VIRTUAL ALOHA ARCHIVE
VIRTUAL ALOHA ARCHIVE
Tragedy in Paradise
A favorite hiking trail of ours is Sacred Falls state park.
It is moderately challenging trail through a lush rainforest to a BEAUTIFUL waterfall.
There is a cool fresh water pool below the waterfall to enjoy a refreshing swim after the
hike up. On Mother’s Day, Sunday May 9, this trail was packed with hikers, many of
them families, out for a day in nature. Without warning a section of an old pahoehoe
(smooth rock) lava flow gave way at the end of the trail at the waterfall. The section
that fell was about 15 feet across and a few yards deep. Rocks the size of refrigerators
and small cars fell 600 feet straight down an old dry waterfall onto hikers resting and
sunbathing on the rocks around the waterfall pool. Debris was scattered over an area of
about 60 square feet. A total of 8 were killed (adults and children) and 32 were injured
(adults and children), 15 were seriously injured and many were hospitalized for over a
week.
Geologists feel the slide was caused naturally due to the low rainfall in that area the
last several months. The soil became dry and loose and eventually gave way. The park has
been closed indefinitely until the area can be deemed safe. Other state trails in the same
area have since been closed because they also show signs of similar conditions and small
landslides.
There is no way of predicting when such an accident may take place but there are ways you
can take precautions when hiking. 1) Always hike with a friend and stay on marked trails.
If you take the unbeaten path you may take a spill on loose soil. You can also destroy
plants growing along the trail which have roots that hold onto the soil and help prevent
erosion and land slides. 2) Carry a small first aid kit. Your local sporting goods store
has them in their camping section. It is really easy to get a scrape when you are having
the time of your life. 3) Carry some kind of personal identification in case there is an
accident. Make sure your ID states any information doctors may need if you were
unconscious and could not speak for yourself. 4) Tell someone where you are going and when
you expect to return, or leave a note in your hotel room. In the event you become
‘missing’ someone will know your whereabouts. 5) Always carry a whistle. A
whistle will last longer than you screaming and can be heard a lot farther. If you get
into trouble, just put your lips together and blow!
Vacationing with Keiki is Fun
(Keiki is the Hawaiian word for child or children)
If you have keiki you’ve got a lot on your mind. Schools almost out, if it isn’t
all ready, and you are probably planning a family summer vacation. We feel Hawaii is a
place enjoyed by people of ALL ages, even the very young enjoy all the amazing qualities
Hawaii offers.
Two years ago our friends from the East Coast visited us for a week on Oahu with their
then 18-month old daughter Cassondra. Some of our fondest memories of their visit are our
hiking adventures. We enjoyed three hikes (Diamond Head, Manoa Falls, and Makapu’u
Lighthouse Trail) and on each hike Cassondra was very alert and curious about everything
around her. She asked what things were and wanted to touch everything. We did not want to
discourage her curiosity, so for her safety and for the preservation of the environment,
we encouraged her to only explore with a one finger gentle touch. She enjoyed seeing what
lush moss, moist bark, and odd shaped rocks and leaves felt like and smelled like. On the
drive to the Manoa Falls trail Cassondra fell asleep. She didn’t even wake up when
she was strapped her into the keiki-backpack and onto her dad. Shortly after we began our
adventure down the trail Cassondra woke up surrounded by the lush green rainforest and
beautiful flowers and simply said "WOW!" Cassondra still remembers and talks
about her adventures in Hawaii to this day. Several times she has asked her parents when
will they be going on their next trip to Hawaii.
We feel the key to having a quality family experience is to explain to your child or
children what they can expect to experience in Hawaii. Ask them what they think about your
plans. Tell them what it will be like to fly in an airplane and how long your flight is.
Let them know they will be safe and will have fun. This is what our friends did to get
Cassondra prepared for their Hawaiian adventure and we felt it was useful in adding to the
quality of their experience. Once in the islands explain to your child what they are
seeing, what’s going on around them, and make them part of your conversation. A great
way to enjoy time together on road trips and on hikes is to sing songs or play a game
where you pick something for them to seek along the roadside or trail. When they find it
they get to pick the next item to look for.
Some island activities enjoyed by people of all ages are: exploring nature, zoos,
aquariums, animal theme parks, playing at the beach, playing at city parks, exploring the
islands by car (with frequent stops), sunset picnics on the beach, and magic shows. More
detailed island specific information is available on our web site www.alohafriends.com .
In 1999 we corresponded with a 3rd grade class on the East Coast where we have
helped them to understand Hawaii and it’s unique qualities and natural features. They
wrote us and shared what they would want to do if they came to Hawaii. Check out
what they had to say at www.alohafriendshawaii.com/keiki.html
CREATE AN AUTHENTIC HAWAIIAN LUAU ANYWHERE!
Luaus are fun for birthday/anniversary
parties, promotion/retirement parties, family reunions, company picnics, block
parties, bridal/baby showers, or just when a few good friends get together. For
lots of great decorating tips, tasty recipes, and fun
Getting married? Check out our tips on creating a
Planning to host a Christmas in April party? Check out our NEW tips on creating
a Hawaiian theme Christmas luau at www.alohafriendsluau.com/christmas.html
Been There, Done That
It is really surprising to us every time we hear this from a visitor
"This is my (fill in the blank) trip Hawaii. I am just going to relax on the beach
because I have done everything there is to do in the islands." Don’t let us be
misunderstood, there is nothing wrong with just relaxing on the beach, but Hawaii has so
much more to offer than just beautiful beaches. And so much more than what a person could
experience even in 10 visits. Each island is very unique, each offers it’s own
amazing qualities and ways to enjoy them. You can get a sample of several islands by
island hopping to two or three islands, stay a few days on each. Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and
Kauai are great for this kind of adventure. We recommend using our web site to explore
your options each time you are planning a visit to the islands. We have lived in Hawaii
since 1993 and are discovering new ways to explore and enjoy the islands all the time.
