I’m always on the lookout for eco-friendly options, but I never knew there was a thing as eco-friendly sunglasses! This is a great alternative for anyone who loves to be outside, wants a durable pair of sunglasses, and likes to go the eco-friendly route with product purchases.
Lani Shades reached out to me recently and I was so impressed by their company, values, and mindset that I decided to write a little article about them to share with my readers.
So if you’re looking for a pair of eco-friendly sunglasses, keep reading and I’ll share all the details with you!
What is Lani Shades?
Lani Shades is a Hawaii based wood sunglasses company launched in 2019 out of Sail Hawaii, a sailing school. The creators wanted a pair of sunglasses that would help them look towards the sun when trimming the sails, or dull the sun’s glare on the water to watch for reefs.
The solution to their problem? Eco-friendly sunglasses.
They created a pair of shades that would float when falling into the water (because how many of us have dropped our sunglasses in the water? 🙋🏽♀️). Even if you weren’t able to get your sunglasses out of the water, the shades would eventually decompose. Made of natural wood and TAC, these shades shouldn’t contribute to the problem of plastic pollution throughout the ocean and on beaches.
Ok, but how are these eco-friendly sunglasses?
The Lani Shades website has the complete breakdown of the sunglasses, but here are the basics:
-The frames are made from wood. Lani Shades has different collections using three types of wood. The gist is that when the sunglasses fall into the water, they float. The wood is a perfect, natural option that looks stylish, is durable, light, and floats. The wood frames are made in China, but the website specifically says that each one is handmade by a craftsman.
I always take caution in buying anything from China. But I feel a little better knowing that this company most likely supports a small group of handcrafters in China, as opposed to large corporations. Read more about the frames here.
-The lenses: This is where things get pretty technical. The lenses are made from TAC, which is an organic biodegradable polymer film. The TAC lenses could be considered plastic, so Lani Shades has a plan for that too. When your sunglasses reach the end of their life, you can send them back to Lani Shades. They repurpose the lenses, meaning less waste in the ocean. Meanwhile, you get 25% off your next pair of sunglasses from Lani Shades. Win win. Read more about the lenses here.
What is the company doing to give back?
You all know I love the word kuleana. I have a whole post dedicated to it. I also wrote a chapter about it in my book, “Aloha State of Mind.” Kuleana is “responsibility,” and Lani Shades takes their responsibility to care for the ‘aina very seriously.
Lani Shades supports “One Tree Planted.” For each pair of sunglasses sold, Lani Shades donates to have a tree planted.
Another thing I love about this company is that they try to keep things local. Instead of selling through big corporations and businesses like Amazon, they sell their products in local boutiques, craft markets, and through their online website. This ensures that Lani Shades can keep their prices lower and offer discounts to their customers.
If you’re like me and love supporting small, local businesses, Lani Shades is definitely the way to go.
What is my honest review of the Lani Shades sunglasses?
I have yet to receive my pair in the mail. When I do receive and try it out, I will update this article with my honest review and photographs. So far I am very impressed with the values of Lani Shades to stay eco-friendly and make as little of an impact on the environment as possible. A lot of thought and detail has been put into every aspect of the Lani Shades sunglasses, from creation to marketing and selling.
I look forward to sharing my insights and photos with you. Please stay tuned!
Lanai Island. Have you ever been? Also known as the Pineapple Isle, Lanai island is the home of some iconic places like Sweetheart Rock, Garden of the Gods, and Shipwreck Beach. It houses one of the most expensive resorts in Hawaii and 98% of the island is owned by Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle. He bought most of the island, including the Four Seasons hotels, for $300 million dollars. The hotel was renovated and made into the luxury resort that it is today.
I have been doing a lot of research about the island of Lanai, as I’m writing a retelling of a Hawaiian legend that took place on Lanai. While the popular folklore of Lanai is Pu’u Pehe, or Sweetheart Rock, there’s another known tale, shared by King Kalakaua in his book, “Legends of Hawaii.” The story of Ka’ala, the flower of Lanai, is not as well known, but a story that I think deserves to be told nonetheless.
If you want to read the first book in my Hawaiian fairy tale and folklore retelling collection, check out Lehua.
Since I’ve never been to Lanai, I knew I had to do as much research as possible. And, maybe one day if I’m lucky, I’ll get to visit the island. 🙂 This article includes everything you need to know about Lanai, it’s name, history, iconic things to do and places to see, and little known facts that I found along the way! I hope you enjoy!
This is a “lanai,” like a porch or veranda, but we’re talking about the island Lanai in this article!
Is it Lanai or Lāna’i?
The correct spelling is Lāna’i, and nobody really knows where the name originated. For the purpose of ease and because “Lanai” is how the word is commonly spelled and used, I’ll be writing the name of the island as “Lanai” in this article.
There’s a Hawaiian legend that a prince from Maui, Kaulula’au, was sent to Lanai because he pulled up a breadfruit tree and his father was displeased. Lanai had been known to have man-eating spirits but instead of getting killed by them, the prince was able to drive the man-eating spirits away.
As a reward, Kaulula’au was given the island to rule over. The island was then called “Lāna’i o Kaulula’au,” which means “day of the the conquest of Kaulula’au.”
Today the word “Lanai” is used, instead of Lāna’i, for ease.
Why is it called the Pineapple Island?
For some reason, Oahu has always seemed like the pineapple island because it has pineapple fields and is home to the big tourist attraction, Dole Plantation. However, the first pineapple was planted on the island of Lanai in 1921 by Charles Dole.
So it makes sense that the island received the name! By 1930 the island of Lanai would export over 65,000 pineapples a year. Lanai produced most of the world’s pineapples. The last pineapple harvest occurred in 1992, but Lanai still keeps its name as the Pineapple Island.
How big is Lanai? What is the ecology and geography of the island?
Lanai is about 18 by 13 miles and was formed 1.5 million years ago by the volcano Palawai. Some parts of the island are dry and red, while other parts are lush and green.
Lanai has such a variety of landscape and ecology, it’s amazing. One second there will be high sea cliffs and the next thing there are white sandy beaches.
You’ll learn a little more about the diversity in the “Main Attractions” section of this article. 🙂
Does Lanai have deer? Can you hunt them?
