Hawaiian at Home

What does it mean to you - the word local? It's a word that has many interpretations, especially here in Hawaii.

How do you describe the feeling of singing sweetly to a baby? (I think that feeling should have its very own word.) Oh my sweet newborn, he is getting so big already, his cheeks are filling out and he’s starting...

Learning something new that challenges what you have always believed to be true can be a tricky thing to do..  Hawaii “Statehood Day” is celebrated on August 19th. Public schools are out and some businesses close for the day. I...

How do you feel about using plants as medicine? I think it’s an art which is why we need to practice and get help from masters of the craft to be able to use them correctly. When my family and...

There’s a really pretty, nice, well-kept house next to us here in Hawaii, that has always (for the few years we’ve lived here) had a single, military person renting it. They’ve never introduced themself, and we’ve never gotten to know...

Working on the Mural for Kaelepulu Elementary has been a growing experience. I have had to push past my limitations, rely on others and am reminded that doing new things is scary and rewarding. I’ve learned about the history of...

Communities are made up of Families (And individuals who essentially come from families). I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am so grateful for this community we’re building together.  I hope you find in this community a...

This is from our own research and experience. Let’s start with us as parents: Malu has a Hawaiian name. It’s Maluhia Hoo Makaana. Everyone forgot who named him in his family, but they told him it meant peaceful beginnings. We’ve...

This month is the official month of Hawaiian Language here in Hawaii so we're showing our love and support for this wonderful language with the first of a series of new handouts. This handout is about planting seeds and waiting...

Maybe you've wondered what the official flag of the kingdom of Hawaii is since we see a handful of varieties displayed across the pae aina. Well wonder no more! Here is the official flag and how to draw it! Also...

Last week, I was tending to the Kalo that I got as a gift from Leilani from the Keiki Department, and as I was picking off the brown leaves and trying to wash off the spider mites, I was struck...

I’m unsure if you have come across my infamous Sea Life Park video and blog post expressing my personal view on their dolphin show. Long story short, the video had gone fairly viral throughout the community. Most of the feedback...

I just want to share my experience: Two days ago I went to Sea Life Park with my mom and kids. Growing up in Kailua and having a fun mom, we used to go there all the time. I remember...

Maile is a native Hawaiian plant that is famous worldwide for its uses. Here are some fun facts to know about maile: 10 Facts about Maile Maile has multiple varieties namely: maile hai wale, maile lau lii, maile lau nui,...

My daughter, my Pili, is very special to me. I remember when my Kane and I were coming up with a name for her – I told him that I felt she was the mark of change for us. I...

WHAT A WEEK!! I spent all of my free time this week researching the history of Hawaii so that I could try to present it in a clear and concise fashion. Here are the main points that I chose to...

I didn’t grow up knowing this story so don’t feel bad about yourself if this is the first time you’re hearing it too. I wanted to learn more about this event because La Hoihoi Ea was the first National Holiday...

Tourism in Hawaii Why is tourism harmful to the Hawaiian people? Lovely Hula Hands - Haunani Trask: https://journals.lib.unb.ca/index.php/bl/article/view/24958/28913  Why should Hawaiians have a say in this matter? The illegal occupation of Hawaii https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF6CaLAMh98 Why you should think twice before going...

"You spend all this money to live here, and you don't even have time to enjoy it." he said. We had just finished a nice ramen dinner together, my father and I, and we were sitting outside the restaurant still...

There is a special place in my heart for our opio. It's because I can remember so vividly when I was that age! I don't remember a lot of the details, but I remember all the feelings and emotions from...

It's more fun to say it in Hawaiian - "Kuiki Kikiki" (btw that's my own made-up word for a cheater quilt combining the word cheat and quilt). A cheater quilt is a great way to make a beautiful quilt at...