April is MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD. Designated by the former Secretary of Defense, Caspar Weinbeger, this celebration underscores the important role children play in the Armed Forces community. The military community refers to dependent children as “military brats”. It is not intended to be a derogatory term, but rather a moniker for the unique subculture they experience.
I was curious who are some famous brats. The best list comes from Wikipedia,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_famous_military_brats
Notably, Pat Conroy, a Marine Brat, wrote a book about military brats,
THE GREAT SANTINI.
Robert Duvall, a Navy Brat, starred in the movie.
In 2005, Donna Musil wrote and produced a documentary,
BRATS: OUR JOURNEY HOME.
Army brat Kris Kristofferson narrates the film.
From the website, http://www.bratsourjourneyhome.com/
“the film documents a hidden American subculture - a lost tribe of at least fifteen million people from widely diverse backgrounds, raised on military bases around the world, whose shared experiences have shaped their lives so powerfully, they are forever different from their fellow Americans.”
Indeed, military children have:
- lived on the edge of history in the making,
- attended integrated schools 20 years before the civil rights movement took hold in America;
- been exposed to art, history, and culture most Americans only read about.
I invite anyone who grew up as a military child to leave comments about their favorite place or a life-changing experience.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Spring Break on the Big Island - Day 4
Continuing Spring Break on the Big Island - Day 4
We spent the morning playing at the resort. We also watched other tourists swim with the dolphins in the lagoon as part of the Hilton’s Dolphin Quest.
Just before lunch, we drove down Ali’i (Chief) Drive to the Kuano’o Battlefield:
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/Hawaii/html/sites/lekeleke_burial_grounds.html
In 1819, King Kamehameha II lifted the Kapu (off limits), thus freeing the Hawaiians from a rigid religion that enforced its prohibitions with death. The king abolished the Kapu by simply eating with women. The king's cousin, Kekuaokalni, was the spiritual leader and challenged the king’s action. Kekuaokalni and his wife lost their lives in battle. They were buried in the terrace graves created by the battleground. A gravel path runs alongside the burial grounds, leading to a jumping spot called End of the World. While it may be fun to jump 35 feet into the water below, swimmers have to scale the cliff rock to return to their cars.
We drove back towards Kona and stopped at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. The resort offers convenient parking for the recently restored Ke’eku Heiau (temple) in the shallow water:
http://www.historichawaii.org/Awards/2008/2008_recipients/2008Keahou.html
King Kamehameha sacrificed Kamalalawalu, the King of Maui, on this temple. The incident is documented by the accompanying petroglyphs etched into the lava stones. Hawaiians claim the land in front of the heiau is cursed - it remains a vacant lot after a series of failed businesses.
After lunch, we briefly walked around Kona, including the:
-‘Ahu’ena Heiau, King Kamehameha’s personal temple
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/sites/ahuena_heiau.html
- Hulihe’e Palace, a Royal Residence loving restored by the Daughters of Hawaii
http://www.daughtersofhawaii.com/
- Mokuaikau Church, the first Christian church built in the Hawaiian Islands
http://www.mokuaikaua.org/
We flew back from Kona to Honolulu, leaving the lava fields and active volcanoes behind us. Indeed, there is no place like the Big Island of Hawai’i.
We spent the morning playing at the resort. We also watched other tourists swim with the dolphins in the lagoon as part of the Hilton’s Dolphin Quest.
Just before lunch, we drove down Ali’i (Chief) Drive to the Kuano’o Battlefield:
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/Hawaii/html/sites/lekeleke_burial_grounds.html
In 1819, King Kamehameha II lifted the Kapu (off limits), thus freeing the Hawaiians from a rigid religion that enforced its prohibitions with death. The king abolished the Kapu by simply eating with women. The king's cousin, Kekuaokalni, was the spiritual leader and challenged the king’s action. Kekuaokalni and his wife lost their lives in battle. They were buried in the terrace graves created by the battleground. A gravel path runs alongside the burial grounds, leading to a jumping spot called End of the World. While it may be fun to jump 35 feet into the water below, swimmers have to scale the cliff rock to return to their cars.
We drove back towards Kona and stopped at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. The resort offers convenient parking for the recently restored Ke’eku Heiau (temple) in the shallow water:
http://www.historichawaii.org/Awards/2008/2008_recipients/2008Keahou.html
King Kamehameha sacrificed Kamalalawalu, the King of Maui, on this temple. The incident is documented by the accompanying petroglyphs etched into the lava stones. Hawaiians claim the land in front of the heiau is cursed - it remains a vacant lot after a series of failed businesses.
After lunch, we briefly walked around Kona, including the:
-‘Ahu’ena Heiau, King Kamehameha’s personal temple
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/sites/ahuena_heiau.html
- Hulihe’e Palace, a Royal Residence loving restored by the Daughters of Hawaii
http://www.daughtersofhawaii.com/
- Mokuaikau Church, the first Christian church built in the Hawaiian Islands
http://www.mokuaikaua.org/
We flew back from Kona to Honolulu, leaving the lava fields and active volcanoes behind us. Indeed, there is no place like the Big Island of Hawai’i.
Spring Break on the Big Island - Day 3
Continuing Spring Break on the Big Island, Day 3
We parked near the King’s Shoppes in our resort area to visit the Waikoloa Petroglyphs along the Mamalahoa (King’s) Trail.
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/sites/kings_trail.html
These petroglyphs are embedded in the lava embankments. Although there is a lava rock path to the petroglyphs, you can also access them by following the paved golf cart path.
We drove south to the Pu’uhonau o’ Honaunau – the Place of Refuge. It is another National Park and cost $ 5 per car for a seven-day pass. From its website,
http://www.nps.gov/puho/
"This place provided refuge to Hawaiians who came here. Today, the park continues as a sanctuary for visitors seeking a peaceful place and as a safe haven for all of the native wildlife living here.”
The National Park restored the stone walls and the wooden ki’i (images). The park also offers native craftsmen demonstrating their trade. The scenery is breathtaking.