I talked to my mom about my research on Lanai and she mentioned it has plenty of deer. I didn’t know this so dug deeper and guess what?
The island has tons of deer!
In 1868, the country of India gifted eight axis deer to King Kamehameha V of Hawaii. Without any natural predators, the deer have multiplied over the last hundred years. It’s estimated that there are about 40,000 to 60,000 axis deer between the islands of Molokai, Maui, and Lanai.
In the fall, Lanai residents are allowed to hunt the deer for free. People who are not residents of Lanai also can register to hunt the deer.
What are some interesting historical facts about Lanai?
Lanai is said to be the place where cliff jumping was born. Hawaiian warriors would leap from the southeast 80-foot Kaunolu Point to prove their courage.
Europeans spotted Lanai on their departure from Hawaii. Captain Clerke took charge of Captain Cook’s ship, the HMS Resolution, after Captain Cook was killed in Kealakekua Bay on February 14. Captain Clerke spotted Lanai on February 25, 1779.
Before Lanai was one of the world’s biggest pineapple producers, it was owned by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The people started a colony and herded sheep. Walter Murray Gibson was a leader of the church at the time and helped build the colony. He got involved in fraudulent activity, paying for land with the church’s money and putting the titles in his name. He was excommunicated and members of the church moved to Laie on O’ahu, building their community and faith there.
Do people live on Lanai?
Yes! Lanai has a high school and elementary school, but the island has no traffic lights! About 3,200 people live on Lanai. There are three hotels and two of them are luxury resorts.
Other random facts about Lanai
There are plenty of feral cats on the island, because there are no natural predators.
Larry Ellison most of the island, but the rest is owned by the government.
There is no public transportation on Lanai. To get there, people have to take a ferry or plane from Maui. Once on the island, visitors can rely on rental cars (or jeeps, because so much of the island is off-roading), or hotel vans to get around.
The town in Lanai has local shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Image of Lanai from Maui island
Traveling to Lanai: How to get to Lanai, how to get around, where to stay
You can get to Lanai by taking a ferry from Lahaina, Maui (it’s only about 8 miles). There are car rentals, though a jeep is advised because many of the island roads are not well developed, and many of the attractions require 4-wheel drive.
There are only three places to stay in Lanai: Hotel Lanai (around $400/night), Four Seasons Resort ($1k or more a night), and Sensei Lanai ($5k or more a night). If you’re staying at one of the hotels, there is usually an air service provided to get to Lanai. All of the hotels provide shuttle services too.
The island also has many tourist vans and shuttles available for visitors coming off the ferry.
Many Maui tour companies, like Sail Trilogy, offer snorkeling and day experiences on Lanai, so keep an eye out for those options too.
What are the main attractions of Lanai?
Hulupo’e Beach
This beautiful white sand beach is perfect for all ages. Snorkel and see the fish in the reef off the shores, and maybe you’ll even get a glimpse of the spinner dolphins in the bay.
Hulupo’e Beach attracts people every year, as the ferries dock not far from here! If you travel to Lanai for a day, swimming at Hulupo’e beach is a great option to experience!
Sweetheart Rock (Pu’u Pehe Rock)
Sweetheart rock on Lanai, Hawaii
The Hawaiian tale of Sweetheart Rock says that a young warrior from Lanai, Makakehau, fell in love with Pehe, from Lahaina. Makakehau loved her so much, his eyes would mist each time he saw her—hence his name, “maka,” meaning eyes, and “kehau,” meaning misty. Makakehau took Pehe to Lanai and put her in a sea cave at the base of Manale Cliffs.
One day while Makakehau left the cave to work, a storm blew in. He dropped all of his things and ran straight for the cliff to get Pehe. Unfortunately, a strong surge had drowned Pehe. He gathered her in his arms, climbed the 80-foot cliff of the cliff rock, and buried her at the top. After he mourned, he leaped into the surf below.
I chose to retell the story of Ka’ala of Lanai, instead of Puhe’s story. There are too many unanswered questions, like, “Why did he put her in the cave in the first place?” It seemed too controlling and overprotective for me. Also, this story is a tragedy, which is why I chose Ka’ala’s story over the Sweetheart rock story. Keep reading til the end to learn about Ka’ala’s story.
You can reach Sweetheart rock by going southeast past Hulopoe Beach.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods, Lanai Island
Legend says that the formations in this garden were created by gods who dropped rocks from the sky while making their gardens. The red lava is unique and beautiful, it’s almost like walking on Mars. Is this really Lanai? Yes, it is!
The funny thing is that there’s a “Garden of the Gods” in Colorado Springs but this is a different one. 🙂
Polihua Beach
Located at northern Lanai, you can drive here with a 4-wheel vehicle. You can also go with a tour guide to this beautiful beach. Watch the waves and water carefully, as strong winds can cause currents and dangerous swimming conditions.
Shipwreck Beach (two ships from World War II)
While you can’t swim at Shipwreck beach, due to the tides and currents, it provides a unique scene of ships wrecked on the shores. Abandoned and left to rust and deteriorate overtime, the 1940s oil tanker creates a haunting yet mesmerizing scene.
Use a 4-wheel drive vehicle and drive about 30 minutes from the port to see Shipwreck beach. Please use caution when driving so your vehicle does not get stuck in the sand!
If you walk on a trail past Shipwreck beach, you will find a petroglyphs!
The Lanai Culture and Heritage Center seeks to educate its visitors and community on ways to protect and care for the island. It offers historical, cultural, and artistic artifacts meaningful to the people of Lanai.
If you would like an educational experience or simply want to learn more about Lanai, check out this center.
*As of writing this article, the museum website says that the Lanai Culture & Heritage Center is closed until further notice.
If you want to snuggle with a cat, check out the Lanai Cat Sanctuary. It homes over 600 cats on 3.5 acres of land. If you love cats, this is a fun place to stop and hang out with some furry friends… and admission is free!
This is actually an image of a Maui trail, because I couldn’t find any pictures of the Munro trail. Sorry! 🙁
This is a 12.8 mile hike through lush rainforests of ‘ohia lehua, eucalyptus, ironwood, and pine trees. At an elevation of 1,600 feet, you’ll get gorgeous views.
