La Hiku o Kalikimaka (Seventh Day of Christmas)

 

Legendary Surfer Duke Kahanamoku


 On the Seventh Day of Christmas, my Tutu gave to me ...

... seven triathletes swimming.

Kona hosts the annual Ironman World Championship each fall.   Only 1,800 triathletes are invited to swim 2.4 miles, ride 112 mines, and run 26.2 miles.   Today's modern triathletes have the benefit of science to improve their mental agility, physical strength, and their equipment design.

But I'd like to take us back 100 years to the natural triathletes of Hawaii - the swimmers, surfers, and paddlers.  The most famous surfer, Duke Kahanamoku, was also a Olympic swimmer, Hollywood actor, and Aloha Ambassador.

Olympic Titans
Johnny Wiesmuller and the Duke

From Surfline,

Born at Haleakala (on August 24, 1890), Duke Paoa Kahanamoku was one of nine children of a Honolulu policeman. Named for the Duke of Edinburgh, he earned his living as a beachboy and stevedore at the Honolulu Harbor docks. Growing up on the beach in Waikiki, Duke surfed with his brothers and entertained tourists with tandem rides.

More important than his prowess in local waters was Duke's global appeal. Despite encountering racism throughout his extensive travels, his undying aloha spirit brought unprecedented attention to the Hawaiian Islands.

Much of Kahanamoku's acclaim was derived from his swimming accomplishments, which elevated his status as an all-around waterman. In addition to breaking multiple world records for swimming, he won an Olympic gold medal in 1912 -- a feat he repeated eight years later at the age of 30. In 1924 he stepped down to silver.

Kahanamoku's Olympic gold medals assured him a place of honor in Hawaii throughout his long life. In 1936, he served as the honorary sheriff of Honolulu for 25 years.

As the "Aloha Ambassador", he taught Doris Duke how to surf.  He greeted Amelia Earhart when she landed on Hawaii.   He filmed with the other Duke, John Wayne.

Duke presents Amelia with a pineapple.

And Duke lived the Aloha spirit,

Try meeting or leaving people with aloha, you’ll be surprised by their reaction.

I believe it and it is my creed.

Aloha to you.

Duke and friends

In honor of Duke, I am giving away 7 books from Dee Davis - a modern day ambassador from Texas.  From her website bio,

Dee Davis has a BA in Political Science and History, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration. During a ten-year career in public relations, she spent three years on the public speaking circuit, edited two newsletters, wrote three award winning public service announcements, did television and radio commercials, starred in the Seven Year Itch, taught college classes, lobbied both the Texas State Legislature and the US Congress, and served as the director of two associations.

Dee's American Tactical Intelligence Command (A-TAC) includes heroes that have the same skills as triathletes.  Just so you can meet these heroes, I am giving away:

Dark Deceptions (2 copies)
Dangerous Desires (3 copies)
Desperate Deeds (2 copies)

To learn more about Dee's books, check out Mary Gramlich's reviews posted on her website. 

To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about your favorite good guy - real or fictional.

2.  For the duration of the "12 Days of Christmas", comments for all posts will be open through January 6. I will randomly draw winners for each day's prize(s) on January 7.

For Days 5 - 11, I will contact the winners and ask them to list their top three preferences from the books being offered as the giveaway. I will assign books based on preferences received on a first come, first serve basis.

Prizes will be mailed NLT January 10.

3. The "12 Days of Christmas" is only open to US residents. However, I will mail a special Hawaiian treat to any international reader who sends their mailing address to sos.america@yahoo.com.

Mele Kalikimaka!

Kim in Hawaii

Caridad Pinero once reminded me of the "Aloha Interchange" in Miss Congeniality,

Gracie Hart: In Hawaii don't they use aloha for hello and goodbye?

Miss Hawaii: Yeah, so?

Gracie Hart: so if you're on the phone with somebody and they won't stop talking and you say, ok take care, aloha, don't they just start over again?

From the Hawaiian Dictionary, by Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert, Aloha is translated as

Love, affection, compassion, mercy, sympathy, pity, kindness, sentiment, grace, charity, greeting, salutation, regards.

Most tourists use it as "Hello".   But kama'aina (residents) know it conveys more than a greeting, it is the spirit of Hawaii.

menehunesurfboards.com

La Ono o Kalikimaka (Sixth Day of Christmas)



aloha-hawaii.com


On the Sixth Day of Christmas, my Tutu gave to me ...

... six nene a laying.