We continued along the coastal route along the southwest corner. The beaches are renowned for their unique sand (some are black, one is green) and gentle water that is ideal for snorkeling. According to Hawaii Revealed, the plain below the cliff slid into the ocean 120,000 years ago, creating a tidal wave that overtook the island of Lana’i. The wave deposited coral atop Lanai’s mountain (perhaps this is the inspiration for the coral graffiti).
As we turned the corner of the island, we crossed over to the windward side of Mauna Loa. The barren lava gives way to green landscape. We then start our ascent to Kilauea – the US’s only actively erupting volcano. It is located in the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Entry cost $10 for a seven-day pass. From its website,
http://www.nps.gov/havo/
“Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.”
Unfortunately, it was drizzling and part of the Crater Rim Drive was closed due to methane gas emitting from the lava vents. But we were able to look into Kilauea’s caldera to see the “plume” of steam from the Halema’uma’u Crater. We also walked through the Thurston Lava Tube. The park offers numerous trails, including:
- Kilauea Iki trail to the caldera’s floor, enabling tourists to walk on hardened lava (which we had done over in Kona)
- other petroglyphs carved into lava embankments
- footprints of Hawaiian warriors after a recent lava flow (imagine walking barefoot over lava!)
Lava is currently flowing through underground lava tubes directly into the ocean. To see this phenomenon, tourists have to drive down to the coast and hike out to the viewing platform managed by the Civil Defense Authority. Since its eruption in 1983, Kilauea has destroyed modern homes and highways in its path overland to the sea. No doubt our family will return to the Big Island to visit Volcanoes National Park again (but we would stay on the Hilo side).
We briefly stopped by the Volcano Golf Course,
http://www.volcanogolfshop.com/
to purchase souvenir golf balls. We drove back to Kona (winding roads via the coastal route).
We parked near the King’s Shoppes in our resort area to visit the Waikoloa Petroglyphs along the Mamalahoa (King’s) Trail.
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/sites/kings_trail.html
These petroglyphs are embedded in the lava embankments. Although there is a lava rock path to the petroglyphs, you can also access them by following the paved golf cart path.
We drove south to the Pu’uhonau o’ Honaunau – the Place of Refuge. It is another National Park and cost $ 5 per car for a seven-day pass. From its website,
http://www.nps.gov/puho/
"This place provided refuge to Hawaiians who came here. Today, the park continues as a sanctuary for visitors seeking a peaceful place and as a safe haven for all of the native wildlife living here.”
The National Park restored the stone walls and the wooden ki’i (images). The park also offers native craftsmen demonstrating their trade. The scenery is breathtaking.
We continued along the coastal route along the southwest corner. The beaches are renowned for their unique sand (some are black, one is green) and gentle water that is ideal for snorkeling. According to Hawaii Revealed, the plain below the cliff slid into the ocean 120,000 years ago, creating a tidal wave that overtook the island of Lana’i. The wave deposited coral atop Lanai’s mountain (perhaps this is the inspiration for the coral graffiti).
As we turned the corner of the island, we crossed over to the windward side of Mauna Loa. The barren lava gives way to green landscape. We then start our ascent to Kilauea – the US’s only actively erupting volcano. It is located in the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Entry cost $10 for a seven-day pass. From its website,
http://www.nps.gov/havo/
“Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.”
Unfortunately, it was drizzling and part of the Crater Rim Drive was closed due to methane gas emitting from the lava vents. But we were able to look into Kilauea’s caldera to see the “plume” of steam from the Halema’uma’u Crater. We also walked through the Thurston Lava Tube. The park offers numerous trails, including:
- Kilauea Iki trail to the caldera’s floor, enabling tourists to walk on hardened lava (which we had done over in Kona)
- other petroglyphs carved into lava embankments
- footprints of Hawaiian warriors after a recent lava flow (imagine walking barefoot over lava!)
Lava is currently flowing through underground lava tubes directly into the ocean. To see this phenomenon, tourists have to drive down to the coast and hike out to the viewing platform managed by the Civil Defense Authority. Since its eruption in 1983, Kilauea has destroyed modern homes and highways in its path overland to the sea. No doubt our family will return to the Big Island to visit Volcanoes National Park again (but we would stay on the Hilo side).
We briefly stopped by the Volcano Golf Course,
http://www.volcanogolfshop.com/
to purchase souvenir golf balls. We drove back to Kona (winding roads via the coastal route).
Spring Break on the Big Island - Day 2
Continuing the blog about Spring Break on the Big Island, Day 2
We headed across the island along Saddle Road towards Hilo – again, another surreal experience as we drove through barren lava fields. Saddle Road runs along the crest between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, thus creating the “saddle” namesake. Saddle Road leads to the access road for the Onizuka Center International Astronomy (which leads to the access road to the international observatories atop of Mauna Kea). The center is named for USAF Lieutenant Colonel Ellison Onizuka, who died in the Challenger explosion. Colonel Onizuka was a native of Kona. Both access roads require 4WD and the observatories require heavy clothing. The thin air is not recommended for children; tour companies will take adults to the center and observatories.
As we passed the access road, we spotted Pu’u Huluhulu (Hairy Hill), a lava cone overgrown by plant growth leaning towards the windward side. As Saddle Road descended towards Hilo, we saw a distinct change in the environment – green growth! We departed Saddle Road for Waianuenue Avenue to access the Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls.
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/sites/boiling_pots.html
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/sites/rainbow_falls.html
Boiling pots are cascading waterfalls that appear to drop into pots make of rocks. Boiling pots leads to the Rainbow Falls as the water continues to run down towards Hilo. In Hilo, we visited the Naha Stone outside the Hilo Library. Legend states that Kamehameha lifted the stone to fulfill a prophecy that the person who could lift the stone would unite the Hawaiian Islands:
http://www.hawaiilifeofluxury.com/naha-stone/
We also visited the 'Imiloa Planetarium sponsored by the University of Hawaii/Hilo:
http://www.imiloahawaii.org/
Once again, my children grew weary of Hawaiian history, so we headed back to Kona along the northern coast (Hawaii Revealed did not recommend driving along the Saddle Road at night).
