National Park, the lodge is a pleasant place to stay while exploring the area. Hiloans often drive approximately thirty miles southwest on Highway 11 for a brief “staycation.”
GODDESS PELE’S PATH
Goddess Pele, creates land and destroys whatever impedes the process, whether vacant forest or inhabited towns. The land is hers, and she does with it as she likes, when she likes. The goddess can be beautiful and loving as shown here in Arthur Johnson’s depiction of Pele carrying her embryonic sister Hia`aka in an egg.
ROTARIANS, RUNNERS, & WINE
Rotary Club of Hilo Bay staffs Aid Station Number 5 at the annual Volcano Rain Forest Run. Station 5 at the corner of Wright and Amaumau Roads had a slightly funky appearance this year due to the first purple portable toilet I’ve seen. I’m more accustomed to motley green or brown colors. But purple has
WHEW! WHAT A WEEK IT WAS
Last week featured three large events in three different life categories – Personal, Statewide Severe Weather, and State Political Shifts. In chronological order: Tuesday – Personal A few weeks ago I went to the optometrist for my annual check-up. I was hoping for a stronger glasses prescription. Little did I know, what my eyes were
A SYMPHONY OF ORCHIDS
ORCHIDS. The very word conjures up exotic flowers and romance. At one time, every girl hoped her escort to the high school prom would give her a large orchid corsage. Ideally, the corsage should look like this. The blossoms screamed expense, status, and an adoring boyfriend. Alas, most boys could barely afford a
NANI MAU GARDENS – An Oasis of Floral Enchantment
Once upon a time in paradise, Makato Nitahara transformed a 20-acre papaya patch into a tropical dream. I don’t know what inspired him – perhaps just the joyful satisfaction of creation. Nitahara called his garden Nani Mau – Forever Beautiful. In 1972 Nitahara opened his garden to the public, and it’s been a
MOKU`AIKAUA CHURCH: Historic Past, Present Crisis & Unknown Future
In 1820 a company of fourteen New England missionaries with three Hawaiian protégés arrived at Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawai`i. Seven men, seven women – all determined to bring Christianity and American know-how to islands most of them probably couldn’t point out on a map. Two men were ministers; one was a doctor.
CHECKING OUT, CHECKING IN
There is a children’s game to help kids learn geography. It’s called “Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego?” Carmen leads a gang of nefarious henchmen who hatch various crimes. The “Chief” is hot on her trail with assistance from “gumshoes,” the kids who put together clues to prevent the geographical crime. Carmen herself eludes
MY ROTARY DAY IN VOLCANO
This past Saturday I participated in two events held in Volcano Village, about 30 miles away from Hilo. The first was staffing an aid station for the 4th Annual Rain Forest Run; the second was a visit to Volcano Winery. As a member of the Rotary Club of Hilo Bay, I could join both activities,
COMPUTERS & MAGIC or THE TECHS I NEED TAKE THE WEEKEND OFF
Magic: the operative word for anything relating to computers. I have seen IT personnel, in unguarded moments; wave their hands over the offending machine, and restart it. Sometimes, it works. Other times, they shoot a few hoops, and try again. When everything works, I take my computer buddies for granted. But when they
NEW GENERATIONS AT THE MANAGO HOTEL
In 1929, Osame Manago took her children to Japan. Her father said, “seeing [them] was worth more than a house filled with gold.” But the triumphant visit became bittersweet on the day Osame and her family prepared to leave. Osame’s sister observed that at seven months old, Osame’s baby was “so young that she couldn’t tell
STEP INTO OLD HAWAI`I AT THE MANAGO HOTEL
The Manago Hotel on Hawai`i’s Kona Coast offers visitors a glimpse of rapidly disappearing “Old Hawai`i.” If you require hotel amenities equaling those at the Four Seasons, this is not the place for you. But, if you have a sense of adventure and a desire to experience a different slice of life, the Manago can
PURNA YOGA, VOLCANOES, & MOMENTS FROM OLD HAWAI`I
You may be wondering what Purna Yoga, Volcanoes, and Old Hawai`i could possibly have in common. All contribute to my creative growth as a writer and my joy in the history of Hawai`i. So let us begin. Purna Yoga I didn’t post last week, because I attended a four-day yoga workshop at Big Island Yoga