Live Aloha. 01

Today I witnessed several acts of ALOHA.

It's always touching when I see people go out of their way to live aloha and to keep Hawaii beautiful. As a popular vacation destination, many come to Hawaii for its beautiful beaches, scenery, and warm weather...so it's disheartening when people litter, vandalize, and disrespect our 'aina (land). As we would do when we visit your home, please malama ka 'aina (take care the land).

Here's what I saw today:

A plastic bag flew into the water. This kid surfed over to the bag and put it in his pocket [to throw away later].

This guy was scraping bubble gum off the wall.

This woman was spreading aloha by passing out Tiare flowers to everyone at the lookouts.

They smelled so good!

This lady was beautifying the lookout by planting flowers in this little area.

A huge MAHALO to these oomph-worthy citizens. All of these acts of aloha can be seen

on my periscopes here and here.

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Do you live aloha?
What did you do that was oomph-worthy today?

FAQ: Luaus

Frequently Asked Question: Should I see a luau? (If so, can you recommend some?)

Answer: Yes.

Paradise Cove Luau

If you want the ultimate experience in traditional island culture, attending a luau is a fun way to get it through music, dance, and food. A luau usually begins with some pre-show activities like arts & crafts and the imu ceremony, followed by dinner and the show.

Many of the luaus have similar core elements as well as something that makes them unique. Below is a list of O'ahu luaus I could find along with some of their key features. I've only been to Paradise Cove luau, so  definitely do your research on the others (yelp is a great place). For more details on each, click the links to their websites. Prices here are current as of the date of this post; prices may change. If you know of other luaus that are not on this list, feel free to leave them in the comments.

Paradise Cove Luau | West Oahu

92-1089 Aliinui Drive, Kapolei, HI 96707

Book online here.

Adult $85-156

Youth $75-137

Child $65-123

Transportation +$14

*3 and under free, Kama'aina rates with Hawaii ID

Features: Classic "backyard" luau, oceanfront, imu ceremony

I have attended Paradise Cove Luau; you can read about it here.

Germaine's Luau | West Oahu

91-119 Olai Street, Kapolei, HI 96707

Book online here.

Adult $88-153

Juniors $78-138

Child $68-125

*3 and under free, promo code and summer specials available now

Features: Classic "backyard" luau, oceanfront, imu ceremony, Royal Court of Polynesia

Diamond Head Luau | Waikiki

2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815

Book online here.

Adult $99-159

Child $69-109

*3 and under free

Features: Smaller venue, oceanfront, temporary Polynesian tattoos

Polynesian Cultural Center's Ali'i Luau | North Oahu

55-370 Kamehameha Hwy, Laie, HI 96762

Book online here.

Adult $109-156

Child $87-111

*4 and under free

Features: Classic "backyard" luau, imu ceremony, ukulele lessons

Royal Hawaiian Hotel's Royal Hawaiian Luau | Waikiki

2259 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815

Book online here.

Adult $179

Juniors $101

Child <5 $20

Features: Classic "backyard" luau, oceanfront, kapa making, poi pounding

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort's Waikiki Starlight Luau | , Waikiki

2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu, HI 96815

Book online here.

Adult $103-145

Child $51-65

Features: Rooftop luau, waikiki city views, conch shell blowing, Samoan knife dancer

Sea Life Park's Chief's Luau | East Oahu

41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy, Waimanalo, HI 96795

Book online here.

Adult $99-159

Child $69-109

Transportation +$14

*4 and under free

Features: Classic "backyard" luau, oceanfront, imu/ava ceremony, fire-knife dancer

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Have you been to a luau?

If so, what was your favorite part?

Kukaniloko Birthing Stones | Central O'ahu

Located in between the two O'ahu mountain ranges, the Kukaniloko Birthing Stones were said to be centrally located so that it could be seen by chiefs on either mountain range. It was the most powerful birthplace for Hawai'i's royalty. Only Ali'i could walk these sacred grounds and give birth here because the mana, or power, was passed thru to the child. Mothers were put on a strict diet and given a special sap drink to make it a painless birth.

Even though the stones are no longer used as a birthing place, there is still a sense of calm when you enter the park. From the Wahiawa plateau, there is a beautiful view of the Waianae Mountain Range as well as the Ko'olaus in the distance.

the birthplace is clearly defined by tall trees.

the mother never actually touches the stones. indentations in the stones are said to be where helpers placed their feet to steady themselves while holding the mother. 

this is on the way to the north shore. if you are headed that way, it's worth a quick stop to take in the beauty of this historical place.

from the road, it doesn't look like anything...but walk down this path, and you're treated to an amazing view.

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must see: yes, if in area

entrance fee: free

parking: very limited, but people don't stay long.

bathrooms: no

good for kids: yes

concession: no

approximate time needed: 30 minutes

suggested items to bring: camera

tip 1: after the rain, it can get muddy near the parking area.

what to do after: head to the north shore for some fun in the sun. stop at the Aloha General Store in the North Shore Marketplace for shave ice.

Wahiawa, HI | 96786