We headed across the island along Saddle Road towards Hilo – again, another surreal experience as we drove through barren lava fields. Saddle Road runs along the crest between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, thus creating the “saddle” namesake. Saddle Road leads to the access road for the Onizuka Center International Astronomy (which leads to the access road to the international observatories atop of Mauna Kea). The center is named for USAF Lieutenant Colonel Ellison Onizuka, who died in the Challenger explosion. Colonel Onizuka was a native of Kona. Both access roads require 4WD and the observatories require heavy clothing. The thin air is not recommended for children; tour companies will take adults to the center and observatories.
As we passed the access road, we spotted Pu’u Huluhulu (Hairy Hill), a lava cone overgrown by plant growth leaning towards the windward side. As Saddle Road descended towards Hilo, we saw a distinct change in the environment – green growth! We departed Saddle Road for Waianuenue Avenue to access the Boiling Pots and Rainbow Falls.
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/sites/boiling_pots.html
http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/sites/rainbow_falls.html
Boiling pots are cascading waterfalls that appear to drop into pots make of rocks. Boiling pots leads to the Rainbow Falls as the water continues to run down towards Hilo. In Hilo, we visited the Naha Stone outside the Hilo Library. Legend states that Kamehameha lifted the stone to fulfill a prophecy that the person who could lift the stone would unite the Hawaiian Islands:
http://www.hawaiilifeofluxury.com/naha-stone/
We also visited the 'Imiloa Planetarium sponsored by the University of Hawaii/Hilo:
http://www.imiloahawaii.org/
Once again, my children grew weary of Hawaiian history, so we headed back to Kona along the northern coast (Hawaii Revealed did not recommend driving along the Saddle Road at night).
Spring Break on the Big Island - Day 1
Last week, Hawaiian schools celebrated Spring Break. So our family hopped over to Hawaii, the Big Island. Please read the blog, Hawaii 101, for a brief review of Hawaiian history.
But here are 5 quick facts about the Big Island:
1. The island was created by 5 volcanoes
- Kohala is extinct
- Mauna Kea, “White Mountain”, is dormant.
- Hualalai, is still active but not currently erupting.
- Mauna Loa, “Long Mountain”, is dormant.
- Kilauea is continuously erupting since 1983 and home of Pele, the Volcano Goddess (she is a central character in Hawaiian mythology as a hot tempered Prima Donna)
2. The Big Island is 4028 square miles. It is larger than all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined and it is the largest island in the United States. Ka Lae is the southern most tip of the Island of Hawaii the State of Hawaii, and the United States (Key West is the southern most tip of the Continental US).
3. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa keep the rain on the windward side, thus creating tropical forests and cascading waterfalls. The major windward town is Hilo. It is the county seat, it has an international airport, and it is the gateway to the Volcanoes National Park.
4. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa keep rain away from the leeward side, thus it is dry with lava fields from Hualalai eruptions. The major leeward town is Kailua-Kona. Since the state has two other towns named Kailua, the post office added Kona (west) to the town’s name. It is now shortened to Kona. It has an international airport; it produces the famous Kona coffee; and it offers the biggest resorts and calmest beaches in the state.
5. King Kamehameha the Great was born on Hawaii. He defeated his cousin to become king of the island. He later used Western weapons to "unite" the other islands and create the Kingdom of Hawaii. Kamehameha was a big man, both physically and politically, so it is appropriate that his home island is called the Big Island.We booked three nights in the Hilton Resort at Waikoloa Beach
http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/
so we flew from Honolulu to Kona (40 minutes on Hawaiian Airlines 737). We relied heavily upon Andrew Doughty’s guidebook, Hawaii The Big Island Revealed, from Wizard Publications Inc (he also has guidebooks for Maui, Oahu, and Kaua’i Revealed). Andrew has a resident’s knowledge of each island and a sense of humor, too!
Day One: Flying into Kona was very strange – the runway is built on lava flows from the Hualalai eruption of 1801. It is very surreal – the perfect setting for an apocalyptic story.
We decided to sight see before we checked into the hotel. So we drove north from Kona, past our resort, towards the Kohala Mountains. Again, it was very strange as we spotted “graffiti” along the lava embankments that was, in fact, white coral rocks positioned to form words. Park rangers later informed us that tourists could bring coral from the beaches … or just rearrange the rocks that are already alongside the road. Some “artists” even created creatures out of the lava rocks – we spotted several fins and even a dinosaur!
We first stopped by the Mauna Lani resort and followed the signs for the Puako Petroglyphs,
http://www.letsgo-hawaii.com/petroglyphs/
Early Hawaiians drew pictures in the lava stones along Mamalahoa (King’s) Trail. The trail was built in 1836 and it encircles most of the island. The king’s patronage guaranteed travelers a safe journey along the trail. Several stones were saved from destruction when construction began on the resort. The stones are placed along a path near the public access to the beach.
We then drove to the Pu’ukohola Heiau – Pu’u is hill, Kohola is a mountain, and heiau is temple. It is a National Park and entry was free. From its website,
http://www.nps.gov/puhe/
“In 1791, Kamehameha completed the construction of his mighty war temple, which he believed would give him the mana (spiritual power) to unify the Hawaiian Islands as one. Nineteen years later, in 1810, the last islands were brought in to his kingdom. Ending well over a thousand years of disunity and warfare, the ho’okuikahi (unification) of the Islands and its inhabitants was complete.”
The visitor’s center offered several short films, war weapons, and the informative display of King Kamehameha’s life (I’ll write more about his prophecy in June when Hawaii celebrates his birthday on June 1).
We continued to drive north to the Lapakahi State Historical Park. Entry was free. From its website,
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/hawaii/Index.cfm?park_id=50
This 265-acre park is the site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement located along the shoreline. The area was first settled around 600 years ago in the 1300s. Some of the village has been partially restored but most of the rocky wall and remains are original.
