50th Merrie Monarch Festival

Aloha mai kākou,

E kala mai (excuse me) for the extended break.  Instead of the normal “Hawaiian word of the day”, I will recommence my blog, with an important event that’s happening this week in Hilo, Hawai`i.  The Merrie Monarch or what some refer to it as “The Olympics of Hula” is an annual event, held here in Hilo.  Hula dancers, hula schools and spectators travel every year to celebrate this Festival, that is named after the beloved monarch, King Kalakaua.  See the below link, for the history…..

• History of the Merrie Monarch Festival

This year, is the 50th celebration, which is predicted to be the busiest event of all its years.  I heard that the event had 9,000 ticket requests, but there are only 2,000 tickets that sold out faster than previous festivals.  The island has been buzzing with visitors and locals, checking out the entertainment and the upcoming craft fairs.  The exhibition night is on Wednesday, which is free, but also a first come, first serve event.  I can imagine how early the line will start at the gates.

Every year, there is a solo competition, that consists of a chosen Hula dancer, from several hula schools/studios.  Because of the 50^th anniversary, there will be a performance by 30+ past Miss Aloha Hula.  I’m looking forward in seeing that, as I’ve followed Merrie Monarch, a good 35 years or so.  There is a Hawaiian magazine called, “Mana”, that has a stunning cover, of past Miss Aloha Hula, including the very first one, Aloha Dalire, her three daughters who also won, and many more…..

Stay tuned this week, for more coverage, of the events and stories, surrounding this awesome event…..

A hui hou,
Haunani

How to say February in Hawaiian - Word of the Day

Aloha Pepeluali!

Welcome back to 2Honu.com’s word of the day. Hope you all are enjoying 2013 and are ready to learn more about my island heritage and more….. The word of the day is “Pepeluali….(pay pay loo wah lee)” or February. There are a lot of special holidays and celebrations this month including Chinese New Years, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, American Heart Month and lent etc. Speaking of Lent, tomorrow is Fat Tuesday, which means its “Malasada Day” in Hawai`i. What is a Malasada, you ask? It’s almost like a tasty fried sweet donut, covered in white sugar, that was introduced by the Portuguese. Those who grew up in Honolulu, will definitely know that “Leonard’s Bakery” is well known for their Malasadas. 

I can still remember pulling up to the red and white wagon, and taking home a dozen for the family…. Those were the good ole days. Happy Fat Tuesday everyone!!!

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Ho`oilo"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/blueice 

Aloha mai kākou,

Wow! Can you believe we’re already into the 2nd week of 2013? The winter solstice had made its presence known on the Big Island so far. The weather forecasters would never be out of job with all the rain we’ve been getting! Its often joked about how the weatherman/weatherwomen could easily say, “the chances of rain is about 50% today,” and would be CORRECT!!! Lol. I think Hilo is probably one of the few places that has a change of weather in a matter of minutes.

Between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m., it was drizzling. By the time I had breakfast and put a load of clothes into the washer, it was bright and sunny. Looking around the yard, it was covered in mud and rain puddles. So, I thought to myself that the sun should dry up the yard good. Soon as I got into the car to run an errand, the weather soured, downpours and a mini storm. Arriving to my destination (a few miles away), the sun came out and the rain stopped. Hey, I was in luck, so I quickly made my way into the hardware store. After selecting and paying for my purchases, I was optimistic to see the sun rays outside. And of course, in true `Hiloan’ style, the storm returned, while walking to the car. Of course it stopped, when I got into my vehicle!!!! Hahahaha. *Note: Always carry an umbrella in Hilo, just in case….

The Hawaiian word for winter/ winter solstice is….. “Ho`oilo” (ho oh wee low). Expect huge waves on the north shores, rough oceans, and frequent showers (especially in Hilo and the east side of Maui). Winter season brings snow to the Big Island, atop Mauna Kea (mao na kay ya…. Snow mountain) and Mauna Loa (mao na low wa…..long mountain), depending on the amount of rainfall and freezing temperatures. I am lucky to live on an island where you can experience sunny skies on one side and wintry weather on the other!

A hui hou,

Haunani

The Word of the Day is "Ianuali"

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Chih-Chung Johnny Chang

Hau`oli Makahiki Hou Kākou,

As 2013 commences, why not begin with the 1st month of the year….. “Ianuali” (ya noo wah lee….’the Ia is pronounced as ya’). I gave up making resolutions about 20 years ago, replacing them with “self goals” instead, in which I keep to myself, as I truly believe someone could wish against you and help you fail faster! Lol. 2012 was an intense but exciting year, and I’m still recovering from the holidays. We should have a holiday, after the holiday, so we can rest! Hahaha. Best wishes to all of you for a healthy, prosperous and happy new year ahead.

A hui hou,

Haunani

Hau`oli Makahiki Hou - Happy New Year!

Credit: Depositphotos.com/Marina Pissarova

Aloha mai kākou,

Hau`oli Makahiki Hou (Happy New Year….how oh lee ma kah hee kee hou) to everyone. Let 2013 ring in and start off with a bang. I hope you enjoyed the festivities last night and ate until your heart content. Good luck in following through with your resolutions. I’ve decided a while back, that I was over with making any, but I think its time to get serious! Have an awesome year ahead, and thank you for your support.

A hui hou,
Haunani