King Kamehameha Day
On June 11th, Hawaiians celebrate King Kamehameha Day with vibrant festivities. The celebrations feature grand floral parades, where floats are adorned in colorful leis, and traditional Hawaiian hula performances accompanied by lively music. Lei draping ceremonies at statues of King Kamehameha honor his legacy and contributions. This joyous occasion brings Hawaiians together to celebrate their rich cultural heritage and pay tribute to Kamehameha the Great.
Forgotten Towns of Hawaii
Forgotten Towns of Hawaii Hawaii has a complex history. Even today the islands are evolving due to natural events like floods, earthquakes, and volcanoes. The Hawaiian Islands continue to change and the people of Hawaii know that towns may come and go at the hands of Mother Nature. Apua Halawa – Now largely uninhabited, this valley has such historic significance that Hawaiians consider it a sacred place. The first settlers arrived over 1300 years ago, eventually building a complex irrigation system. Evidence also indicates there had been many taro farms in the area; and fish ponds had been built that covered 55 acres. Many residents eventually started moving inland toward cities, but for those that remained, life went on has it had for generations before. The village was lost after a devastating flood in 1946; and what had survived was then lost in a tsunami in 1957. Apua – From fishing to camping, the town is gone, forever changed. Originally Apua was a thriving fishing village for natives. Only a few stone walls remain after Hawaii’s biggest earthquake in recorded history. A 7.9 earthquake hit the village in April of 1868, causing landslides and a tsunami. The deserted town is now part of the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park and attracts back country campers/hikers. There is no power or running water in the town. Halawa Kapoho – Six months after Hawaii became a state, the town of Kapoho was buried by the eruption of Kilauea. Despite several small earthquakes in the area, many felt they were safely out of Kilauea’s path. However, in early 1960, the volcano produced a red glow and began erupting. The slow moving lava allowed the town to attempt to divert the flow, but they were unsuccessful. The lava flowed for nearly a month, completely covering the town. The only piece that survived was a lighthouse, but even the orange grove next to it, and the lighthouse keepers home were destroyed. 50 years later with no activity from the volcano some residents are considering moving back. Kapoho In 2014, another lava flow threatened the town of Pahoa. Watch this video to see what the locals experienced.
5 must-do’s on Maui
Maui Must Do’s Maui Favorites Maui offers a plethora of activities for visitors. Some of the most popular things to do include driving the scenic Road to Hana, snorkeling with sea turtles at Molokini Crater, watching the sunrise at Haleakalā National Park, and attending a traditional Hawaiian luau. You can also explore the beautiful beaches, or go whale watching! Learn more about the top rated Maui experiences! The Road to Hana Molokini Crater
Kalaupapa National Historic Park
Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai, Hawaii, preserves the poignant history of the Kalaupapa and Kalawao settlements, which once served as leper colonies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This park offers a profound glimpse into the resilience of its residents amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
History of the Aloha Shirt
How the Aloha Shirt Inspired Casual Friday In 1962 the Hawaiian Fashion Guild pushed to make the Aloha shirt (more commonly known as the Hawaiian Shirt), acceptable business attire. They argued that the Hawaiian climate was not suited for standard business attire. It was too hot, and business clothes were too uncomfortable. After a few years, they decided to petition the Hawaiian Government to allow its staff to wear Aloha shirts on Fridays. By 1966, Aloha Friday had gotten its stamp of approval. With the end of WWII, many soldiers brought the Aloha shirts back to the mainland. This increased their overall popularity. By the 1990’s the shirt had gained such popularity, that many companies in Hawaii had allowed employees to wear them any day of the week. This led to a frenzy for finding brighter more flamboyant shirts for Fridays. As the recession set in, many employers were looking for ways to increase moral without spending money. They took Aloha Friday to the next level, allowing even more casual attire on Fridays, and thus Aloha Friday, became Casual Friday!