You don’t need to do the whole hike to see everything. At about 2.5 miles in, there’s a scenic lookout. Go Hawaii’s website says that on a clear day, you can see 6 Hawaiian islands. Also expect canyon views of Maunalei gulch.
The end of the trail takes you to the highest spot on Lanai, called Lanaihale, an elevation of 3,370 feet.
Manele Golf Course
Four Seasons Lanai includes the Manele Golf Course. I’d probably be at the beach all day, but if golfing is your thing, you have that option to do it at Lanai!
From what I researched, weekday prices are $350-$425.
Check out the website here for the most up-to-date prices: Manele Golf Course
Mike Carroll Gallery
I love local artists and work, and Mike Caroll has a gorgeous gallery on Lanai. On his website, he says, “I try to capture a sense of place in my paintings.”
Hawaiians are all about finding their sense of place in the world, so I love that Carroll said this. His artwork showcases beautiful, bright colors, scenes of the beach, palm trees, and waterfalls. If you are in Lanai, definitely stop by and appreciate his artwork.
You can also order any of his work on his website!
Scuba divers love this dive! I don’t scuba dive, but I have heard neat reviews about Cathedral Dives. Look up “Cathedral Dives” in Google and admire the pictures. Light pouring in from holes in the cave create a mesmerizing underwater scene.
Experience Cathedral Dives by taking a guided tour from Maui or Lanai.
Which Hawaiian treats are you craving? It’s hard not to drool a little when you see pictures of li hing gummy bears or sour worms. Or chi chi dango mochi, kulolo, or chocolate haupia pie. Hawaiian treats are seriously the best!
But if you’ve moved to the mainland, like me, you might realize that in order to get some Hawaiian treats, you sometimes have to go to Asian markets or other speciality stores because the local markets don’t have specific ingredients. Don’t worry. I’ve created this list of easy Hawaiian trets to help you satisfy that island sweet tooth. A few of the following items on the list may require some assistance from your island friends and family (or you can order items online), but most of these are treats you can make from items at your local grocery store. Enjoy!
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
I’m not sure if this counts as actually Hawaiian treats but it was my dad’s favorite so I always assumed it’s a Hawaii thing. Anyway, you can easily get a can of pineapple at your local supermarket, as well as the other ingredients like yellow cake mix, maraschino cherries, butter, and brown sugar. There are numerous recipes online but my favorite is the one where you don’t use a recipe and just pack that brown sugar and sugar on the bottom of the cake pan! Cheehoo!
Li Hing Mui Gummy Bears (or Worms or Watermelon)
You might need someone to send up a bag of li hing mui, but once you get your hands on it, the world of sweetness is yours! Sprinkle li hing mui on gummy bears, sour watermelons, sour worms, or even pineapple to make your own Hawaiian treats at home!
Haupia Chocolate Pie
This is surprisingly easy to make, especially if you’ve learned to do it from scratch. I like to buy the premade graham cracker crusts and make my own haupia, which is composed of coconut milk, corn starch, and sugar. The chocolate pudding mix is a breeze to make. Put that on top with some whip cream and you’re good to go. It might not taste exactly like Ted’s Bakery, but hey, it is good enough. 🙂
Guava and Lilikoi Juice
Did you know that you can find Guava juice at your local grocery store? It isn’t Hawaiian Sun brand–and it doesn’t really taste like Hawaiian Sun brand–but it’s guava and it’s good enough. I’ve also found Welch’s Passion Fruit drink, which tastes like heaven! (Disclaimer: My local grocery store is different from yours so it’s totally dependent on the location and availability! I wish you luck in finding tropical juice at your store though!).
Mochi
If you can find a box of mochi powder at your local supermarket, take advantage of it. There are numerous recipes online that will satisfy your mochi cravings. Chi chi dango can be made in the microwave while coconut mochi could be baked in the oven. If you’re ambitious like me, you might even try making mochi ice cream during the summer!
Cocoa Rice
This is super easy to make, and it tastes just like camping trips at the beach. Remember when all your family was there and they made cocoa rice cause it fed the army? There are some really great recipes online if you never learned how to make this warm island dessert from your kupuna. Can you smell the cocoa rice, coupled with the salty sea mist? Ono. 🙂
Tapioca Pudding
Mom makes cold tapioca pudding, kind of like halo-halo. Make the tapioca, add a can of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, a can of fruit cocktail, a can of mandarin oranges, and, if you’re lucky like me, a can of lychee will do just the trick!
King’s Hawaiian Sweet Bread
Most stores carry this, but you’re probably going to have to pay the price for it. I can say, however, that it is worth it to buy, especially if you’re craving it. I can’t count how many times I walked past it in the store and thought to myself, Come on Lei, just get it. So just reward yourself sometimes! King’s Hawaiian Sweet bread never disappoints and tastes just like home!
Pani Popo
I absolutely love pani popo. When I lived in the Philippines, I’d take advantage of making this, because it was so easy to make and tasted just like home. Also, if you’re not into making rolls (like me), then you can buy rolls ready-to-make (in the freezer section) or use sweet rolls (King’s Hawaiian can even work for this but if you’re like me, you’d rather save that to eat by itself).
Fruit
If you’re absolutely dying for the sweet island flavor, then just buy some tropical fruit. I’ve found it so helpful (emotionally, mentally, and physically) to reward myself with some local fruits. They’re probably going to be expensive, which is why I call it a reward, but you should treat yourself to a mango here and there, or, if you’re ambitious, a pineapple. If you don’t have either of those things at your local supermarket, then try sprinkling some li hing mui on your apples or oranges. That always brings the taste of home back.
Dried Tropical Fruit
Dried mango is one of my favorites, especially because there’s usually an option for this anywhere you go.
Bananas
If you have some bananas, there are numerous ways to prepare them and satisfy cravings. If you’re Hawaiian, banana bread tastes so much like family. If you’re Filipino, make some banana lumpia (although you might have a tad bit of difficulty finding the wraps). If you’re Samoan, make suafa’i by boiling them, adding some tapioca and coconut milk, and sticking it in the oven (I LOVED when my mom made this–can you taste it now? Mmmmm). And if you just want to feel like a surfer, then make some banana pancakes and sing Jack Johnson’s “Banana Pancakes.”