By now, our children were weary of Hawaiian history, so we drove south to our hotel. The children enjoyed the pool slides, over-sized checkers, and ping pong along side the rolling surf.
But here are 5 quick facts about the Big Island:
1. The island was created by 5 volcanoes
- Kohala is extinct
- Mauna Kea, “White Mountain”, is dormant.
- Hualalai, is still active but not currently erupting.
- Mauna Loa, “Long Mountain”, is dormant.
- Kilauea is continuously erupting since 1983 and home of Pele, the Volcano Goddess (she is a central character in Hawaiian mythology as a hot tempered Prima Donna)
2. The Big Island is 4028 square miles. It is larger than all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined and it is the largest island in the United States. Ka Lae is the southern most tip of the Island of Hawaii the State of Hawaii, and the United States (Key West is the southern most tip of the Continental US).
3. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa keep the rain on the windward side, thus creating tropical forests and cascading waterfalls. The major windward town is Hilo. It is the county seat, it has an international airport, and it is the gateway to the Volcanoes National Park.
4. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa keep rain away from the leeward side, thus it is dry with lava fields from Hualalai eruptions. The major leeward town is Kailua-Kona. Since the state has two other towns named Kailua, the post office added Kona (west) to the town’s name. It is now shortened to Kona. It has an international airport; it produces the famous Kona coffee; and it offers the biggest resorts and calmest beaches in the state.
5. King Kamehameha the Great was born on Hawaii. He defeated his cousin to become king of the island. He later used Western weapons to "unite" the other islands and create the Kingdom of Hawaii. Kamehameha was a big man, both physically and politically, so it is appropriate that his home island is called the Big Island.We booked three nights in the Hilton Resort at Waikoloa Beach
http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/
so we flew from Honolulu to Kona (40 minutes on Hawaiian Airlines 737). We relied heavily upon Andrew Doughty’s guidebook, Hawaii The Big Island Revealed, from Wizard Publications Inc (he also has guidebooks for Maui, Oahu, and Kaua’i Revealed). Andrew has a resident’s knowledge of each island and a sense of humor, too!
Day One: Flying into Kona was very strange – the runway is built on lava flows from the Hualalai eruption of 1801. It is very surreal – the perfect setting for an apocalyptic story.
We decided to sight see before we checked into the hotel. So we drove north from Kona, past our resort, towards the Kohala Mountains. Again, it was very strange as we spotted “graffiti” along the lava embankments that was, in fact, white coral rocks positioned to form words. Park rangers later informed us that tourists could bring coral from the beaches … or just rearrange the rocks that are already alongside the road. Some “artists” even created creatures out of the lava rocks – we spotted several fins and even a dinosaur!
We first stopped by the Mauna Lani resort and followed the signs for the Puako Petroglyphs,
http://www.letsgo-hawaii.com/petroglyphs/
Early Hawaiians drew pictures in the lava stones along Mamalahoa (King’s) Trail. The trail was built in 1836 and it encircles most of the island. The king’s patronage guaranteed travelers a safe journey along the trail. Several stones were saved from destruction when construction began on the resort. The stones are placed along a path near the public access to the beach.
We then drove to the Pu’ukohola Heiau – Pu’u is hill, Kohola is a mountain, and heiau is temple. It is a National Park and entry was free. From its website,
http://www.nps.gov/puhe/
“In 1791, Kamehameha completed the construction of his mighty war temple, which he believed would give him the mana (spiritual power) to unify the Hawaiian Islands as one. Nineteen years later, in 1810, the last islands were brought in to his kingdom. Ending well over a thousand years of disunity and warfare, the ho’okuikahi (unification) of the Islands and its inhabitants was complete.”
The visitor’s center offered several short films, war weapons, and the informative display of King Kamehameha’s life (I’ll write more about his prophecy in June when Hawaii celebrates his birthday on June 1).
We continued to drive north to the Lapakahi State Historical Park. Entry was free. From its website,
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/hawaii/Index.cfm?park_id=50
This 265-acre park is the site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement located along the shoreline. The area was first settled around 600 years ago in the 1300s. Some of the village has been partially restored but most of the rocky wall and remains are original.
By now, our children were weary of Hawaiian history, so we drove south to our hotel. The children enjoyed the pool slides, over-sized checkers, and ping pong along side the rolling surf.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Hawai'i 101 - Welcome to Paradise!
E Komo Mai - Welcome to Hawai’i 101!
Before I post more blogs about life in Hawaii, I offer you a crash course in Hawaii. This post is designated for those readers who know as much about Hawaii as I did when I arrived on the island … very little.
The Hawaiian Islands are considered to be the most remote location on Planet Earth - Hawaii is the farthest away from any land mass. We are @ 2500 miles:
- North of French Polynesia
- East of Taiwan
- South of Alaska
- West of Mexico
The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of eight major islands, several atolls, numerous smaller islets, and undersea seamonts in the North Pacific Ocean, extending 1,500 miles. Together, they form the State of Hawai’i.
The Hawaiian Islands were formed as the Pacific plate moved slowly northwestward over a hot spot in the Earth's mantle. Think of it as an assembly line. The hot spot gurgled lava through the ocean floor, creating a mountain on the island. The island then drifted northwest.
The first island created was Kure. Over time, Kure sunk from its own weight and is now an atoll. In a few million years, other islands will follow Kure’s path. Meanwhile, new “islands” are being formed on the ocean’s floor. From oldest to youngest (northwest to southeast), the main islands are:
Ni’ihau, The Forbidden Island, p. 160.
Kaua’i, The Garden Island, p. 5,800.
O’ahu, the Gathering Place, p. 900,000
Moloka’i, the Friendly Island, p. 7,500.
Maui, the Valley Island, p. 120,000
Lana’i, The Pineapple Island, p. 3,200.
Kaho’olawe, The Target Island, p. 0.
Hawai’i, The Big Island, p. 150,000.
(population per the 2000 Census).