Nene are the Hawaiian goose and state bird.  It's a really good thing that they are laying eggs.  From Aloha Hawaii,

The Nene has endured a long struggle against extinction. During the 1940s, this beautiful species was almost wiped out by laws which allowed the birds to be hunted during their winter breeding seasons when the birds were the most vulnerable.

By 1957, when the Nene was named as Hawaii’s State Bird, rescue efforts were underway. Conservationists began breeding the birds in captivity in hopes of preserving a remnant of the declining population and, someday, successfully re-establishing them in their native habitat.

Wild Nene populations can be seen in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawai'i; in Haleakala National Park on Maui, and  along the Na Pali Coast on Kaua'i.  Captive Nene can be seen at the Honolulu Zoo.


pacificislandparks.com

Our family spotted several nene on the drive up to Haleakala (House of the Sun) on Maui.   The visitors' center displayed several photos from the mid 1950s of Boy Scouts hiking up Haleakala with nene to encourage repopulation.  The photos convened the suspense of whether these sacred birds would return to the wild.  Luckily, they did.

In honor of the nene, I am giving away 6 suspense titles
(8 books total):



Lee Child, Gone Tomorrow (2 copies)

Most Likely To Die, anthology with Lisa Jackson, Beverly Barton, and Wendy Corsi Staub

Lisa Jackson, Fatal Burn, The Night Before

Rick Mofina, Vengeance Road

Maggie Shayne, Killing Me Softly (2 copies)

To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about your favorite suspense book, TV show, or movie.

2. For the duration of the "12 Days of Christmas", comments for all posts will be open through January 6. I will randomly draw winners for each day's prize(s) on January 7.

For Days 5 - 11, I will contact the winners and ask them to list their top three preferences from the books being offered as the giveaway. I will assign books based on preferences received on a first come, first serve basis.

Prizes will be mailed NLT January 10.

3. The "12 Days of Christmas" is only open to US residents. However, I will mail a special Hawaiian treat to any international reader who sends their mailing address to sos.america@yahoo.com.

Mele Kalikimaka!

Kim in Hawaii

nps.gov

Haleakala is also home to another unique specie - the silversword.  From Maui Downhill,

The Haleakala 'ahinahina, or silversword, is probably the most famous of the 28 species in the silversword alliance. Member of the silversword alliance are perhaps the most dramatic examples of adaptive radiation in the islands. These 28 species, and many subspecies, may have descended from a single ancestor, the California tarweed, which may have reached Hawaii millions of year ago. The 'ahinahina grows between 6,500 and 10,000 feet in elevation on the upper slopes of Haleakala where it has adapted to the harsh environment. The dense covering of silver hair on its slender leaves helps to conserve moisture and protect the plant from the sun's severe rays. The 'ahinahina is low growing and has a large taproot that helps to keep it secure in high winds.

You can see the silversword blooming among the "moonscape" of the Haleakala crater in the below image.

travellinghistorian.com

La Lima o Kalikimaka (Fifth Day of Christmas)

On the Fifth Day of Christmas, my Tutu gave to me ....

... Hawaii Five O!

Did you expect anything else?

Top Five Reasons to watch the show:

1.  Alex O'Laughlin as Navy Commander Steve McGarrett represents the military presence in the islands.  As part of the back story,  Steve's father also served in the Navy and his grandfather died aboard the USS Arizona.

The military significantly contributes to the Hawaiian economy while honoring its traditions.   Yesterday, we toured of Pearl Harbor, including the Submarine Piers.  We spotted a giant lei draped across a crow's nest.  It was an awesome sight!


history.navy.mil

2.  Scott Caan as Detective Dan "Danno" Williams represents the Haoles (white men) who moved to Hawaii.  In Danno's case, he relocated from New Jersey, "civilization", to follow his daughter (his ex-wife remarried and moved to Hawaii).   Danno is the perfect partner for Steve, insisting upon procedures to Steve's "clandestine" activities.  Plus Danno delivers excellent banter to create a budding "bromance" with Steve.

3.  Daniel Dae Kim as Chin Ho Kelly represents the Asian immigrants who contribute to Hawaii's scene.   Although Chin Ho is tainted by unsubstantiated allegations, he is dedicated to the Hawaii Five O mission.  He also understands the local culture.

4.  Grace Park as Kono Kalakaua is the surfing pro turned police rookie.  She defends her cousin, Chin Ho, while packing a mean punch in high heels (after an undercover sting).  Kono is the fresh face and idealistic hope for Hawaii's future.

5.  The local backdrop steals the scenes every time.  Diamond Head.  Waikiki Beach.  The North Shore.  The Koolau Mountains.   Pearl Harbor.