Don’t get discouraged if you want Hawaiian desserts but moved away from Hawaii 🙂
There are so many delicious local foods you can make while on the mainland. I know that when I first moved, I felt like I had access to nothing. But, as I learned where to look (besides the Asian aisle–did you know they have coconut milk in the baking aisle?) and to keep an eye out for local goods, I’ve really enjoyed experimenting and learning to make the foods my mom used to make. Sure we might not have bubble tea, although I will say my sister ordered some of those items from Amazon and mastered it–so it is possible!–but we still can satisfy our inner local cravings using the goods we got!
Let’s hear from you!
Is there a snack or dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth craving? Is there a recipe you tried that really worked for you? Share in the comments below!
Hawaii locals are a unique bunch of people. Hawaii locals come from all kinds of backgrounds and ethnicity, not just Hawaiian. I grew up in Hawaii, and my parents are both Hawaiian, so the culture, customs, and etiquette of Hawaii were a part of my everyday life. I actually lived in the mainland until nine years of age, but my parents, Hawaii locals themselves, raised us in the way they’d been raised: we took our shoes off when entering the house, waited politely for the host to eat before digging in, shared food (or didn’t share food if we didn’t have enough for everyone), and so forth.
When we finally moved back to Hawaii, I learned even more from the locals themselves: how to go with the flow, not to stress too much over outward appearances, to be clean, generous, and more. Since moving back to the mainland, I thought it’d be fun to write a list of the funny things Hawaii locals do, as a result of growing up and/or living in the islands.
This article was written for my retired blog but I thought it’d be fun to re-use it here! I hope you enjoy this list and that something here makes you smile!
We wash our hair everyday
And I might just add that we shower everyday too. Since experiencing winters and dry environments in the mainland, I understand why people don’t wash their hair everyday. But growing up in Hawaii, it was a must to wash your hair every. single. day. It was a necessity and maybe just a natural part of growing up on a humid, wet island.
We wash our dishes by hand
When I moved into an apartment in Utah, I was shocked that my roommates used the dishwasher to wash a few mere dishes. Why not just do it by hand if you only have a few plates and cups? When my family did have a dishwasher in our home, I don’t remember using it much. If we did use it, it was usually for after big family events or when we had lots of guests over.
We wait for the hostess to eat before digging in
Not all locals do this, but I know this is something I’ve learned growing up. You don’t dig into the food until the wife of the head of house takes a bite. This might be something passed down from my Chinese heritage, but I remember this one incident where I went to a party and an aunty got mad at some girls for digging in before she, the hostess, had even gotten food and sat down herself. Yikes! Just a tip for the mainlanders… if you go to a local person’s house for dinner, do yourself a favor and wait til the hostess sits down and eats. I know she’ll say, “Eat, eat, eat!” but use your discernment. I always wait out of respect because the host deserves to eat too!
We take our slippers/shoes off at the door
I can’t even explain how weird it feels to wear shoes in a house, especially when the house has carpet….
We wear slippers and socks TOGETHER
And speaking of slippers, why not keep your socks on when you wear them? Sure you might have to make your socks look like tabis, but who cares? Slippers and socks are a comfy combination.
We always offer food to visitors
“Are you hungry? No? I’ll make you something…” Locals love food, and it’s shame if we can’t offer you something, even if it’s a glass of juice. If you drop in unexpectedly, we’ll still ask you if you’re interested in eating something. We don’t care if you might be standing at the door and ready to leave. We just love food, and we have to offer some, just in case. Nobody leaves our home hungry.
We won’t eat something in front of you if we don’t have enough to share
And, speaking of food, if we’ve brought a snack of some sort and you’re with us, we’ll only bring it out if we have enough to share. It’s really rude to eat something in front of another person and not offer. This includes if we’re in big groups. We’ll only buss out the snacks if we know everyone can get a piece. Otherwise, we’ll save our snack and eat it privately later.
We will pack up leftover food for you to take home
Whether it’s a party, a family dinner, or just stopping by, don’t be surprised when we buss out the ziploc bags to package things to go, or just give you the rest of the food. Just take it. We won’t be satisfied unless you do.
We appreciate food by making noises
And I don’t mean body noises, but I mean “Mmmmmmm…” We love complimenting and appreciating food with words and noises of affirmation like “Mmm…” and “Yum…” and “Ohhhh this is SO ono.” Some locals even dance a little when they eat–not dramatically though, just swaying back and forth–but we like to show our appreciation with noises of approval. Get used to it cause we love food. 🙂
We flash our headlights to warn other cars of cops up ahead
It’s an unspoken rule (but I guess it is spoken cause I just wrote about it), but on highways or going down busier streets in Hawaii, if someone coming towards you flashes their highlights once at you, it’s not a cause to get mad. In fact, locals are so grateful when this happens, because it means there’s a cop up ahead. Not that we’re speeders, but it’s just us being good neighbors. I’ve never experienced this on the mainland. I did it once and wondered to myself if the oncoming driver knew what that meant. And, tbh, there might be a lot of reasons people might not do it on the mainland, but Hawaii is small enough that we can keep other cars on the lookout.
We wave a lot when we’re driving
We are so used to sticking our hands out the window and throwing shakas, or waving just to anyone from behind the wheel (whether it’s an incoming car or a pedestrian crossing in front). I always feel weird when I wave to a pedestrian and they look at me like I’m crazy… but hey, gotta keep the aloha spirit alive. And it’s the best when they smile and wave back. 🙂
It’s so fun to be from Hawaii
There are probably more things that you thought of as you read this. While these differences in lifestyles aren’t bad things, they’re funny to think about. To be honest, locals will adapt to the lifestyle of wherever they live. Just don’t be surprised if any of these things pop around once in a while. Is there something you thought of that Hawaii locals do differently from mainlanders or other cultures/lifestyles?
Which Hawaiian sea animal is your favorite? After all, what is a visit to Hawaii without seeing some of the ocean wildlife? Seeing turtles, sharks, dolphins, fish, and more are amazing memories. They’re unforgettable moments where we connect with nature and God’s creations. I can’t even say how many people tell me about how they saw turtles, fish, or dolphins on their trip to Hawaii and their entire soul lights up.
Seeing (and possibly getting close—if circumstances are safe and permit) marine animals in Hawaii inspires us. It ignites a part of us deep within, perhaps the inner child, the one we’ve tucked away for so long.
