December 2019: Hawaii

Discover Hawaii: The Big Island

“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

(Martin Luther King Jr.)

Change is constant. Life presents challenges. Our job is to embrace the challenges, embrace the changes, and keep moving forward. Dream possibilities. Fight for what could be; for what will be. And thus we co-create a new, better world.

From Asia we started the first leg of our new exciting journey around the world. Returning to visit our friends and family, ‘Ohana’ on our beautiful Hawaiian Islands is always a highlight of our year. Generations have passed before our eyes. My children, Mariah and Kevin, were raised on the Big Island and now they have returned to raise their own children, their ‘keiki’, in the loving arms of this laid back tropical paradise. Our grandchildren grow and thrive and it brings us great joy to share in their lives during our visit.

Much time is spent catching up while enjoying the outdoor lifestyle that is inherent to Hawaii. We explored hiking trails, discovered new beaches, enjoyed hula and music at cultural events, and celebrated America’s birthday on the 4^th of July. A country boasting a rich multicultural heritage; built on perseverance. The United States is full of spirited, generous, optimistic, innovative, friendly and creative citizens. Hawaiians and ‘haoles’ alike; it seems the friendliest have ended up ‘chillin’ in Hawaii together.

Hawaiians are known for their Aloha spirit and the relaxed lifestyle attracts people from far and wide. The Big Island or Hawaii is large enough to fit in all of the other 6 islands. Taking over 12 hours to drive around provides endless hours of exploration. Ten of the world’s 14 main climate zones are found on this island, boasting skiing in the snow atop 14,000 ft. volcanoes in the morning and surfing in the afternoon.

Hawaiian myths and legends are brimming with passion, betrayal, birth and death. Many myths are similar to the legends told in other Polynesian islands. Ancient chants speak of gods and men, with up to 4000 gods of the Hawaiian people. The ancient Hawaiians, like most indigenous peoples, felt a strong connection with Nature and explained everything from the lava flowing from the volcanoes to the very creation of Earth through the stories of their gods and goddesses. The four main gods (akua) are Lono, Ku, Kane, and Kanaloa.

The newest island in this long chain of remote Pacific islands means that bubbling orange lava, compliments of ‘Pele’ the fire goddess, is often seen erupting from the earth’s core. Pele figures prominently in the many myths and legends of Hawaii. This goddess with a hot temper has caused earthquakes and eruptions, often related to her many moods. Many ancient dances and ceremonies try to appease Pele. The legend of the Ohia tree and the Lehua blossom says that one day Pele met a handsome warrior named Ohia. She demanded that he marry her. Ohia, however, had already pledged his love to Lehua. Pele was furious when Ohia turned down her marriage proposal, so she turned Ohia into a twisted tree. Lehua was heartbroken. The gods took pity on Lehua and decided it was unfair to have Ohia and Lehua separated. They turned Lehua into a flower on the Ohia tree so that the two lovers would be forever joined together. Hawaiian folklore says that if you pluck this flower you are separating the lovers, and that day it will rain.

It is said you can never go back. This hit us between the eyes this trip. Madam Pele decided to come for a visit in Puma, on the other side of the island, her molten lava destroying over 700 homes. Roads started cracking, molten orange lava oozed then spewed out, until a large river of lava roared to the sea. When we visited this high risk zone we were amazed as Nature completely reconstructed the area. Roads ended abruptly with 15 foot walls of hardened lava blocking the way. Yes, Pele, we see and feel your power!

So much had changed for the good; healthy thriving young families enjoying their lives in Hawaii, a precious new grandson and vibrant growing older grandchildren, friends aging gracefully with a smile on their faces. Kona and especially S. Kona area still has the country charm with development only peeking in here and there. So much to be thankful for. A visit to the islands is always worth the effort. Play in the tropical sand and surf, soak up the rich colorful Hawaiian culture, and take the Aloha of the Islands with you in your heart wherever you go.

And so it goes………………………………Next we continue our ‘Victory Tour’ visiting long lost friends on the mainland U.S. Victory because we are all still alive, happy and healthy!! Until then Be Grateful, Keep Laughing, Keep Living Life to the Fullest, and remember to keep moving forward. Thanks for stopping by. Drop us a line sometime on the form on our new Contact page or email us at happyorchid2@yahoo.com. Take care!

Love, Light & Laughter,

xo Nancy & Joseph