Hawaii. It is simplicity with a tropical twist. Warm tropical days, white sand beaches, green lush jungles, turquoise oceans, saffron sunsets, mellow star filled nights. Ah, yes, glad to be back home.

Our plans changed mid stream and we ended up in Mexico, then C*ba, then back in Hawaii. It is said you can never go home again, but once a few wrinkles were ironed out we were embraced by the warm welcoming arms of Hawaii once more. Once ‘kamaaina’ always ‘kamaaina’. Family is family. Love runs deep. The hardest part of being a world nomad for me is, at times, being so far from family. In a subconscious effort to ease that pain and to help me along my spiritual path, (dealing with detachment) our family hit a bump in the road. But Love prevailed, as it often does, tears were cried, hugs given, actions forgiven, anger dissolved. “Let that stuff go!” And the visit of one week stretched into several months. Wonderful to be able to spend a longer time with family and friends.

Hawaiians have been practicing Ho’oponopono, a type of mediation with families, for generations. Families and relationships can be the most challenging areas of our lives. History builds up and unless we make an effort to let go of problems in the past, forgive and forget, we end up with family or relationship issues and dramas. Ho’oponopono is very effective; I used it when working as a counselor in Hawaiian schools in the 90’s, after meeting Dr Len for lunch in Kona. Now I practice the internal form of Ho’oponopono. Stuck on something in your life, give this a try. (see below)

Our dear grandchildren, Kayla, 6, and Kaimana, 3, got up in the morning fresh, lively and anticipating what wonders the day would present. They didn’t carry around the burdens of yesterday, let alone last year or last decade. They were caught up in the curiosity and wonders of the day right NOW! There is so much we, as adults , can learn from babies, toddlers and children. We cherished each time we were allowed to have the children with us, to play with them, to go on adventures together, to visit Gami in the seniors center, to cook or bake, to play “come find me”, to go for walk and roll down hills or swing, to sneak some vegan chocolate ice cream bars, to seek out miniature horses or llamas in pajamas. Basically we just played and played and cherished every moment. Love you guys!

After a week in Kona we explored the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island. Staying in an old plantation home, complete with all it’s creaks and holes and neighboring fighting cocks, we were immediately thrown into ‘da kine’ local island life. We loved it. We knew it was our kind of place with a great kitchen, a back porch overlooking the ocean and pillow cases on our bed that said, “My Side” “Also My Side!”. The house was almost enchanted, echoing with the voices of the many families who had enjoyed the views. Something quirky was always happening. A funny thing happened on the way to the bathroom one morning! I saw a piece of dryer lint on the floor. When I picked it up, it moved!! Scared the ‘b’jebers’ out of me! A little frog had found his way into the house via the dryer exhaust. Being a sticky little guy he was so covered by lint he couldn’t move. I gave him a bath, put him to sleep (my kids know how to do that) then returned him outside! I’ll bet he didn’t try sneaking in again!

The town of Pa’auhau hasn’t changed much from the sugar cane plantation days, in fact most people living in the little houses were elderly former cane field workers or their descendents. Quiet. Laid back. Simple. No worries Brah. While swinging in the park one day a local boy rode by. Would you like to pet my chicken? He was taking his chicken for a ride on his bike. Kids still ran in the park and rode bikes and played outside, not glued to cell phones or computer screens or TV’s inside.

Only 5 minutes from my Mom, Gami, in the nursing home, our days included visits to spend valuable time with her, strolls around the small town, walks in the park near our little house or drives to hike in the magnificent forests of Kalopa State Park. The Hamakua Coast, on a sunny day was crisp, clear, with green pastures painted with azure skies, white fluffy clouds and rugged coasts with waves crashing on rocky shores far below. Just one of the 22 climate zones boasted on the Big Island of Hawaii.

It didn’t take us long to slip on our slippahs and slide into island life once again. Weekends were spent visiting family and friends in Kona. We took in May Day at Kayla’s school, Hawaiian style; maypole, royal court, hula, and ukulele music. We celebrated Joseph’s birthday at the home of Priscilla and Rob, took in many farmer’s markets and fairs, shared family dinners, had catch up teas or lunches with friends, enjoyed beach days, and explored just about every corner of this massive Island.

Glad it all worked out. Isn’t forgiveness wonderful? Life is too short to hold on to the past. Move on. Who are you going to forgive today?

And so it goes…………………………………..Next Hawaii, more surprises on the Big Island of Hawaii.. Until then let’s remember to “Let that shit go, Homie!” Forgive and let it go today – life is too short! Take care and thanks for Keeping in Touch! We love to hear from you!

