Reason #15

Rainbows... Yeah they got those here.  In fact I don't think rainbows can be avoided in any shape or form here.  There is something so magical about the intricate colors that appear in a dark rainy sky or puffy white cloud, that does nothing but bring a smile to any person's face.  In fact I have to credit a rainbow with helping me decide to move out here to Hawaii, so I guess I am forever grateful.  Here is the rainbow that changed my life about 8 months ago....

I was coming from the Big Island back to Oahu to finish out my stay with my grandparents and it just happened that this wonderful spectrum was the gateway to my new dreams and in this moment as our plane rode under the colors I knew that this was the greatest sign I could ask for.  It took my breath away and I have never looked back since.  

Since rainbows are basically a daily occurrence here, it gets to be a fun game of "who can spot the rainbow first"  I guess it would be the equivalent of slug bug island style.  But seriously Hawaiians take their rainbows seriously.  I mean, when the license plate has a big one across it, driver's licenses have them, even the University Athletic teams are called the Rainbows, I think it is safe to say, yes, Hawaii has rainbows, and boy are they something beyond magical.  

Reason #14

Lunch Breaks by the Beach....yes please!  I seriously don't know how I got so lucky, and I can never really express my gratitude fully for the experiences I am able to have.  This would include the fact that not only do I have a FANTASTIC job that I enjoy to the fullest, but that on my one hour lunch break I get to take a 5 minute walk out of the office doors and get to Ala Moana Beach Park and see this...

I am not sure if the others in my office realize where we live, but while they heat their food up and sit around our break room tables I wander outside and pick a nice sitting spot on the beach, sandwich in hand and fruit cup on the side.  It feels like those field trips to the zoo or aquarium, where the best part of the day was sitting in an amazing place and taking out your homemade lunch..... peanut butter and jelly never tasted sooooo good!  That's how I feel daily, and it brings lunchtime excitement a whole new meaning. Nothing like showing back to the office a shade tanner!  Who new work could be so relaxing :)

Reason #13

Before I continue, my apologies for the delay, I may have lost some supporters along the way who have given up on the blog, but rest assured that I have a slew of posts on the horizon waiting to be written beginning with this one...

The ELEVATOR PHENOMENON as I like to call it truly captures the essence of Aloha!  Since most of the buildings in Honolulu are several stories and usually more than 20, the elevator has come to represent the gathering place of the community.  For lack of better words, the people in Hawaii seem to greet others in the elevator as if they were stepping foot in their very own apartment.  I am pretty sure only on rare occasions have I ridden the elevator, whether at my grandparents 37 story high rise or my current 5th floor location, and a warm greeting, conversation, laugh or even hug was not exchanged.

When I think of all the metropolitan cities I have visited, I can't think of a single city that can compare, where I get so excited to know that I am one step closer to meeting a new friend simply by taking an elevator trip up.  In fact, the elevator phenomenon is so apparent, that recently I was going up to my apartment, and must have been daydreaming, because when I left the elevator I did not say anything to the  young lady riding alongside.  I have to say that I actually felt guilty that I did not say goodbye to her or wish her a good day.  I felt like a jerk.  That is how the elevator phenomenon works.  With so much goodness constantly around you, it seeps in and never leaves.  Just another reason I love this place, where each and everyday I leave the house I get to experience a ride of a lifetime.

Reason #12

Koko Crater Botanical Garden... This is a special spot in the island that my mom has grown to love and luckily on her trip we were able to see the garden before she left.  The neat thing about this location is that the 60 acre garden is located INSIDE the Koko Head crater, which is located on the East side of the Island. While it is very dry and arid, certain plants seem to thrive in the heat.  Oh and did I mention it is Freeee! It's one of those places that are right under your nose and you don't even realize it.  Most local Hawaii residents for example probably have never been through.  In fact on our walk we met a couple who have lived in the neighborhood for 30 years, literally within a mile and have NEVER come to the garden. And here my mom from California has come several times.  For this post I am just going to let the pictures do the talking and you can get a glimpse into the wonderful plumeria fields, bougainvillea groves, cactus clusters, and more.  Enjoy your tour...