I hope this list of ocean animals in Hawaii will inspire you. Maybe it will jog your memories of Hawaii. Maybe you’ll learn something new. Or, just maybe, you’ll remember how much you love nature, God’s creations, and let out that inner child in you once more. 🙂
Read more about Hawaii’s value of protecting and caring for the ‘aina here: Mālama
Manta Ray
Yes, the manta ray is a Hawaiian sea animal too! I’m from the Big Island so I was actually shocked to learn—after I moved—that there are tons of manta rays on Kona side and you can go on a tour to swim with them! If you’ve done this, please let me know in the comments. I’m fascinated and would love to do it in the future.
Manta rays are different from sting rays, but I won’t go into detail on it. The nice thing is that the Hawaiians also distinguished them differently. The word for manta ray is hāhālua (pronounced hah-hah-loo-ah).
If you’ve read “Aloha State of Mind” you’ll remember my little discussion on hā, which is breath. But hā can also mean mouth, and manta ray literally means “two mouths.” Side note: If you know Hawaiian numbers, ‘elua is two, so that’s why “lua” is the last part of this word.
The Hawaiians called manta ray “two mouths” because of the two flaps sticking out either side of their mouths, so it makes sense.
Both the manta ray and sting ray can also be called “lupe.”
Sting Ray
The sting ray is known to be around Hawaii, though I’ve never heard of anyone encountering them. They’re called hīhīmanu in Hawaiian. Hihi could mean several things, like “to creep, spread, or intertwine” or “a large meshed fish net.” Manu means “bird” so what I infer from this is that the Hawaiians must have seen the sting ray as a large fish bird, because sting rays do have large wings on either side of their bodies, or a spread-out, creeping bird.
Turtle
My favorite sea animal of all time, the honu (pronounced hO-noo) can be found all over the Hawaiian islands. When I looked in the Hawaiian dictionary, I actually found out the the hawksbill turtle has its own name, which is ‘ea.
People are so afraid of sharks, but I think they’re beautiful and majestic! The Hawaiian word for shark is manō. Many ancient Hawaiian legends and proverbs tell of the niuhi, which is a man-eating shark, but most Hawaiians regarded the shark as sacred ‘aumakua, family ancestors.
The generic name for fish is i’a but most fish have specific names according to their type. The old Hawaiian superstition is to not let anyone know when you’re going fishing or the fish will hear and leave the area!
Here are some notable fish names (let’s see if you can say these!) 😉
‘Ahi
Mahimahi
Humuhumunukunukuapua’a
A’awa
Moi
Opelu
Manini
Dolphin
If you’ve been lucky enough to spot dolphins swimming and resting in the bay areas, then you know how playful and fun they can be. The Hawaiian word for dolphin is “nai’a,” pronounced nae-ah.
Whale
Maui is the best place to see whales when they migrate towards warmer waters. The Hawaiian word for humpback whale is koholā, pronounced kO-hO-lah, and the word for sperm whale is palaoa.
My dad used to catch squid in the reefy areas of the North Shore. While I have seen a good amount of squid in my life (and the black ink they shoot out too), I haven’t seen an octopus. The Hawaiian word for octopus is he’e, and the word for squid is similar, mūhe’e.
Sea urchin – Yes, it’s a Hawaiian sea animal (even though it might not look like it hehe)
Watch out for this lovely yet dangerous invertebrate animal. Especially on the Big Island, where the only way to get into the water is by way of walking on lava rocks, or sandy shores with rocks, keep an eye out for the long black spindles of the sea urchin. The Hawaiian word for sea urchin is wana, pronounced vah-nah.
Jellyfish
I used to get stung a lot by the Portuguese Man-of-War at Hukilau beach or other beaches along the North Shore of Oahu. While it’s not very common for people to get stung by jellyfish in Hawaii, it does happen. The Hawaiian word for jelly fish is pololia.
What is your favorite marine animal?
Is there a sea animal I missed? Do you know the Hawaiian word for it? Let us know in the comments below!
If you’re planning a vacation to Hawaii, Waialua might not be the first destination spot on your list. It’s out of the way and doesn’t have too many of Hawai’i’s icons. What it does have, however, is a rich history, cultural sites, a small town, and lots of folklore.
As I’m writing the second book in my fairy tale retelling series (set in Hawaii, of course), I had to do some research on Waialua, where the book takes place. Why Waialua? I don’t remember why I specifically chose Waialua. Maybe it was simply meant to be. 🙂 I lived in Laie on the North Shore for a time, but the farthest west we went was to Haleiwa. So I enjoyed researching about what’s past Haleiwa and the tales and legends of the area beyond.
Check out my first Hawaiian fairy tale retelling here: Lehua
While doing research I thought it might be fun to share a little about the interesting things I discovered about Waialua and some of its folklore. 🙂
The Name Waialua
Waialua is known for its lush kalo fields. Waialua means “two waters” in Hawaiian. In ancient Hawaii, Waialua was a moku, a district, and had eight ahupua’a within it. The origin of Waialua’s name is uncertain. Speculation says that it was named after a chief, Waia, who was disgraceful and not a good leader. Since “lua” means “two,” Waia was doubly disgraceful, and that’s why when people are called “waia” nowadays, it means disgraceful.
The other suggestion is that two rivers, Anahulu and Helemano-Poamoho-Kaukonahua, make their way into Kaiaka Bay.
Learn more about what sailors, poets, and historians have said about the landscape and beauty of Waialua here: Images of Old Hawaii
‘Olelo No’eau about Waialua
Waialua, ʻāina ku pālua i ka laʻi.
“Waialua, land that stands doubly beclaimed.” Said in admiration for Waialua, Oʻahu where the weather was usually pleasant and the life of the people tranquil.
-Mary Kawena Pukui (2902)
Loko Ea Fishpond
This 400 year old fishpond has a rich folklore behind it: where an ancient mo’o used to live resides in Waialua.
If you want to learn more about Loko Ea and the malama project for it, check this out: Malama Loko Ea Foundation
Ka’ena Point
Kaena, correctly spelled Ka’ena, is the “hot point.” It is a wahi pana, a legendary place. Nowadays you can park (you’ll need a permit, which you can get here) and hike to the point, but just be careful. From what I’ve read, t’s a hot, dry, rocky trail and the waves next to the cliffs can be unpredictable at times.
