St. Catherines Church on Kauai

During my 8 1/2 years of being a resident of Kauai one of my favorite activities was getting up early on Sunday morning and making the one mile drive to attend services at St. Catherine's Church. I'm a Catholic and St. Catherine's Church was just down the street. I probably could have walked but most often I'd ride my motorcycle because it was easy to find a place to park.

Being a parishioner, I'd sit in the back row. Many locals would come in, tap me on the shoulder and bid me a good morning. I liked that as I felt welcome. Many of the local folks would take their usual seats and the rest of the church, what seats were left, would be filled with visitors who wished to practice their faith.

The air was filled with anticipation and when the time came the Priest would come from the back and walk down the isle to the alter. The choir would sing the opening song... Hawaiian Madonna. Throughout the ceremony the, and I'd like to call it the "orchestra", would play numerous songs and each and every one of them was warming and heart felt.

I looked at the instruments one day and found one big floor bass, several ukuleles, a guitar, microphones and a few amplifiers. I, at one point, purchased a record of the "Hawaiian Madonna" but have long since misplaced it. I found my favorite church on the Internet... www.stcatherinekauai.org and visit the site often.

I've checked into replacing the record.. which probably now is a CD and have discovered that I could call Mr. Larry Rivera @ 808-822-3868 to get a new copy. I would encourage anyone to order a copy of the Hawaiian Madonna and see for yourself just how wonderful it is.

Weddings in Hawaii

Thinking about tying the know in the Islands of Aloha? I couldn't think of a more beautiful or romantic setting than the Hawaiian Islands. The Bride and Groom can get married with their choice of a huge selection of settings. Some of these include getting married on horseback, underwater, in a garden, on a yacht, at a waterfall, on a train or on the beach. These are just a few.

There are a large selection of wedding chapels hosted by many hotels which will serve the honors. And the packages vary from just a few guests to hundreds. Packages include photographic, entertainment, flowers and much more.

It's suggested you research your wedding plans for Hawaii in advance to "cover all the bases" as there are fees, arrangements, etc. I'll give a link to help you which will give you helpful information on getting married on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai or the Big Island. Simply click on the link listed . CONGRATULATIONS!

http://www.hawaiianweddings.net/weddingpackages.html

Drag Racing

If you're like me and like to watch cars of all types thunder down the 1/4 mile you're in luck. While I lived on Kauai I happened upon this drag strip on Kauai's west side. At the time it wasn't much of a track and the people there were just doing practice runs but it was thrilling all the same. The track has now turned into a full fledged 1/4 get'emup and changed it's name to Kauai Raceway Park.

Kauai Raceway Park. If you head west on Kaumualii Hwy drive about 35 miles to Kekaha. Actually the drag strip is in a town called Mana. On the ocean side you'll see a dirt road lined with pine trees. This will take you to Kauai Raceway Park. A link to this drag strip is: http://www.islandracer.com/kauai.htm

Maui Raceway Park is located 2 miles north on Rt. 311 (Mokulele Highway). I've never been there but I have looked at the website and it's full of useful information. http://www.mrp.org/

There is a drag strip on Oahu but I believe it's been closed for whatever reason I don't know. I've researched but can't come up with any 1/4 mile strips on the Big Island. I'm sure that if drag racing is in your blood you can get whatever information you need from the locals on the island.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling while on your visit to Hawaii can be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. If you are experienced or just beginning you can have the time of your life underwater while visiting the land of Aloha. I'll give you a quick overview of where to go for the best snorkeling in Hawaii.

Hanauma Bay on Oahu is probably the most popular. Although crowded, the water is clear, warm and above all calm. You don't have to go out into deep water to see many species of fish swim by you. In fact, waist deep water is perfect for a beginner. More experienced snorkelers might want to go to the turbulent cove of Witch's Brew. Makaha Beach Park has little current and is perfect for summer snorkeling. Here you'll find underwater caverns, tunnels and arches. Manta and Eagle rays, dolphins, sea turtles, eels, octopuses and taape are some of the sealife that are there for you to view.

On Maui Kapaula's beach is sandy and protected so snorkeling is very good for beginners. Molokini, or as I've better known it as the "cone" is what's left of sunken volcanic crater that you can only get to by boat. The water there is some 150' deep and there's some 250 or more different species of fish located there and no place else on earth. I would recommend Molokini for a more experienced person.

A couple of nice locations on Kauai would include Ke'e Beach Park. It's located at the very end of the highway going North. There you can see the beginning of the coastline and cliffs that comprise the Na Pali Coast. Since the water isn't deep it's not only fun but safe. You'll see a variety of colorful fish and the famed Pacific green sea turtle. Ke'e Beach Park, being at the beginning of the rainforest contributes to the lush vegetation and trees which make up the backdrop to this wonderful snorkel haven. Another good place on Kauai is Anini Beach Park. Here you'll find the largest reef on the island as it appears to go on forever. The water is shallow in places so you have to be aware of the tides that come in and go out. All this in mind Anini Beach is great for anyone who wants to put on a mask and snorkel.