Reason #11

Jack Johnson... I had the privilege of witnessing the island legend himself performing over 2 hours worth of songs last night, in a complete acoustic set (Shout out to my Cousin Heather for making this happen).  It was PERFECT!!!  Literally this man sings so effortlessly and the sound is more amazing than any studio recording.  Just Pure.  It is beautiful to see the very essence that is Hawaii come out in so many of his lyrics and sounds.  True meaning of the term Hawaiian grown or product of Hawaii.  While most people have an appreciation for Jack Johnson because of his slick picks and smooth voice, but in reality there is SO MUCH MORE behind this man.  Hawaii may have given Jack Johnson to US but it is Johnson that gives so much back to his home.  Through his non-profit, "Kokua Hawaii Foundation" Johnson reaches school age children and promotes environmental care, healthy eating, sustainable gardening, and much more through hands on learning in schools and in the community.  All proceeds from his concerts and shows go to this charity which you can learn more about kokuahawaiifoundation.org.  He and his wife Kim also started the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation, to support environmental, art and music education around the world.  In a place like Hawaii where the land is so delicate and disappearing to pollution and commercialization, this type of reinforcement from a respected and well known celebrity makes such an incredible impact on the youth and island as a whole.  I've always been a fan of Jack Johnson but I feel like It is personal now that I live in this beautiful land and I support his cause, especially if it advocates for a PLASTIC FREE HAWAII!  Sign me up and I'll take a side of banana pancakes too :)

Reason #10

The Trees... Okay so usually when you think of Hawaii you think of palm trees right?  Well there's plenty around here to go around for all to enjoy.  That part of the stereotypical paradise picture is absolutely correct! But what most people don't usually expect to see are the incredible variety of other types of trees that cover the landscape.  While many of these are not necessarily native to the island, they have become fixtures of the land and resemble art pieces scattered throughout parks, beaches, streets, the rainforest.  Trees such as the Banyan tree are known for their incredible width and immense presence that simply make you stop and pay respect to the giants. With vines galore reaching from the branches down and re-establishing as new roots.  These trees are fascinating!

Then there are the chinese silk trees which look beautifully groomed all the time in the perfect shape of an umbrella, and it is completely natural! As if it was just meant to be that in a place that gets so many sporadic rains, people would have a place to run and hide along their walk.  Funny cuz this happened to me while I was on a run, and next thing I knew I was sharing my "natural umbrella" with about 6 other people, and for about 10 minutes this hideout becomes the water cooler. Everyone talkin story and asking about their days, before everyone getting back to their task at hand.  Thank you Silk tree for bringing us together.

I am going to highlight one more that is a regular in my routine, Plumeria.  Many people may not know how those beautiful flowers used in so many lei arrangements grow, so here is a look at the row of plumeria trees that line the street I live on, greeting me with the sweetest smell each time I go on a walk.  These perfume branches are the reason Hawaii smells the way it does, and throughout the island these wonderful trees bring communities  and neighborhoods a scent that can only make people smile.
While I could go on forever about the different types of trees that make Hawaii special, I think you get the idea that this land is an incredible growing plot and produces some of the most wonderful scenery imaginable, all from the ground up.

Reason #9

First of all let me say sorry for the delay in my post, but I figure I should share that the reason for the delay is reason #9: Everyone visits!!!  So this past week I have had the fortune of seeing 3 people from the mainland.   Familiar faces, and while only one of them was expected, the joy of seeing familiarity in my new home just makes me that much happier and allows me to share a piece of my new life with the old.  First, my friend Theresa says she is here visiting with her family and so I was lucky enough to snag her and her sister away for a bit, even if it was too short, so worth it and made my day! Then my friend Erica's brother, Chad texts me that he is in town for a conference.  Well, I did my duty and made sure he saw some views outside of Waikiki, and that was a blast and toured through a couple noted areas on the blog. 

 

Finally I am in the company of my Mom this week, which has been wonderful.  Nothing like a bit of home to make everything fall into place perfectly.  When I think about all this, I know that this is only the beginning of visitors throughout the year, both expected and unexpected.  Cuz let's be real, if a conference or wedding, or family vacation is in Hawaii, would you say No?? Didn't think so, therefor I feel I picked the best place to be, and I am ready for YOU.