Written history of Hawai’i before 1778 is nonexistent. Anthropologists believe the Native Hawaiians probably immigrated from Tahiti, Samoa, and Tonga as early as 400 AD. Each island was ruled by its own ali’i (tribal chiefs) who frequently fought with each other.
In 1778, British explorer Captain Cook sailed int Waimea Harbor on Kaua’i in search of supplies. At that point, the Hawaiian Islands were not charted on any European maps. In successive years, more Europeans came to Hawaii, trading Western goods for food supplies. Ultimately, Western weapons enabled King Kamehameha from the Big Island of Hawai’i to conquer the seven other islands, thus uniting the islands into the Kingdom of Hawaii by 1810.
Missionaries and businessmen followed the explorers to Hawaii. The missionaries helped the Hawaiians to establish a written language. The Hawaiian language only uses 12 letters of the Roman alphabet – the five vowels and seven consonants, H, K, L, M, N, P, and W.
The businessmen became advisers to the Hawaiian kings. Their influence lead to the Great Mahele - private land ownership – which changed how the Native Hawaiians viewed their relationship to the land. As European diseases killed the islanders, Asian immigrants arrived to work the sugar plantations, pineapple fields, and large ranches covering each island. Ultimately, greed inspired the American businessmen to remove the Hawaiian Monarchy in 1893. Hawaii remained a republic for 5 years until the businessmen lobbied for the US to annex it as a territory in 1898. But then the islanders and immigrants launched their own “revolution” by lobbying for statehood. In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state.
Hawai’i is one of four states that were independent prior to becoming part of the United States:- Vermont Republic (1791), Republic of Texas (1845), and the California Republic (1846).
Only the Kingdom of Hawaii and the Republic of Texas enjoyed formal international diplomatic recognition.
Hawai’i is the only state with any (let alone three) Royal Palaces:
- ‘Iolani Palace in Honolulu (Oahu)
- Queen Emma’s Summer Palace on the Pali Highway (Oahu)
- Hulihe’e Place in Kona (Hawaii).
Hawai’i is an island. It is a state. It is an island chain. And it has a culture very different than “Americana”. Hawai’i is Paradise and I look forward to sharing with you.
Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono
The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
March celebrates Celtic Saints, Women's History Month, and Pirates!
Aloha, mai ka Malaki puke (for) SOS America!
Welcome, here is the March newsletter for SOS America!
March is named for Mars, the Roman God of War – the spring month brought good weather to initiate military campaigns. Today, military personnel deploy year round to promote democracy, offer humanitarian aid, and respond to disasters.
March 2010 is the 30th Anniversary of the National Women’s History Project, focusing on Writing Women Back into History. Check out the website, www.nwhp.org, for its list of honorees. But I offer you my own honorees:
- General Jeanne Holm, retired USAF, recently passed away in Annapolis. She shattered glass ceilings as the first female General officer in the Air Force and pushed to increase women’s opportunites in the Armed Forces. To learn more about this pioneer, log onto www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/us/02holm.html.
- Colonel Merline Lovelace, retired USAF. Following the footsteps of General Holm, Merline also shattered glass ceilings. She has the distinction of being the only female base commander of Eglin AFB – the Air Force’s largest installation. Merline is a USA Today best selling author and founding member of the RomVets, veterans who write romance, http://www.romvets.com/. To learn more about Merline, log onto her website, http://www.merlinelovelace.com/.
- First Lieuntenant Jessica Dawson, US Army. Jessica is a 14 year veteran (with 12 years enlisted service), a military spouse, a military mom, and romance author, http://www.jessicascott.net/. I salute her as the next generation of women warriors who are rising above the glass ceiling (and sweeping up the shards). Jessica shares her persepctive of war at the PBS blog, www.pbs.org/pov/regardingwar.
The Department of Defense (DOD) and Library of Congress (LOC) also celebrate Women’s History Month; check out their website to learn more:
- http://www.defense.gov/specials/womenshistory/
- http://womenshistorymonth.gov/
March 1 – St. David’s Day: As the Patron Saint of Wales, Dewi Sant is a symbol of national pride to the people of Cymru. He is often overshadowed by St. Patrick of Ireland and St. Andrew in Scotland. Yet Wales is a treasure trove of Roman ruins, crumbling castles, and breathtaking golf. Two summers ago, my husband and I flew into Bristol and drove to Cardiff. As we crossed the Severn bridge, we could see the Christchurch Hill rising above us with the Celtic Manor Resort atop (home of the 2010 Ryder Cup). To learn more about Wales’ history, log onto CADW, the “guardian” of Welsh history, http://www.cadw.gov.uk/. My favorite Roman ruin is Caerleon Baths, where you can see a dog print embedded in the 2000 year old tile. My favorite Crumbing casle is Caerphilly Castle with its leaning tower.
On our last day in Wales, my husband indulged in a game of golf while I drove up to Hay-on-Wye, A Town of Books, http://www.hay-on-wye.co.uk/. Almost every building has a bookshop, including the castle ruin. In honor of St. David’s Day, I offer you books from Welsh Native, Mary Balogh: At Last Comes Love, Simply Love, The Ideal Wife, Then Comes Seduction
I also have Mary Balogh leather booksmarks embossed with a maple leaf, symbolizing her adopted home of Canada.
March 8 – International Women’s Day: IWD began as a Socialist political event in 1909. Today, it is an opportunity to spotlight women’s issues around the world. But I take this opportuity to honor three “International” women who made history:
- Queen Elizabeth I, September 7, 1533 – March 24, 1603. An imprisioned princess. A Protestant survivor. A Virgin Queen who inspired Sir Frances Drake to defeat the Spanish Armada. Good Queen Bess remains the celebrated icon of England’s Golden Age. In honor of Gloriana, I offer you books about the Tudor Age:
Rona Sharon, Royal Blood
Karen Harper, The Queen’s Governess
- Jane Austen, December 16, 1775 – July 18, 1817. Contemproary novelist during Regency England. Social commentator of women’s issues. Her influence continues almost 200 years after her death. Rudyard Kipling published “Janeites”, a short story about WWI soldiers who were fans of Austen’s novels. In honor of Jane, I offer you books inspired by her:
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Syri James, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen
Abigail Reynolds, Pemberly by the Sea
Laurie Viera Rigle, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict
Emma Campbell Webster, Lost in Austen
- Queen Lili`uokalani, September 2, 1838 – November 11, 1917. As Hawaii’s last monarch, she defiantely challenged the businessmen’s revolt which robbed her kingdom. Imprisoned in Iolani palace, http://www.iolanipalace.org/, Queen Lili’uokalani maintained her dignity and love of the Hawaiian people. In honor of Queen Lili`uokalani, I offer you books set in Hawaii:
Chip Hughes, Wipeout!