In honor of Hawaii Five O, I am giving away five books of hot heroes from an author I met in Hawaii last year - Cherry Adairr.  She attended the Readers' Luncheon hosted by Jane Porter at her beach side home.   Cherry's heroes would be welcomed as new members of Hawaii Five O's crime fighting team:

- Black Magic

- Hide and Seek

- In Too Deep

- Kiss and Tell

- The Bodyguard, an anthology with Gena Showalter and Lorrie O'Clare.

To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about your favorite hot hero/heroine (can be from any book, TV show, or movie).    

2. For the duration of the "12 Days of Christmas", comments for all posts will be open through January 6.  I will randomly draw winners for each day's prize(s) on January 7. 

For Days 5 - 11, I will contact the winners and ask them to list their top three preferences from the books being offered as the giveaway.  I will assign books based on preferences received on a first come, first serve basis. 

Prizes will be mailed NLT January 10.

3. The "12 Days of Christmas" is only open to US residents. However, I will mail a special Hawaiian treat to any international reader who sends their mailing address to sos.america@yahoo.com.

Mele Kalikimaka!

Kim in Hawaii

Yesterday we also toured the National Park's Services new visitors' center for the USS Arizona Memorial.   I could list 1000 heroes from the interactive displays.  But one caught my eye - Army nurse Anna Urda Busby.   From The Pearl Harbor Memorial,

In 1939, Anna Busby joined the United States Army Nurse Corps. On December 71h, she had just finished breakfast when she heard a terrible noise. Running outside, she saw black smoke spiraling into the sky. She got word that the Japanese were bombing Pearl Harbor.

Anna put her uniform on and reported for duty at Tripler General Hospital. The corridors were overflowing with the wounded from Pearl Harbor. Anna tended to hundreds of patients that day. She got little rest and worked through the night. On that day, Anna was typical of the dedication of nurses and doctors throughout the island of Oahu.

Ms. Busby has written a book about her experiences in WWII entitled "Wherever You Need Me." The book is available through the memorial bookstore (which accept Internet orders).

La manawa o Kalikimaka (Fourth Day of Christmas)

lehuaukulele.com


On the Fourth Day of Christmas, my Tutu gave to me ....

.. four love birds in paradise.

Love birds are small parrots native to Africa.   They are known as social and affectionate pets.

pixdaus.com

But Hawaii is the destination of choice for another species of love birds - newlyweds!

destination360.com

I share a Hawaiian legend about lovers from American Folklore,

There was no other woman for Ohi'a but Lehua. He had eyes only for her, and courted her with a passion and zeal that swiftly won her heart. Her father gave his only daughter gladly into the keeping of the strong young man, and the young couple lived quite happily for several months in a new home Ohi'a built for his bride.

Then one day the goddess Pele (the Volcano goddess) was walking in the forest near the home of the handsome Ohi'a and spied the young man at work. Pele was smitten by him, and went at once to engage him in conversation. Ohi'a spoke politely to the beautiful woman, but did not respond to her advances, which infuriated Pele. She was determined to have this young man for herself, but before she could renew her efforts, Lehua came to the place her young husband was working to bring him his midday meal.

When he saw his lovely wife, Ohi'a's face lit up with love. He dropped everything at once and went to her side, leaving a fuming Pele to stare in jealous rage at the young couple. Dropping her human disguise, the goddess transformed into a raging column of fire and struck Ohi'a down, transforming him into a twisted ugly tree in revenge for spurning her advances.

Lehua fell to her knees beside the twisted tree that had once been her husband. Tears streaming down her lovely face, she begged Pele to turn him back into a man or else turn her into a tree, as she could not bear to be separated from her beloved. But Pele ignored the girl, taking herself up to the cool heights, her anger satisfied. But the gods saw what Pele had done to the innocent lovers and were angry. As Lehua lay weeping in despair, the gods reached down and transformed the girl into a beautiful red flower, which they placed upon the twisted Ohi'a tree, so that she and her beloved husband would never more be apart.

From that day to this, the Ohi'a tree has blossomed with the beautiful red Lehua flowers. While the flowers remain on the tree, the weather remains sunny and fair. But when a flower is plucked from the tree, then heavy rain falls upon the land like tears, for Lehua still cannot bear to be separated from her beloved husband Ohi'a.

hawaiian-words.com

Next week, Hawaii will host love birds special to me - romance author Anne Elizabeth and her husband.  I look forward to sharing paradise with them!   In honor of these love birds, I am giving away four copies of Anne Elizabeth's latest graphic novel, PULSE OF POWER.

