While visting one of the many beaches on O`ahu, one might be lucky to see `ilio-holo-i-ka-uaua (the name used to describe the Hawaiian monk seal. It means “the dog that runs in the rough (seas). Monk seals are totally protected and are one of the most endagered of all seals. It is illegal to kill,capture, and even harass a monk seal. Most of the monk seals inhabit the tiny islands and atolls in the northwest Hawaiian island chain. Monk seals have recently been making their appearance on the main Hawaiian islands.
The life expectancy of a Hawaiian monk seal is 25 to 30 yrs. The average weight is 300-400 pounds for adult males and 400-600 pounds for females. Adult males measure approximately 7 feet,and females between 7-8 feet. Newborn pups are 30-40 pouns and 30-40 inches in length.
Common food for monk seals are spiny lobsters, eels, flatfish, small reef fish, larval fish, and octopus. Monk seals eat as much as 10% of their body weight in a day. They can spend many days at sea before returning to the shore of the Hawaiian islands. They spend much of their daylight hours sleeping. When on land, they may look lathargic,sick or even dead. They are getting rest and shoud not be disturbed or approached. If they are approached a monk seal can raise their body’s up off the sand and lunge forward and deliver a deadly bite
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Being a Kama`aina (local resident) of Hawai`i allows you to experience one of the most spectacular events. That event is the hikina`akala (rising of the sun). When first moving to Hawai`i, I would take notice of the sky and the different colors that happen. The way the sunlight would shine upon the mountains, how the clouds would all take on different colors, and how it would seem that Hawai`i would come to life as the sun was rising. Watching sunrises became my new pasttime. At the end of the day, I would notice how the sky would seem like it was in reverse. In the morning the sky would go from dark to light,and then in the evening, from light to dark. Each day brings a different sunrise, and each evening brings a different sunset. No two days are ever the same.
I met a lady one day who asked me if I would watch the sunrise everyday. I looked at her with much puzzlement wondering how she knew. She told me that in Hawai`i it is believed that if you watch the sunrise and the sunset, everyday for 30 days, you will be very happy all the time. So I thought that I would give all the readers of my blog a nice Hawaiian sunrise to start their day.
Hawaiian word of the blog: Hine`ea = Goddess of sunrise and sunset
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The island of O`ahu has many activities to offer, from free to break your bank account.
The lu`au is an event that is not to be missed. It’s a good way to see some of the culture as well as sample some of the local foods. Paradise Cove Lu`au is one of Hawaii’s best. The best way to experience the lu`au is with the royal ali`i service . We were hesitant at first to select that package, but soon found out that it was well worth the extra money. From the time you enter you are welcomed with a picture taking crew, as well as your first mai tai. You are given 4 drink tickets each, and shown to your seats. Our seats were located in the “ali`i box” over looking the stage. You are served your food versus having to stand in a buffet line. Anytime you want more food you just ask your friendly waiter.
Most lu`aus offer bland food,unlike the “local grind” (plate lunch) places located around the island. Some of the favorite local grind places include zippy’s & L&L.
There are many lu`aus throughout the Hawaiian islands, and each one is unique to itself. Everyone has their favorite as well as their least favorite. That is why when you ask a local. “where’s the best luau?”, you will get different answers.
Aloha and Mahalo for visiting our blog
Hawaiian word of the blog:
ho`okipa = The value of Hawaiian-style hospitality, in which guests and strangers alike are welcomed with your spirit of Aloha.
Joshua buying trinkets from the locals.
Melissa,Mikey and Joshy from our seating area.
View of the lu`au from our elevated seating area.
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Learning Hawaiian words can sometimes look intimidating. Once you learn the basic rules to the language, it becomes easier. Hawaiian only has 13 letters -5 vowels (a,e,i,o,u) and 7 consonants( h,k,l,m,n,p,w) and the ` (okina or glottal stop). There is also the kahako (a bar over the letter means to sound out the letter a little bit longer. A consonant is always followed by a vowel, therefore all Hawaiian words end in a vowel. It’s easier if you break down the words into single syllables. One that most common words to ask visitors is to pronounce the Hawaii state fish, Humuhumunukunukuapua`a. Go ahead try it.Hu-mu-hu-mu-nu-ku-nu-ku-a-pu-a-a, ok now pronounce it who-moo-who-moo-new-coo-new-coo-ah-poo-ah-ah. The w is pronounced as a v traditionaly, therefore Hawaii would be prononced huh-vie-ee.
Here are some common words and phrases:
Keep in mind that the kahako has been omitted due to not having a keyboard with the kahakô.
Ho`olu komo la kaua -Please join us
Mahalo nui loa ni ho`olaule`a me la kaua-Thank you for celebrating with us: Mahalo nui loa na ho’olaule’a me la kaua
Hele Mei Hoohiwahiawa-Come celebrate: Hele mei hoohiwahiwa
Mele Kalikimaka- Merry Christmas (pronounced may-lay ka-lee-key-ma-ka)
Hau`oli Makahiki Hou- Happy New Year (pronounced how-oh-lee ma-ka-hee-key ho) Aloha Au Ia ‘Oe - I Love You
Me Ke Aloha - With love A hui hou kakou - Until we meet again Mahalo -Thank you
Mahalo nui loa -Thank you very muchAloha `oe -Farewell to you
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