Jayne Ann Krentz, Running Hot
March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day. Irish or not, we wear green, drink beer, eat cornbeef, sing “Danny Boy” on St. Patrick’s Day. Born in Britain and captured by raiders, St. Patrick was a slave in Ireland for six years before he escaped back to his family. After entering the Church, he returned to Ireland and drove the snakes out … or did he? Snakes are not native Ireland and little is written about St. Patrick. Yet he remains a symbol of national pride and a boon to Irish tourism. When my family lived in the Netherlands, we drove to Ireland via the Chunnel (Calais to Dover) and ferry (Fishguard to Rosslare). We toured the Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Gap of Dunloe, the Dingle Penisula, and Blarney Castle in Cork (yes, we kissed the stone!) To plan your own vacation to Ireland, log onto http://www.discoverireland.com/. If an Irish holiday is not in your budget, rent the movie Leap Year - it offers breathtaking shots of the Arran Islands, Dingle Penisula, and Dublin.
In honor of St. Patrick, I offer you books with an Irish hero, heroine, or setting:
Sherrill Bodine, A Black Tie Affair
Barbara Fischkin, Exclusive – Reporters in Love and War
Diane Groe, Erinsong
John Grogan, The Longest Trip Home
Kristan Higgins, Too Good To Be True
Helen Scott Taylor, The Magic Knot
To learn more about the Celtic Culture in Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, log onto:
http://www.celticqueens.blogspot.com/
http://www.celtichearts.org/
March 25 – Greek War of Indepedence: From 1821-1830, Greek rebels fought to free their homeland from the Ottoman Empire. Bored aristocrats joined the revolt, inclduing Lord Byron. Known for his romantic poetry, adulterous liaisons, and mounting debts, Byron found his place among the rebels. Sadly he died in Greece, engaging in perhaps the most heroic act of his licentious life.
Byron left a legacy in literature with his magnus opus, Don Juan. He inspired the Romantic Movement and the Byrnic Hero. He fathered three daughters but his only legitimate heir was the Honorable Ada Byron who later became Lady Ada King, Countess of Lovelace. Despite the burden of his infamous reputation, Ada emerged as a bluestocking (perhaps just as shocking as her father’s affairs). She consulted with Charles Babbage on this theories for an analytical engine and calculated a sequence of Bernoulli numbers to operate it. Hence, Ada is considered the first computer programmer. In 1980, the Department of Defense named its own program, Ada, in honor of the Countess of Lovelace. In the end, father and daughter left their mark on English society. In honor of the Byron family, I offer you historical romances featuring a Rogue, Bluestocking, and/or Scandal:
- Jo Beverly, The Rogue’s Return
- Joanna Bourne, The Spymaster’s Lady
- Gayle Callen, Never Trust a Scoundrel
- Anna Campbell, Captive of Sin
- Claudia Dain, The Courtesan’s Daughter
- Cara Elliott, To Sin with a Scoundrel
- Suzanne Enoch, Beyond the Scandal
- Michelle Marcos, Gentlemen Behaving Badly
Cathy Maxwell, A Scandalous Marriage, Bedding the Heiress, and Married in Haste
- Nicole Jordan, Lord of Seduction
- Sophie Jordan, Surrender to Me and Too Wicked to Tame
- Brenda Joyce, Firestorm, Innocent Fires, The Fires of Paradise, and Violet Fires
- Barbara Pierce, Scandalous by Night
- Julia Quinn, The Duke and I, The Lost Duke of Wyndham, Mr. Cavedish I Presume, and The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever
March 26 – Prince Kuhio Day: Prince Kuhio, March 26, 1871- January 7, 1922, was named the heir to the last Hawaiian monarch, Queen Lili`uokalani, even as she remained in house arrest. Prince Kuhio was also imprisoned for defending her. When released, he and his wife traveled to Europe and received a Royal reception. The couple also visited Africa, where he joined the British Army to fight in the Second Boer War. Upon his return home, Prince Kuhio was elected as a territory delegate to the US Congress and served until his death. He remained a champion of Native Hawaiian issues. Prince Kuhio’s birthday is celebrated as a state holiday in Hawaii.
Hawaiian Happenings: It has been an exciting month in Hawaii!
- February 16: The Black Pearl sailed Kalaeloa Harbor to film the next movie in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. I am curious what supernatural characters will appear on board the Black Pearl. In honor of the Pirates, I offer you books that are out of this world:
Rowena Cherry, Knight’s Fork
Autumn Dawn, When Sparks Fly
Christine Feehan, Dark Challenge
Leanne Renee Hieber, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker
Melanie Jackson, Divine Fantasy
Sherrilyn Kenyon, Born of Fire
Sherrilyn Kenyon with Dianna Love, Phantom of the Night
Susan Kearney, Lucian and Rion
Michele Lang, Netherwood
Patricia Rice, Mystic Warrior
Alisa Sheckley, The Better To Hold You
Susan Sizemore, Primal Heat
Raz Steel, Love without Blood
- February 27: At 6 am, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam (JBPHH) sounded the Tsunami Warning as part of the state-wide alert system; the wave was expected @ 1130 am. My family does not live in a flood zone, but we did fill up our gas tank and pantry shelves. We are thankful that the wave did not materialize. We keep the Chileans and Haitians in our prayers.