The Hike to Ka’ena Point
One day, when my husband and I visit O’ahu, we’ll check out Ka’ena Point and I’ll be sure to add pictures. But, for now, let’s discuss some of the features along the trail:
Kaneana Cave – The cave got its name from the god Kane. However, another tale says that Kaneana Cave is the home to Nanaue, a man-eating shark. Nanaue’s father was a shape-shifting, and his mother a human. Nanaue would call out to passerbyers, telling them to be careful of the man-eating shark. Then he’d hide and transform himself into a half-shark man, where he’d grab the passerbyers and eat them in the cave. Eventually the people discovered his true identity and killed him.
Learn an ‘olelo no’eau about this man-eating shark here:
Pōhuehue – beach morning glory flowers; these are lovely white flowers that you’ll see all along the hike
Wai’anae Volcano at Ka’ena Point – Did you know there is a volcano at Waialua? It’s actually called the Waianae Range . It’s not active anymore but provides a beautiful backdrop on the Kaena Point trail.
Ua’u Kane – Along the way you’ll pass a wedge-tailed shearwater bird sanctuary. Please malama the animals by staying on marked paths. Steering off the path can harm the birds and their nesting grounds.
Ka’ena was a hard place to live. It literally means “hot place.” Sunlight, wind, drought, and sandy ground make this place somewhat uncomfortable. However,
Leina a ka ‘uhana – The “jumping place of spirits” is where people would leap into the next life. This is a huge reason why Waialua is a legendary place.
Waialua is home to a popular bakery, Paala Kai, which serves Filipino and Portuguese treats, of course, with a Hawaiian twist.
Aweoweo Beach Park seems to be a popular and recommended beach. Based on the pictures, it sure is beautiful—clear, calm waters, not a lot of people (unlike Waikiki!), and occasional sea turtles resting on the shores.
Just outside Waialua, in Mokuleia, is Dillingham Air Field, not open to the public. However, there are a few skydiving businesses in the same area. Kealia Trail is a scenic trail that starts outside the base and overlooks the mountain and ocean. It had some great ratings on Google.
My Book (that takes place in Waialua, Oahu)
I learned a lot about Waialua. I hope that the next time my husband and I visit Oahu we can visit. And, of course, I’ll update this article with more pictures and content when I see it myself! Thanks for learning about Waialua with me, and be on the lookout for my next book. Sign up for my newsletter or check out my instagram @ladyleialoha to know when the book comes out! 🙂
Have you visited Waialua?
Are you from Waialua? What are some stories you remember about it? What are your favorite places within Waialua? Let us know in the comments! 🙂
At this time of the year, your social media feed might be exploding with videos and articles about the Merrie Monarch. Your friends from Hawaii are probably posting things like “So proud of…” and then some long Hawaiian name, like “Halau ka lei Mokihana o Leina’ale” for example. Or they might be making 4-5 worded comments like “That chant was perfect,” as if they’re watching and judging a March Madness competition.
But that’s because to us Hawaii locals, Merrie Monarch IS a big competition and celebration. Merrie Monarch is the world’s largest annual hula competition, so it’s a really big deal. We love our culture and we love this time of year because it brings everyone together–not just from Hawaii, but from all over the world. We watch and admire and wait to see who will compete, and who will win.
Here are some of my thoughts on why Merrie Monarch stirs feelings of nostalgia, and why it gives us all the feels.
It keeps an ancient cultural practice alive and fresh
If you think about it, this one event has so many new mele (songs) and dances. The beautiful thing about the Merrie Monarch is that many halau (hula groups) will either stick to very traditional dance movements and song, or they’ll incorporate new elements. This event keeps the ancient practice of hula dancing alive and well, but it also encourages experimentation and twists on an ancient art form.
It brings the community together
This is one of my favorite parts because during the Merrie Monarch week, expect to see everyone (and their dogs) out and about. My family used to sell kulolo at the Farmer’s Market during Merrie Monarch week, so we saw just about everyone. There’s a sense of community as people buy local products and stop to talk stories and share goods with vendors and other Merrie Monarch visitors.
We love the way it looks
Everything about the Merrie Monarch has to look good, and we absolutely love that it looks good. The dancers are critiqued and analyzed for their movements, their grace, the positioning of their hands, toes, and fingers; and their facial expressions. Their costumes are judged on their flexibility, color, texture, design, and movement. The dancers must be in sync–they must move as one–and we LOVE when it looks that good, which, it always does. There’s so much hard work put into all of this behind the scenes and we appreciate that!
We love the way it tastes
The best of Hawaiian food comes out during Merrie Monarch week. The smell of laulau, kalua pig, and barbeque fill the air. But then the temptations really come when you can smell malasadas, poi mochi, and sweet fruits. Good luck going through downtown Hilo without catching a whiff of the food. Local vendors come out with their foods in all varieties and from all over the world (remember, Hawaii is a melting pot): China, Philippines, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, etc…. The food is so ono, and Merrie Monarch is a good excuse to eat up!
It makes us happy
I’ve never met a grumpy person at Merrie Monarch. Maybe it’s because we’re all so full of it. Or maybe it’s because it gives us an opportunity to get up and get out. This is a time for people to get dressed up in their most Hawaiian attire and to party. It’s the whole shebang: straw hats, leis, hakus, aloha print wear, pearl jewelry, gold bracelets, and lots and lots of flowers. This is THE biggest hula competition on the earth, so why not go all out? People love it, and they love seeing other people go all out too. Food, friends, and fun is a great recipe for happiness.
It touches us
When we see the Merrie Monarch winners crying, with the shock of pure relief, gratitude, and joy on their faces, we can’t help but feel touched. These hula dancers have worked SO hard, some of them dancing their whole lives so they could live this one moment. Even when some of the halau or soloists don’t win, it still touches us because we know they’ve worked hard to get where they are today.
It takes place in Hilo
Cheee just had to throw this one in here cause it’s where I’m from!
It keeps the Hawaiian language alive
At no other time will you hear the Hawaiian language spoken so abundantly. The kupuna come out to watch the competition and visit with one another, people greet each other and hold conversations in Hawaiian, and the Hawaiian language is used in oli and mele in the competition. Not gonna lie though… We also always speak Pidgin English so if you don’t hear Hawaiian being spoken, then expect to hear Pidgin.
