Whale Watching in Hawaii

Aloha!

Like Humans, whales love Hawaii & can't resist the temptation to taste its sweet water.

Every year, thousands of whales gather and breed in Hawaii probably telling other whales with pride, "Ahh! My baby whale was born in Hawaii".

On our whale watching boat in Maui, there was a hydrophone [A hydrophone (Greek "hydro" = "water" and "phone" = "sound") is a microphone designed to be used underwater for recording or listening to underwater sound.] that the captain inserted in the ocean. We could distinctly hear the sound of whales communicating with each other under water from quite a distance. It was an uncommon experience. Also, the whale usually just exposed it's flipper waving for minutes (see the picture I clicked) & out of the blue would emerge from water performing a back-flip or sort of a high-jump (couldn't capture that image as I was taken aback by the magnificent velocity of the back-flip). Spectacular sight!

Quoting Frommers, "Every winter, pods of Pacific humpback whales make the 3,000-mile swim from the chilly waters of Alaska to bask in Maui's summery shallows, fluking, spy hopping, spouting, and having an all-around swell time.
The humpback is the star of the annual whale-watching season, which usually begins in December or January and lasts until April or sometimes May. About 1,500 to 3,000 humpback whales appear in Hawaii waters each year. Adults grow to be about 45 feet long and weigh a hefty 40 tons. Humpbacks are officially an endangered species."

Add Whale Watching on your list of things-to-do in Hawaii. You will love it for sure!

Mahalo!

Lei - More than a Hawaiian Garland

Aloha!

In Hawaii, one of the ways to experience the warm hospitality & culture is being treated to a beautiful garland of flowers or beads called a 'Lei'. From Hotel Receptions, Luaus to Oahu's Polynesian Cultural Center, one can feel the ecstasy of being welcomed by a beautiful Lei.

A lei signifies a warm welcome, a simple greeting, a way to display your affection or appreciation for someone. My personal favorite is the Orchids' Lei - exquisite, elegant and classy with a tropical touch.

 A lei is worn by men, women and children. This picture that I clicked in Oahu's Polynesian Cultural center shows men wearing beautiful lei during a performance.
Visit Hawaii & experience the warmth and beauty of being treated to a lei. I am sure you will love it.
  
Mahalo!

Hawaiian Luau

Aloha!

Luau stands for the traditional Hawaiian feast comprising of Kalua Pig, Salmon, Tropical Hawaiian Fruits & other local delicacies. A Luau is also synonymous with the word 'celebration' or 'party'.

A luau is a treat for the stomach and the eyes. The beautifully dressed dancers depict various characters and narrate a story in classical Hawaiian fashion with their amazing musical extravaganza. There is usually a fire dancer or a group of dancers who perform incredible tricks & juggling acts with fire. It is one of the best ways to learn about and experience Hawaiian food and culture. Sunset Luaus on the beachfront are quite popular in Maui. Will discuss some popular Luau companies/performances on various islands in another post.

Being a vegetarian, one can still enjoy the tropical fruits, salads, drinks especially the Pinacolada. Fresh Pineapples & drinks are delicious!

Hawaiian Luau experience transcends to a level above a regular dinner and dance. The guests are welcomed with a Hawaiian garland 'Lei'.

A visit to Hawaii is incomplete without a Luau. See it to believe it!

Mahalo!

Hawaii - Keywords Aloha and Mahalo

Aloha!

For those of you wondering why I keep mentioning the words 'Aloha' and 'Mahalo' in every article...Here's why - These key words are the most commonly used words on a daily basis all over Hawaii & they change your experience with local Hawaiian people when you use these words.

The word Aloha has different connotations like Hello, Welcome, Good-Bye, I love you and a plethora of other things depending on the contextual usage or tone of voice. Aloha in a native Hawaiian's words, "The traditional Hawaiian greeting means more than just hello and goodbye. According to etymologists, the word aloha breaks down into "alo," meaning presence, front or face, and "ha," meaning breath; the literal meaning is often given as "the presence of breath" or "the breath of life."

Mahalo in simple words means Thank You. It stands for expressing gratitude, esteem, regards, admiration, praise, respects.

THE ALOHA SPIRIT

When I was in Hawaii, I heard a local say, "And that's the spirit of Aloha". I found it quite fascinating and read about it. Quoting Serge Kahili King, " The Aloha Spirit is a well known reference to the attitude of friendly acceptance for which the Hawaiian Islands are so famous. However, it also refers to a powerful way to resolve any problem, accomplish any goal, and also to achieve any state of mind or body that you desire.
In the Hawaiian language, aloha stands for much more than hello or goodbye or love. Its deeper meaning is the joyful (oha) sharing (alo) of life energy (ha) in the present (alo)
As you share this energy you become attuned to the Divine Power that the Hawaiians call mana. And the loving use of this incredible Power is the secret for attaining true health, happiness, prosperity and success. "

Go to Hawaii and liberally use the words Aloha and Mahalo and like me, you too will definitely experience the Hawaiian Spirit of Aloha in many ways making your trip really memorable.

Mahalo!

Hawaii - Unique Islands-Names & Nicknames

Aloha!Hawaiian Islands are not like any other islands that you might have visited. Each Hawaiian Island is unique and distinctly boasts of its beauty, scenic charms and things to do. I will uncover those details soon in various articles helping you pick and choose your island(s) to visit and create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

The 4 major/main Hawaiian Islands & their nicknames are:

• Oahu (consists of Honolulu and Waikiki) - The Gathering Place


• Maui - The Valley Isle


• Hawai'i - The Big Island


• Kaua'i - The Garden Isle

Other important Hawaiian Islands & their nicknames are:

• Lana'i - The Pineapple Isle


• Moloka'i - The Friendly Isle


• Ni'ihau - The Forbidden isle


• Kaho'olawe - The Target Isle

Mahalo!

Paradise aptly named 'Hawaii'

Dear Readers,
Aloha!
The word 'Hawaii' brings a twinkle in my eyes. This blog shall highlight the mystic scenic beauty of various Hawaiian Islands - little pieces of paradise. The captivating beaches, drives, botanical gardens, volcanoes, shows, food, shopping, culture, do's & don'ts - I'll reveal it all.

I hope you get all the information that you need to plan your trip to Hawaii after reading my blog. I shall update my blog regularly with pics & interesting articles.

If you've already witnessed what paradise looks like, you can walk down the memory lane & cherish your moments in mesmerizing Hawaii.

Mahalo!
Happy Reading!