Hawaii is a destination you can keep returning to and always have new amazing experiences
in paradise. We can also further enhance your island experience with the many unique
island services. Visit our web site at www.alohafriends.com
for more details.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know Hawaii is the only state in the USA to have no shadow day twice a
year? The Hawaiian Islands lie between latitudes 28degrees 15’ and 18
degrees 54’ N, and longitudes 179 degrees 25’ and 154 degrees 40’ W. This
makes Hawaii the southernmost state in the USA. Because of Hawaii’s unique position
on the earth, each May and July the sun stands directly overhead about noon. Your shadow
is directly below you when this happens. A plumb pole casts no shadow! Each island
experiences no shadow day on a different day. In May it took place the 25th
–29th .
HAWAIIAN WORDS OF THE MONTH
Each month build your Hawaiian vocabulary and learn to speak like a native…
One of the most popular destinations in Hawaii is Waikiki Beach. WAIKIKI is pronounced
Why-key-key. In Hawaiian it means spouting water. Waikiki got its name because before the
area was developed the rainwater from the mountains would run down the land through the
porous lava rocks, below coral cap-rock, towards the ocean. The abundant fresh water would
bubble up or spout out of the earth in the Waikiki area.
In Hawaii many of us have hanai family. HANAI is pronounced hun-eye. In Hawaiian it means
to adopt, raise, feed, nourish, or sustain. The people of Hawaii are loving and giving and
when you befriend someone you become part of their family. When you are considered hanai
family you will be called brother, sister, auntie, uncle, or cousin even though you are
not blood relation. Hawaii is a very close knit community.
JUST ASK!
Do you have a question about anything related to Hawaii? We are sure other Virtual Aloha
subscribers are staying up nights wondering the same thing. Get it off your mind and just
ask us! Submit your Just Ask question to islandtips@aol.com
This month’s question: I recently went to the Dole Pineapple
Plantation on Oahu and was disappointed that there was no tour of the pineapple cannery.
How come? (Submitter wanted to remain anonymous)
Since the pineapple agriculture boom in the 1920’s Hawaii has been known as the place
where pineapples are grown. What many people do not realize is that due to the high cost
of land in Hawaii it is no longer profitable to grow pineapple to be used for consumption
outside of Hawaii. The last of the canneries in Hawaii closed in the early 1990’s.
You will still find fields of pineapples growing around the islands. These will be
primarily sold to island residents and island restaurants. Very few pineapples are
actually shipped outside Hawaii. They can be special ordered but they are very expensive,
averaging about $15 for a 4lb pineapple. That same pineapple is only $1.50 at a local
farmers market. When the pineapples are shipped outside Hawaii they have to be picked
fresh, examined for bugs, pass agricultural inspection, and then express shipped to the
customer. The best way to enjoy a delicious sweet juicy Hawaii pineapple is to enjoy it
while IN Hawaii!!!
ISLAND WEATHER
"What’s the weather like in Hawaii?" For the month of May it was
BEAUTIFUL. The feel of summer was in the air. The weather was mostly sunny for the entire
month with highs in the mid 80’s. There were only a few days of brief showers and
most of any showers have been occurring at night. The last week of May has been a humid
one. The trade winds are being blocked by a high-pressure system and it is a bit warmer
than usual.
The summer swell has arrived on the south shores of the islands. Surf has been up to 5
feet in Waikiki! If you are heading to the islands over the summer you will find the best
conditions for snorkeling/diving on the North sides of the islands and the best conditions
for surfing/body boarding on the South sides.
If you are planning a visit in June you can expect great weather with temperatures
reaching about 88F, mostly sunny skies, and light trade winds (10-15).
This Enews letter is SENT BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY. To subscribe please send an email to Hawaiifriends@aol.com with the word subscribe in the body of the email.
(C) Kim and Mike Crinella/A Friend in the Islands. No reprints without acknowledgement from the publisher that the article(s) are written by Mike and Kim Crinella, A Friend in the Islands at www.alohafriends.com
PLEASE
NOTE: Prices
for island activities featured within our site are NOT guaranteed.
Since we are not affiliated with any of the activity
providers we are not notified if services or prices change.
You will need to contact
the activity provider directly for a current price quote and for availability
information.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
Disclaimer : Our activity suggestions, tips, and
Enews articles are based on our experiences and research. The information contained within
this site and our Enews letter "Virtual Aloha" is meant to be a guide for anyone
who wants to learn more about the islands and for visitors to explore what kinds of
activities are available prior to arrival. Prices are listed to use as a guide to help
determine what fits in each visitors budget and are subject to change by the activity
provider. We are NOT affiliated with any activity provider and do
NOT make any money from activity providers our suggestions! We are concerned with
the quality of our suggestions and welcome positive and negative feedback about the
activities. We, Mike and Kim Crinella, and our company, "A Friend in the
Islands", will not be held responsible for any accidents, loss of property, or any
other misfortunes associated with activities who's information is provided.
This page was created by and is maintained by Mike & Kim Crinella. All
information, graphics, and photos contained in this web site are property of Mike &
Kim Crinella. Reuse of anything for commercial purposes requires credit be given to Mike
& Kim Crinella and A Friend in the Islands at www.alohafriends.com
You have A Friend
in the Islands
www.alohafriends.com
www.alohafriendshawaii.com
www.alohafriendsluau.com
www.alohafriendsphotos.com
Copyright © 1999 - 2005 by A Friend in the Islands. All rights reserved.
Revised: 30 Jun 2006 15:41:43 -0400.
For telephone contact information visit www.alohafriends.com/telephone.html
email: islandtips@aol.com