It serves as a reminder
While we go about our daily lives, it’s easy to forget how much we appreciate our Hawaiian cultural heritage and traditions. The Merrie Monarch gives us a reason to keep the Hawaiian culture and language alive, and each time it rolls around, it reminds us of how much we love and appreciate our roots, and why we want to keep it going. Cause if we don’t preserve it, how will our future generations know?
While Merrie Monarch happens only once a year, it does give a Hawaii local all the feels, whether at home or abroad. Aren’t we so lucky to be from Hawaii?
Your turn!
Do you have any favorite memories of Merrie Monarch? What was your favorite performance this year?
Want to support wildlife conservation efforts? Here’s a fun and easy way!
In Hawaii, we believe that when you care for the land, it cares for you. The phrase we use is “mālama ka ‘aina.” The word mālama, which means “to care for and protect,” is a word and value that inspires us to care for the world around us… And that includes all of God’s amazing creations: the animals, the plants, the trees, the ocean, etc.
While we can and should do our part to become more eco-friendly, there are other ways we can support conservation efforts, and I think I found the perfect, FUN thing: Fahlo bracelets.
Fahlo is a company that partners with wildlife conservation efforts so you can track a real animal. With each bracelet purchased, you are supporting wildlife, on land and sea. The company has four animal bracelets to choose from: turtles, sharks, polar bears, or elephants.
And the best part? Each bracelet comes with an animal to track. You can download the Fahlo app (on Apple or Google Play) and see where your animal is in the world. I love this, as I feel a special connection to the turtles I’m tracking.
How do Fahlo bracelets raise awareness?
I get compliments on my bracelets all the time!
Have you ever worn a piece of jewelry and someone says, “I love that!” or “How cute!” — How many times has someone told me this about my bracelets? Too many to count! When people comment about the bracelets in real life or on social media, I love sharing about how the bracelets support sea turtles. That’s the beauty of these bracelets. With this jewelry, you can share about the wildlife you’re supporting and show them the animal you’re tracking! What better way to raise awareness about wildlife conservation efforts?
These bracelets also make amazing gifts. Imagine gifting a loved one a bracelet that not only supports a wildlife conservation effort, but comes with an animal to track? It’s so fun to see where your animal is. I love checking in with my turtles!
Use my link or use code LEIALOHA20 to get 20% off your Fahlo order!
Do the tracking methods hurt the animals?
I asked this question right off the bat. I wanted to know if the tracking is safe for the animals. Are the devices, attached to the animals, hurting them? I’d feel horrible if they did, so don’t worry. I looked into this too. Here’s the rundown on each animal:
Sea turtle tracking:
The sea turtle bracelets are my favorite!
Depending on the type of sea turtle, most trackers are placed on the turtle’s back using a resin or non-heat epoxy, which won’t hurt the turtle. These materials wear down after about a year and then fall off. For loggerhead turtles, the tracker must be attached to the dorsal ridge. So far the transmitter hasn’t seemed to affect the turtle’s travels or behavior. Find out more about turtle tracking here.
Shark tracking:
The tracking devices are placed next to or through the dorsal fin. The website says that the sharks don’t react, as the dorsal fin has no nerve endings. So, as far as we know, the device isn’t harming the shark, nor does it mess with their senses and behavior. The tags wear down over time. Another method they use is an acoustic tag, which they implant in the shark’s body cavity. The device lasts up to 10 years and shows no side effects. Find out more about shark tracking here.
Polar bear tracking:
A collar, made of flexible, synthetic material is placed around the polar bear’s neck. I felt worried about this but the more I read about it, the more I realized how important the data is for our understanding of polar bears, and what we can do to protect them. Find out more about polar bear tracking here.
Elephant tracking:
Like the polar bears, the elephants are tracked using collars. The website didn’t say much about how they apply the collars to the elephants, but the collars have incredible benefits. One of the benefits is that one of the algorithms of the tracker checks for unnatural movement, which can warn if an elephant is potentially in danger by poachers. The tracker informs local wildlife management and enforcement, who can respond much more quickly than if the elephants didn’t have the collars. Find out more about elephant tracking here.
Is Fahlo a scam?
I know. I asked this question too, and I’ve done all the research. When I went to each wildlife conservation website, they confirmed their partnership with Fahlo… which means, the money you spend on your bracelet IS going to that wildlife conservancy! So is Fahlo a scam? No, it’s legit. 🙂
What are the bracelets made of?
I did a little more digging on this one and had an awesome contact to let me know the details. You will receive your bracelet in a compostable brown bag. The bracelet itself is made of crushed stone. The main charm is made of plastic and produced in China by a family-owned business. The bracelets are shipped from Dallas, Texas.
What size does the bracelet come in?
The bracelets are one-size-fits-all. But… I have tiny wrists so I actually cut my bracelet and re-strung them with three less beads. My sister got some for her daughters and they didn’t mind the bracelets being a little bigger. It’s just a matter of preference. 🙂
Want a bracelet to support wildlife conservation?
I have turtle bracelets and aim to get some shark bracelets soon. I love wearing my bracelets and get compliments on them all the time. If you want to take the dip and get some Fahlo bracelets for yourself, use my link or use code LEIALOHA20 to get 20% off your Fahlo order!
In conclusion, MAHALO for your efforts to mālama ka ‘aina. I truly believe that when we make an effort to connect with earth and the animals, it can bless our lives in amazing and beautiful ways. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions. Or if you got a bracelet, let me know which one you got! Are you a shark, turtle, polar bear, or elephant kind of person? I’d love to know!
Manoa Falls, Oahu. A popular and easy hike for tourists and locals alike, Manoa falls is a beautiful, 150-foot falls in the lush Manoa valley. It’s 1.7 miles round trip, with a muddy, gravel terrain. Part of the hike is uphill, but it’s generally an enjoyable and lovely hike. With a misty rain and colorful rainbows, Manoa falls has sometimes been called “valley of rainbows.” Very fitting!
This article will cover the basics of Manoa Falls hike—how to get there, how much it costs, what to expect, etc, AND the history, my favorite part. There are so many stories surrounding this area. Some stories are mysterious, while others are tragic. But if you plan on going to Manoa falls, you’ll definitely want to keep reading!