I applaud romance author Bonnie Vanak for her humanitarian efforts in Haiti. Check out her blog dated February 16, “A Smile for Haiti,”
www.thechatelaines.blogspot.com/2010/02/smile-from-haiti.html.
In honor of Bonnie, I offer you her book, The Lady and the Libertine.
Book Giveaway: To request any of the above books listed in italics, send your top three preferences to sos.america@yahoo.com. When you receive the books, please send an email to the author to thank him/her for donating to SOS.
If you would like Mary Balogh’s leather bookmark (with or without a book), please send an email to sos.america@yahoo.com.
What’s Next? In April, we’ll celebrate Patriot’s Day, Earth Day, St. George’s Day and a preview of the Romantic Times (RT) Booklovers’ Convention, www.romantictimes.com.
Happy reading!
Kim Adams Lowe
SOS Military Liaison
sos.america@yahoo.com
SOS is Support Our Soldiers America Inc. – a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered with DOD’s “America Supports You” program. SOS was founded by Kathryn Falk, Lady of Barrow and CEO of Romantic Times, http://www.romantictimes.com/. To learn more about SOS, log onto http://www.sosamericainc.org/.
Welcome, here is the March newsletter for SOS America!
March is named for Mars, the Roman God of War – the spring month brought good weather to initiate military campaigns. Today, military personnel deploy year round to promote democracy, offer humanitarian aid, and respond to disasters.
March 2010 is the 30th Anniversary of the National Women’s History Project, focusing on Writing Women Back into History. Check out the website, www.nwhp.org, for its list of honorees. But I offer you my own honorees:
- General Jeanne Holm, retired USAF, recently passed away in Annapolis. She shattered glass ceilings as the first female General officer in the Air Force and pushed to increase women’s opportunites in the Armed Forces. To learn more about this pioneer, log onto www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/us/02holm.html.
- Colonel Merline Lovelace, retired USAF. Following the footsteps of General Holm, Merline also shattered glass ceilings. She has the distinction of being the only female base commander of Eglin AFB – the Air Force’s largest installation. Merline is a USA Today best selling author and founding member of the RomVets, veterans who write romance, http://www.romvets.com/. To learn more about Merline, log onto her website, http://www.merlinelovelace.com/.
- First Lieuntenant Jessica Dawson, US Army. Jessica is a 14 year veteran (with 12 years enlisted service), a military spouse, a military mom, and romance author, http://www.jessicascott.net/. I salute her as the next generation of women warriors who are rising above the glass ceiling (and sweeping up the shards). Jessica shares her persepctive of war at the PBS blog, www.pbs.org/pov/regardingwar.
The Department of Defense (DOD) and Library of Congress (LOC) also celebrate Women’s History Month; check out their website to learn more:
- http://www.defense.gov/specials/womenshistory/
- http://womenshistorymonth.gov/
March 1 – St. David’s Day: As the Patron Saint of Wales, Dewi Sant is a symbol of national pride to the people of Cymru. He is often overshadowed by St. Patrick of Ireland and St. Andrew in Scotland. Yet Wales is a treasure trove of Roman ruins, crumbling castles, and breathtaking golf. Two summers ago, my husband and I flew into Bristol and drove to Cardiff. As we crossed the Severn bridge, we could see the Christchurch Hill rising above us with the Celtic Manor Resort atop (home of the 2010 Ryder Cup). To learn more about Wales’ history, log onto CADW, the “guardian” of Welsh history, http://www.cadw.gov.uk/. My favorite Roman ruin is Caerleon Baths, where you can see a dog print embedded in the 2000 year old tile. My favorite Crumbing casle is Caerphilly Castle with its leaning tower.
On our last day in Wales, my husband indulged in a game of golf while I drove up to Hay-on-Wye, A Town of Books, http://www.hay-on-wye.co.uk/. Almost every building has a bookshop, including the castle ruin. In honor of St. David’s Day, I offer you books from Welsh Native, Mary Balogh: At Last Comes Love, Simply Love, The Ideal Wife, Then Comes Seduction
I also have Mary Balogh leather booksmarks embossed with a maple leaf, symbolizing her adopted home of Canada.
March 8 – International Women’s Day: IWD began as a Socialist political event in 1909. Today, it is an opportunity to spotlight women’s issues around the world. But I take this opportuity to honor three “International” women who made history:
- Queen Elizabeth I, September 7, 1533 – March 24, 1603. An imprisioned princess. A Protestant survivor. A Virgin Queen who inspired Sir Frances Drake to defeat the Spanish Armada. Good Queen Bess remains the celebrated icon of England’s Golden Age. In honor of Gloriana, I offer you books about the Tudor Age:
Rona Sharon, Royal Blood
Karen Harper, The Queen’s Governess
- Jane Austen, December 16, 1775 – July 18, 1817. Contemproary novelist during Regency England. Social commentator of women’s issues. Her influence continues almost 200 years after her death. Rudyard Kipling published “Janeites”, a short story about WWI soldiers who were fans of Austen’s novels. In honor of Jane, I offer you books inspired by her:
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Syri James, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen
Abigail Reynolds, Pemberly by the Sea
Laurie Viera Rigle, Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict
Emma Campbell Webster, Lost in Austen
- Queen Lili`uokalani, September 2, 1838 – November 11, 1917. As Hawaii’s last monarch, she defiantely challenged the businessmen’s revolt which robbed her kingdom. Imprisoned in Iolani palace, http://www.iolanipalace.org/, Queen Lili’uokalani maintained her dignity and love of the Hawaiian people. In honor of Queen Lili`uokalani, I offer you books set in Hawaii:
Chip Hughes, Wipeout!
