Blogs from Oahu, Hawaii, United States, North America - page 111

I write about Wai’ki’ki over a week after I left. Had such a cool time in Hawaii that I didn’t write. Then I got to Fiji, no electricity on the islands I was staying on. So from memory this is what I did. Day 2 Wai’ki’ki. Split the cost of car hire with Neil and Dean, a Londoner and Edinburghonian who I met at the Hawaiian Hostel. Travelled around the whole of the island, drove again for the first time in ages. Every few miles there would be a sign that said, “scenic view parking”, we’d pull in and ou and ah at the scenic view. Saw the famous north shore, huge waves. Ate more junk food for lunch. Went to an all you can eat buffet with Neil and Dean, Scotty and Cinthy (Australian couple), ... read more

more to come... read more

On the evening of March 31, a fire broke out in a Unit, 2 units away causing mostly smoke damage. So the past 3 weeks were spent cleaning, vacuuming, scrubbing, washing, etc. to remove the odor so I could finally move back in. After 3 weeks, I was able to accomplish pretty much was I could to make the place livable, and not a day too soon, as the 23rd Annual Hawaii Pacific University Intercultural Day was to take place, in downtown. Though I only discovered it during the past 5 years of it occurrence, it does give me something to look forward to. The students from the various countries set up booths mostly for informational purposes to give others the opportunity to learn and hopefully appreciate the richness of their culture. At about noon, ... read more

This past Sunday evening the streets of Waikiki looked more like the streets of Kyoto, Seoul, Naha or Hong Kong as the 28th Annual Pan-Pacific Parade took place. The event is a Japan sponsored function to promote friendship, culture exchange and fun between Japan and the Local cultures. The previous morning, there was another parade through Downtown and Waikiki honoring King Kamehameha (See Previous Journal). One would think it’ll be more sensible to have spread these events, let’s say at least a week or 2 apart, but hey, I just live here. Well, I’m not complaining as I love a parade anytime or anywhere. Basically various culture groups came from Japan specifically to participate in the event, such as traditional clowns, percussion bands, dancers, singers, etc. Usually at end, something new and interesting are featured. ... read more

King Kamehameha Day was celebrated over the past weekend, with a Parade, crafts fair and entertainment in the park. Though a Highway that goes completely around the Island of Oahu is named after him, as well as a large prestigious school and a statue of him is erected in a prominent location downtown, I have to admit I know very little about him. We were really not taught much in schools in my days about his life, only that he united the Hawaiian Islands. Today however, I think Hawaiian history and subjects receive more exposure in schools. From what I’ve read on my own, he was the only one able to lift a huge boulder, called the Naha Stone, thus earning his position as a chief. As mentioned, he is highly honored for the unity of ... read more