Black Sand Beach, Maui

The Flower Lei - Hawaiian Culture & Traditions - The Luau

The Flower Lei

Today, probably the most enjoyable and unforgettable Hawaiian custom is the flower lei. Custom dictates that a lei should be offered graciously with a kiss and removed only in private. It's considered rude to remove a lei once it's accepted in view of anyone, but especially in view of the person(s) who gave it to you. Lei designs are limited only to the imagination and range from the simple common one-strand orchid or tuberose presented as a special treat to those who arrive by plane or ship to the more elaborate or rare depending on how important the occasion may be.

Hawaiian Culture & Traditions - The Luau

The Luau
The Luau is known as the Hawaiian barbecue - for good reason. It is normally a large party where the main course is Kalua pig - a whole pig steamed in an imu (underground oven). You will also find pupus (hawaiian appetizers), laulaus (meat, normally pork, cooked inside ti leaves), limu (seaweed), lomi-lomi salmon (salmon cooked with tomato and onion), and haupia (coconut and pineapple pudding).

Beautiful Beachs of Hawaii - Ka'anapali Beach, Maui

Ka'anapali is Maui's equivalent of Waikiki Beach, although it comes nowhere close to being that big or busy. The entire beach is open to the public. Access is available through resort grounds, as are public restrooms and showers. Plenty of shops and restaurants are located right along the strip. The sands are warm and gold; the water is clear and flat. A major Ka'anapali landmark is Black Rock. Once known as soul's leap, this rock is still a popular jumping point for locals and particularly brave visitors.

Hawaiian Culture & Traditions - The Hula

The Hula
The hula is a beautiful flowing Hawaiian dance that tells a story. The music is comprised of repetitive chants, called mele, either alone or combined with music. The hula began in ancient Hawaii as a form of worship. The musical instruments were often made of gourds, coconuts, or logs covered with shark-skin membrane - and of course, the ukelele. The hand and leg movement combined with facial expressions and the dance itself tell the story of the hula. The hula survives today through study, competitions, shows, and the dances for the visitors enjoyment.

Hawaiian Words & Translations Audio Dictionary link

Here is a great way to begin learning some Hawaiian Language! Click on the BLOG Title for the link. Look for future posts with Hawaiian Words of the Day!

Science Applications International Corporation Says "Thanks" to Staff with Maui Wowi Smoothies

For the second year in a row, SAIC sent Maui Wowi Hawaiian Coffees & Smoothies to serve up our treats at two of their locations. They really wanted to show their staff how much they are appreciated with a "Smoothie Day"! While serving the 400 staff memmbers, we heard tons of thanks to SAIC for the treat and saw many smiles as they sipped away on the fresh fruit smoothies!