Jayne Ann Krentz, Running Hot
March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day. Irish or not, we wear green, drink beer, eat cornbeef, sing “Danny Boy” on St. Patrick’s Day. Born in Britain and captured by raiders, St. Patrick was a slave in Ireland for six years before he escaped back to his family. After entering the Church, he returned to Ireland and drove the snakes out … or did he? Snakes are not native Ireland and little is written about St. Patrick. Yet he remains a symbol of national pride and a boon to Irish tourism. When my family lived in the Netherlands, we drove to Ireland via the Chunnel (Calais to Dover) and ferry (Fishguard to Rosslare). We toured the Killarney National Park, Ring of Kerry, Gap of Dunloe, the Dingle Penisula, and Blarney Castle in Cork (yes, we kissed the stone!) To plan your own vacation to Ireland, log onto http://www.discoverireland.com/. If an Irish holiday is not in your budget, rent the movie Leap Year - it offers breathtaking shots of the Arran Islands, Dingle Penisula, and Dublin.
In honor of St. Patrick, I offer you books with an Irish hero, heroine, or setting:
Sherrill Bodine, A Black Tie Affair
Barbara Fischkin, Exclusive – Reporters in Love and War
Diane Groe, Erinsong
John Grogan, The Longest Trip Home
Kristan Higgins, Too Good To Be True
Helen Scott Taylor, The Magic Knot
To learn more about the Celtic Culture in Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, log onto:
http://www.celticqueens.blogspot.com/
http://www.celtichearts.org/
March 25 – Greek War of Indepedence: From 1821-1830, Greek rebels fought to free their homeland from the Ottoman Empire. Bored aristocrats joined the revolt, inclduing Lord Byron. Known for his romantic poetry, adulterous liaisons, and mounting debts, Byron found his place among the rebels. Sadly he died in Greece, engaging in perhaps the most heroic act of his licentious life.
Byron left a legacy in literature with his magnus opus, Don Juan. He inspired the Romantic Movement and the Byrnic Hero. He fathered three daughters but his only legitimate heir was the Honorable Ada Byron who later became Lady Ada King, Countess of Lovelace. Despite the burden of his infamous reputation, Ada emerged as a bluestocking (perhaps just as shocking as her father’s affairs). She consulted with Charles Babbage on this theories for an analytical engine and calculated a sequence of Bernoulli numbers to operate it. Hence, Ada is considered the first computer programmer. In 1980, the Department of Defense named its own program, Ada, in honor of the Countess of Lovelace. In the end, father and daughter left their mark on English society. In honor of the Byron family, I offer you historical romances featuring a Rogue, Bluestocking, and/or Scandal:
- Jo Beverly, The Rogue’s Return
- Joanna Bourne, The Spymaster’s Lady
- Gayle Callen, Never Trust a Scoundrel
- Anna Campbell, Captive of Sin
- Claudia Dain, The Courtesan’s Daughter
- Cara Elliott, To Sin with a Scoundrel
- Suzanne Enoch, Beyond the Scandal
- Michelle Marcos, Gentlemen Behaving Badly
Cathy Maxwell, A Scandalous Marriage, Bedding the Heiress, and Married in Haste
- Nicole Jordan, Lord of Seduction
- Sophie Jordan, Surrender to Me and Too Wicked to Tame
- Brenda Joyce, Firestorm, Innocent Fires, The Fires of Paradise, and Violet Fires
- Barbara Pierce, Scandalous by Night
- Julia Quinn, The Duke and I, The Lost Duke of Wyndham, Mr. Cavedish I Presume, and The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever
March 26 – Prince Kuhio Day: Prince Kuhio, March 26, 1871- January 7, 1922, was named the heir to the last Hawaiian monarch, Queen Lili`uokalani, even as she remained in house arrest. Prince Kuhio was also imprisoned for defending her. When released, he and his wife traveled to Europe and received a Royal reception. The couple also visited Africa, where he joined the British Army to fight in the Second Boer War. Upon his return home, Prince Kuhio was elected as a territory delegate to the US Congress and served until his death. He remained a champion of Native Hawaiian issues. Prince Kuhio’s birthday is celebrated as a state holiday in Hawaii.
Hawaiian Happenings: It has been an exciting month in Hawaii!
- February 16: The Black Pearl sailed Kalaeloa Harbor to film the next movie in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. I am curious what supernatural characters will appear on board the Black Pearl. In honor of the Pirates, I offer you books that are out of this world:
Rowena Cherry, Knight’s Fork
Autumn Dawn, When Sparks Fly
Christine Feehan, Dark Challenge
Leanne Renee Hieber, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker
Melanie Jackson, Divine Fantasy
Sherrilyn Kenyon, Born of Fire
Sherrilyn Kenyon with Dianna Love, Phantom of the Night
Susan Kearney, Lucian and Rion
Michele Lang, Netherwood
Patricia Rice, Mystic Warrior
Alisa Sheckley, The Better To Hold You
Susan Sizemore, Primal Heat
Raz Steel, Love without Blood
- February 27: At 6 am, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam (JBPHH) sounded the Tsunami Warning as part of the state-wide alert system; the wave was expected @ 1130 am. My family does not live in a flood zone, but we did fill up our gas tank and pantry shelves. We are thankful that the wave did not materialize. We keep the Chileans and Haitians in our prayers.
I applaud romance author Bonnie Vanak for her humanitarian efforts in Haiti. Check out her blog dated February 16, “A Smile for Haiti,”
www.thechatelaines.blogspot.com/2010/02/smile-from-haiti.html.
In honor of Bonnie, I offer you her book, The Lady and the Libertine.
Book Giveaway: To request any of the above books listed in italics, send your top three preferences to sos.america@yahoo.com. When you receive the books, please send an email to the author to thank him/her for donating to SOS.
If you would like Mary Balogh’s leather bookmark (with or without a book), please send an email to sos.america@yahoo.com.
What’s Next? In April, we’ll celebrate Patriot’s Day, Earth Day, St. George’s Day and a preview of the Romantic Times (RT) Booklovers’ Convention, www.romantictimes.com.
Happy reading!
Kim Adams Lowe
SOS Military Liaison
sos.america@yahoo.com
SOS is Support Our Soldiers America Inc. – a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered with DOD’s “America Supports You” program. SOS was founded by Kathryn Falk, Lady of Barrow and CEO of Romantic Times, http://www.romantictimes.com/. To learn more about SOS, log onto http://www.sosamericainc.org/.
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