To enter the giveaway,

1. Leave a comment about your favorite song bird, romantic setting, or folklore legend.

2. For the duration of the "12 Days of Christmas", comments for all posts will be open through January 6. I will randomly draw winners for each day's prize(s) on January 7. Prizes will be mailed NLT January 10.

3. The "12 Days of Christmas" is only open to US residents. However, I will mail a special Hawaiian treat to any international reader who sends their mailing address to sos.america@yahoo.com.

Mele Kalikimaka!

Kim in Hawaii

Anne Elizabeth is the author of several anthologies about military to benefit the military through the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.  Thank you, Anne Elizabeth, for your support!

La Hapakolu o Kalikimaka (Third Day of Christmas)

freepassageway.com

On the Third Day of Christmas, my Tutu gave to me ....

.. three days in French Polynesia. 

From the BBC website,

French Polynesia is a sprawling possession of France in the Pacific Ocean, made up of 118 volcanic and coral islands and atolls, including Tahiti.  There are five island groups - the Society islands, the Tuamotu archipelago, the Gambier islands, the Marquesas islands and the Tubuai islands. Tahiti is the most densely-populated island.

Actually, it might take you almost three days to arrive in French Polynesia, so I offer you an alternative - the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu.   From the Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC),

The Polynesian Cultural Center features the people and slands of Hawaii, Samoa, Aotearoa (Maori New Zealand), Fiji, the Marquesas, Tahiti, and Tonga; as well as a Rapa Nui exhibit and an 1850s-era Christian mission complex, all in a beautiful 42-acre setting that has been Hawaii's top paid-admission visitor attraction since 1977.

The PCC (as locals call it) demonstrates the differences between the Pacific Island cultures, including "hula" dancing.   For example, the fast hip movement on the opening credits of Hawaii Five O is Tahitian, not Hawaiian.  We'll learn more about hula dancing on the 9th Day when 9 Ladies Dance Hula.

duatravel.com



The Pacific islands do share the same sea life, including dolphins.

electricchildren.com

In honor of French Polynesia, I am giving away a wood shaped dolphin to three commenters.  It can be used as a candy dish.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about your favorite far-away place (or painter).

2.  For the duration of the "12 Days of Christmas", comments for all posts will be open through January 6. I will randomly draw winners for each day's prize(s) on January 7. Prizes will be mailed NLT January 10.

3. The "12 Days of Christmas" is only open to US residents. However, I will mail a special Hawaiian treat to any international reader who sends their mailing address to sos.america@yahoo.com.

Mele Kalikimaka!

Kim in Hawaii

Tahiti, of course, is immortalized by Post Impressionist Paul Gauguin.  From the National Gallery of Art website,
 
In 1891 his rejection of European urban values led him to Tahiti, where he expected to find an unspoiled culture, exotic and sensual. Instead, he was confronted with a world already transformed by western missionaries and colonial rule. In large measure, Gauguin had to invent the world he sought, not only in paintings but with woodcarvings, graphics, and written works. As he struggled with ways to express the questions of life and death, knowledge and evil that preoccupied him, he interwove the images and mythology of island life with those of the west and other cultures. After a trip to France (1893 to 1895), Gauguin returned to spend his remaining years, marred by illness and depression, in the South Seas.

Weekly Winners

Hawaii Five O celebrates Kalikimaka

We have some winners from last week's posts.

Monday, December 20:
Aloha to Delilah Marvelle and PRELUDE TO A SCANDAL
- ARC from Mary:  Dani
- Classical CDs from me: Heather Snow, Dorothy, Sue

Tuesday, December 21:
Aloha to Karin Harlow and ENEMY LOVER
- ENEMY LOVER from me:  Jodi T and Sheree
- ENEMY LOVER mug from Karin:  Cynthia

Wednesday, December 22:
Aloha to Jennifer Childers and KINDERTRANSPORT
- KINDERTRANSPORT from me:  Miss Kallie

Thursday, December 23:
Hawaii Happenings
- Hawaiian Calendar from me:  Linda

Friday, December 24: 
Holiday Songs
- Box of Hawaiian candy from me:  Danielle G.

Check out the ongoing "12 Days of Christmas - Hawaiian Style."  Comments for all posts are open through January 6.  I'll randomly select winners on January 7 and mail prizes NLT January 10.  Mary and I are giving away over 30 books plus Hawaiian trinkets.

Mele Kalikimaka!

Kim in Hawaii