How to Practice Ho’oponopono in Four Simple Steps

Have you heard of the Hawaiian therapist who cured an entire ward of criminally insane patients, without ever meeting any of them or spending a moment in the same room? It’s not a joke. The therapist was Dr. Ihaleakala Hew Len. He reviewed each of the patients’ files, and then he healed them by healing himself. The amazing results seem like a miracle, but then miracles do happen when you use Ho’oponopono, or Dr. Len’s updated version called Self I-Dentity Through Ho’oponopono (SITH). I had the pleasure of attending one of his lectures a few years ago and started practicing Ho’oponopono immediately. The results are often astounding. Do you need a miracle?

What you might wish to understand is how this can possibly work. How can you heal yourself and have it heal others? How can you even heal yourself?

Why would it affect anything “out there”? The secret is there is no such thing as “out there” – everything happens to you in your mind. Everything you see, everything you hear, every person you meet, you experience in your mind. You only think it’s “out there” and you think that absolves you of responsibility. In fact it’s quite the opposite: you are responsible for everything you think, and everything that comes to your attention. If you watch the news, everything you hear on the news is your responsibility. That sounds harsh, but it means that you are also able to clear it, clean it, and through forgiveness change it.

There are four simple steps to this method, and the order is not that important. Repentance, Forgiveness, Gratitude and Love

are the only forces at work – but these forces have amazing power.

The best part of the updated version of Ho’oponopono is you can do it yourself, you don’t need anyone else to be there, you don’t need anyone to hear you. You can “say” the words in your head. The power is in the feeling and in the willingness of the Universe to forgive and love.

Step 1: Repentance – I’M SORRY
As I mention above, you are responsible for everything in your mind, even if it seems to be “out there.” Once you realize that, it’s very natural to feel sorry. I know I sure do. If I hear of a tornado, I am so full of remorse that something in my consciousness has created that idea. I’m so very sorry that someone I know has a broken bone that I realize I have caused.

This realization can be painful, and you will likely resist accepting responsibility for the “out there” kind of problems until you start to practice this method on your more obvious “in here” problems and see results.

So choose something that you already know you’ve caused for yourself? Over-weight? Addicted to nicotine, alcohol or some other substance? Do you have anger issues? Health problems? Start there and say you’re sorry. That’s the whole step: I’M SORRY. Although I think it is more powerful if you say it more clearly: “I realize that I am responsible for the (issue) in my life and I feel terrible remorse that something in my consciousness has caused this.”

Step 2: Ask Forgiveness – PLEASE FORGIVE ME
Don’t worry about who you’re asking. Just ask! PLEASE FORGIVE ME. Say it over and over. Mean it. Remember your remorse from step 1 as you ask to be forgiven.

Step 3: Gratitude – THANK YOU
Say “THANK YOU” – again it doesn’t really matter who or what you’re thanking. Thank your body for all it does for you. Thank yourself for being the best you can be. Thank God. Thank the Universe. Thank whatever it was that just forgave you. Just keep saying THANK YOU.

Step 4: Love – I LOVE YOU
This can also be step 1. Say I LOVE YOU. Say it to your body, say it to God. Say I LOVE YOU to the air you breathe, to the house that shelters you. Say I LOVE YOU to your challenges. Say it over and over. Mean it. Feel it. There is nothing as powerful as Love.

That’s it. The whole practice in a nutshell. Simple and amazingly effective.

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Best 11 FREE things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii

#1
Akaka Falls State Park

#1 in Hawaii – The Big Island
Hilo’s Akaka Falls State Park is a short, low-intensity hike in northeastern Hawai’i. Its payoff comes in the form of two consecutive waterfalls — cascading Kahuna Falls and the spectacular free-falling Akaka Falls, which earned the park its name. Those who’ve hiked the flat, paved trail say it’s more of a “walk” that’s easy enough for just about anyone — even young children. You’ll most likely be able to make the loop through the park in less than 30 minutes, and considering Akaka is a free, short-on-time experience, travelers suggest it’s one you can’t miss.
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Hiking Type
Less than 1 hour Time to Spend
Akaka Falls State Park
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#2
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

#2 in Hawaii – The Big Island
You can expect to hear one question above all others if you tell people you’re planning a visit to Big Island. “Are you going see the Volcano?”
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Hiking Type
Half Day to Full Day Time to Spend
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
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#3
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

#3 in Hawaii – The Big Island
Up until the early 19th century on Big Island, Hawaiians who broke the law could avoid a punishment of death by fleeing to a region of the west coast known as pu’uhonua, or “place of refuge,” where they would be forgiven by an area priest. In present day, this place of refuge is a historical landmark preserved by the park service. It’s also an extremely popular outing for Big Island vacationers, and the pictures make it easy to see why. Not only will you enjoy Pu’uhonua o Honaunau if you have a penchant for history and trivia, but it’s also exploding with eye-catching temples, intricate ki’i (wood carvings) and plenty of the Honu, (or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) that live on the premises. And the breathtaking scenery, of course — the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is located near some of the best snorkeling beaches of Big Island.
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Hiking Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
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#4
Waipio Valley