How to get to Manoa Falls
If you are staying in the Waikiki area, you can choose to rent a Hui, like we did. It’s an easy car rental option that allows you to book it for a few hours or the whole day. Here are some other options: ride the bus, catch a ride-share (like Uber or Lyft), rent a Moped. It takes about 15-30 minutes to drive there, so I don’t recommend walking.
The park entrance fee is $7 (as of December 2021). When we went, they were able to take a card.
What to expect
The trails are muddy, but it’s a sort of wet, reddish mud, not sticky mud. So while the bottoms of my shoes got pretty muddy, they were easy to clean up. The trails have gravel to keep the mud down, and it definitely helps. Since the valley is lush and there’s water everywhere (including standing water), expect mosquitoes and bugs. We didn’t use bug spray and got bites on our legs, so you’ve been warned. >.<
While the hike is relatively short (1.7 miles roundtrip), it does get quite hot, humid, and muggy. An occasional breeze will blow through the area, but expect to get somewhat sweaty. The way to the falls is mostly uphill, but the incline isn’t too bad. Enjoy the plants around the area, including bamboo, ti leaves, koa, ‘ohia, and more!
The water has leptospirosis, so I don’t recommend swimming int it, or worse, drinking it!
What to wear and bring
Of course, since it’s a hike you want some good shoes but honestly, there were plenty of people doing the hike in their slippers as they were visitors to the island, or locals who frequent the area. While it might be nice to cover up from the bugs, it can get very hot, sticky, and sweaty.
It rains in the valley, or mists frequently, so I brought an umbrella.
A little history about Manoa Falls
I lived in Oahu for a while, but my parents hardly took us around town, which I completely understand. Waikiki and Honolulu are packed with people, tourists, and busy-ness. But I
Night Marchers
If you don’t know about night marchers in Hawaii, you must not have grown up there. My mom told us all kinds of stories, especially since she grew up in Pupukea on the North Shore, a place where the night marchers frequented.
Legends of night marchers and their origins vary, but the legends can all agree on one thing: the night marchers are a spirit army, and when you hear them, you better 1) get out of there or 2) lay flat on the ground with your head to the earth, and DON’T LOOK when they march past. If you do that, they won’t bother you.
Since Manoa valley has such an interesting past, including the legends and stories told about it, I can see why people think it’s haunted. And if we even disclude the Hawaiian folklore about the area, there have been several deaths of hikers within the valley. Though it’s a relatively easy hike, it still has its dangers.
The Tragic Story of the Princess of Manoa
I’ve been doing a lot of research on Hawaiian folklore and legends. I love fairy tale and mythological retellings, so be sure to follow me on social media or sign up for my newsletter to learn more about my books and when they come out!
King Kalakaua shares in his book about the beautiful princess of Manoa. Her name was Kahalaopuna, but we’ll call her Kaha for short. The fame of her beauty spread across the Hawaiian islands and many men tried to woo her. Betrothed to Kauhi, a young chief from Kailua, Kaha kept faithful.
One day Kauhi went to a popular bathing spot, where two lesser chiefs taunted him. They wore flower lei around their necks and said that Kaha gave it to them, as well as made love with them. The two chiefs could not see very well, a physical deformation, and this only further enraged Kauhi. He thought Kaha had not only betrayed him, but mocked him.
He resorted to kill her within Manoa valley.
Kaha’s ancestor owl, an ‘aumakua, restored her to life, and Kaha followed Kauhi, asking why he did such a thing. He didn’t answer, but, instead, killed her once more. The gruesome incident occurred three times, and the owl ancestor restored Kaha’s life.
She followed him until Waikiki, and, for the fifth time, Kauhi killed her. But this time, he buried her body under the roots of a koa tree. Satisfied that the owl couldn’t reach her, he left.
A young chief, Mahana, found Kaha’s body, alive, under the tree. He took her to his home, where she was able to recover with the aid from Mahana and his sisters.
Though Mahana and Kaha fell in love, they couldn’t wed because of Kaha’s betrothal. Kaha and her family confronted Kauhi, and he admitted to murdering her. He, along with the two lesser chiefs that lied about her from the start, were cooked in an imu and their bones tossed into the sea.
Kauhi’s family gods rescued his remnants and turned him into a shark. Because of this, Kaha was warned not to go into the sea.
Mahana and Kaha married and were happy for two years. One day, Kaha longed to return to the ocean. She took a surfboard and paddled beyond the reef. Kauhi seized his opportunity at revenge and devoured her.
The shocked and grief-ridden parents of Kaha retired to Manoa valley, her father known as Manoa Wind, and her mother as Manoa Rain.
So don’t be surprised if it rains within the valley, a misty, light rain, as though Kaha’s parents are weeping, missing their daughter.
The valley has a lot of mana, spiritual power and vibe, which is comparable with the Chinese concept of qi, chi, or life force. A young Chinese immigrant by the name of Lum Ching wanted to find a place suitable for the spirits. He searched until he came upon a spot where he felt powerful qi. He said, ““it’s the pulse of the watchful dragon of the valley. people from all directions will come across the seas and gather here to pay homage… the Chinese people must buy this area and keep it as sacred ground.”
The Chinese immigrants did buy the land, and the Chinese cemetery remains in the Manoa valley. The words “yi-cheng” inscribe the markers of the cemetery and mean “connection and righteousness.”
Is the cemetery full of qi? You’ll have to go and feel for yourself. 🙂
Final Thoughts
Have you gone to Manoa falls? When my husband and I went, we really enjoyed it. The hike was easy, the forest lush, and everything so green. The convenience and distance from Waikiki, where we stayed, was also a plus.
I hope you enjoyed this article, as well as the stories I’ve shared. When we learn a little more about the places we visit, we appreciate it more! Let me know in the comments about your Manoa falls experience? Do you recommend it? 🙂
Mahalo!
Lei
If you’re looking for more ideas or things to do during your stay in Waikiki, check out these articles:
E komo mai! 🌺 I am the author of Aloha State of Mind, a self help book that teaches you how to create paradise wherever you are. My blog, Naturally Aloha, focuses on all things Hawaii: culture, values, food, lifestyle, and more. I hope my writing inspires you to carry aloha with you everywhere! Learn more…
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