Poipu Beach on Kauai is another great protected beach in which you can experience snorkeling in the Islands of Aloha.

Helicopter tours

Regardless of which of the islands of Hawaii you choose to visit you have to remember that the majority of each island is reachable either on foot, horseback or off road vehicle. There is, however, much beauty and overwhelming scenery you won't see unless you visit it by way of a helicopter tour.

No better view of the majestic mountains or the awesome spires and rugged terrain, cliffs, waterfalls and secluded beaches can be obtained other than by air. Being in touch by way of earphones will enable you to converse with the pilot who will point out places of beauty that you might miss if you're looking the other way.

These tours range in time from 30 minutes up to several hours and can run upwards to over $300. If it's in your price range it should be greatly considered because it will be a once-in-a-lifetime deal and you'll be able to view it over and over should you take a video camera along.

Oahu Makani Kai Helicopter Tours tours
Oahu Paradise Helicopter Air Tours
Maui Blue Hawaii Helicopter Tours
Maui Big Island Volcano Air Tour
Maui Sunshine Helicopter Tour
Big Island Paradise Helicopter Air Tour
Big Island Blue Hawaii Helicopters
Kauai Helicopter Tours from Princeville
Kauai Will's Ultimate Helicopter Adventure
Blue Hawaii Helicopter Tours of Kauai

These are just a few suggestions for you to consider. There are many more tours available to take you to an awful lot of interesting places. And I might add that all of these companies' tours originate from a local airport.

Hawaiian Lei's

Lei is actually a Hawaiian word for wreath or garland. A lei is made up normally of fresh flowers and sometimes depending of the person making the lei it could be leaves twisted tightly to make a necklace. Lehua blossoms or Orchids make beautiful lei's also.

I made a few of them by using a needle and thread and picking up a lot of Plumeria flowers that had fallen to the ground under a tree. Run the needle through the center of the flower, trying to offset the colors to make it look real nice and then present it to a friend of mine, or, in most cases my wife.

A lei didn't have to be just flowers or Maile leaves. Sometimes shells, feathers, fabric or even paper could make up a pretty lei. Some people would use candy. I made one using the Hawaiian firecracker chili pepper but didn't wear it for obvious reasons. It sure did look good though.
A lei could be made from almost anything that could be strung but I'm convinced that pretty flowers made the best lei's. I saved a lot of them after they dried out and still have them hanging on the wall in my office.

Kauai's Fern Grotto

One place that you will want to consider paying a visit to is the Fern Grotto in Wailua. It's quite easy to find by taking Highway 56 north to Wailua.

After you pay your nominal fee of $15 (well worth it) you get aboard a flat bottom boat operated by Waialeale Boat Tours and make your way up the Wailua River, which is the only river in Hawaii that is navigable. Have your camera ready on this 40 or so minute ride past the grassy shore and the spectacular view of Mt. Waialeale. There are also lots and lots of coconut trees lining the shore.

For your entertainment local musicians sing and play traditional songs on acoustical guitars and uke's. You'll share the river with kayakers, other boats and skiers who also enjoy this waterway. Boats depart every half hour so you'll never miss a ride to this awesome natural amphitheater. The Fern Grotto got it's name because it's draped in ferns and it provides the backdrop for countless weddings. Once you get off the boat it's just a short distance on a paved walkway to get there.

There are conveniences at the dock and also a nice gift shop inside. I used to go to the marina a lot with my son when he was small and give bread to the ducks.

Hawaiian Pidgin

Hawaiian Pidgin
When I began living in Hawaii I had the hardest time understanding the way the locals spoke. I was to understand that if I was to ask someone where they were instead of just asking them "where they were" I'd have to ask "where you stay?" If I didn't like something I'd say "I no like".

There were times at work when I found I couldn't do something I'd simply say "no can" instead of going through the longer version of saying that I couldn't do it. I found that way of speaking to be very interesting and developed a likeness for it.

Pidgin is actually influenced by the Portuguese, Cantonese and Chinese languages. Later on the Japanese, Filipinos and Koreans added to the way of speaking. Pidgin can really confuse a person if it's not understood and practiced. One of my favorite phrases at the end of a work day was "Pau hana.. Aloha!" which meant "work over, good by".

The Hawaiian language is very often used together with Pidgin. First used on plantations between ethnic groups and in homes, Pidgin later caught on in schools and soon after became the primary language of most of the Hawaiian people practically replacing other languages. For that reason Hawaiian Pidgin is considered to be a creole language.

While being a resident I found myself speaking my version of Pidgin and easily understood even the most local of locals. I've since lost my flavor for speaking that way but am sure should I return to that Island Paradise it would come back in a heartbeat.