#4 in Hawaii – The Big Island
Waipio Valley is historically significant to the Hawaiian people. It was once one of the most fertile valleys on the Big Island and the home to an estimated 10,000 people when the navigator Captain James Cook first arrived in 1778. It was also home to Kamehameha the Great and many other Hawaiian rulers, earning it the nickname “The Valley of the Kings.”
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Hiking Type
2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend
Waipio Valley
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#5
Kaunaoa Beach Free

#5 in Hawaii – The Big Island
Come early to Kaunaoa (parking spaces are few) and plan on staying most of the day. This eggshell-colored sand beach on the central, Kohala coast (in Kona) has plenty to amuse you. Snorkeling is most popular here, especially near the rocks on the Kaunaoa’s left side, but you can also try bodyboarding, or a pickup volleyball game. The Mauna Kea Resort flanks this popular beach, and the staff welcomes beachgoers to use the gazebo bar and restrooms on the premises.
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Beaches Type
2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend
Kaunaoa Beach
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#6
Hilo Farmers Market Free

#6 in Hawaii – The Big Island
More than 100 vendors congregate on a weekly basis to hawk produce, seafood, crafts, clothing and more in downtown Hilo. And travelers and guide books agree there’s no better place on the Big Island to shop. Hilo Farmer’s Market sells some of everything, from the run-of-the-mill (like pineapples and bananas) to off-the-beaten track items (like jaboticaba fruit or bongo drums), but you’ll have to arrive early and you can’t be afraid to bargain.
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Shopping Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend
Hilo Farmers Market

#7
Anaehoomalu Beach Free

#7 in Hawaii – The Big Island
One of the Kohala Coast’s premiere beaches, Anaehoomalu Beach is a favorite haunt for frequent Big Island visitors. Do as they do and call it “A-Bay” — that way you’ll truly be in the know. You won’t find too many locals on this massive stretch of salt and pepper sand, but you will have lots of opportunity to try a some water sports in the super calm and clear water. Visitors will tell you that A-Bay is the most picturesque shore on Big Island, but it has convenience going for it. Hordes of hotels provide the backdrop, and there are lots of nearby bars and bathrooms to choose from.
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Beaches Type
2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend

Anaehoomalu Beach
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#8
Hapuna Beach State Park Free

#8 in Hawaii – The Big Island
The deliberately named waters of Hapuna Beach — Hapuna means “spring” or “pool” in Hawaiian — are probably the most loved on all of Big Island. Both visitors and residents flock to this beach on the Kohala coast, and encourage you to do the same. If you’re not visiting for the soft-as-cotton sand, then you’ve probably come for the aquamarine water. And if you aren’t enjoying the aquamarine water then you’ve probably come for the unbelievable sunsets.
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Beaches Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend
Hapuna Beach State Park

#9
Papakolea Beach Free

#9 in Hawaii – The Big Island
Of Papakolea Beach, Frommer’s writes, “The place has its problems: It’s difficult to reach; the open bay is often rough; there are no facilities, fresh water, or shade from the relentless sun; and howling winds scour the point.” We know what you’re thinking — why the heck should you go?
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Beaches Type
2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend
Papakolea Beach

#10
Punalu’u Beach Free

#10 in Hawaii – The Big Island
Some say the waters here are too rough and rocky to really enjoy swimming, but that’s not the real reason to visit Punaluu, anyway. This beach in southern Hawai’i is ideal for its picture-taking potential. For one thing, the onyx-tinted sand here owes its unique hue to the ongoing volcanic activity of Kilauea in the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. And for another, this beach is often visited by Honu (or Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles) that like to swim to and sun on the shore. You might also catch a Hawksbill turtle from time to time.
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Beaches Type
1 to 2 hours Time to Spend
Punalu’u Beach

#11
Kealakekua Bay Free

#11 in Hawaii – The Big Island
Snorkelers like to visit this remote bay on Hawai’i’s west coast for the tropical fish, sea turtles and Hawaiian Spinner dolphins that are plainly visible just below the calm, shallow water’s surface. History junkies make the trek to Kealakekua for a different reason altogether. Navigator Captain James Cook first spotted the bay and stayed here as a guest in January 1779. Weeks later tensions rose and he was killed on the very same shore. Take time in between snorkel trips and scuba dives to behold the large white Cook Monument that sits high on a Kealakekua hill.
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Beaches Type
2 hours to Half Day Time to Spend
Kealakekua Bay