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.

Reason #8

Tantalus Road...  About 10 minutes from Waikiki will get you to the base of the Ko'olau mountain range, and if GPS doesn't take you astray you can find yourself on Tantalus Road (anyone visiting PLEASE put this on your list of places to go, you can drive up to the top and back down and the views alone will be worth it).  Through the heart of the rainforest this winding road manages to showcase Honolulu at its finest with some of the most breathtaking views and for a moment you forget that you were just in a city.  Lush and tropical and the beautiful sounds of birds and wildlife fill the air.  Off of the drive are numerous trailheads including one of my favorites, the Bamboo Forest.  Yesterday my friend Alessa and I had the fortune of a GORGEOUS day up at the mountain and conquered about 2.5 hours of hiking, simply enough to take my breath away as that place always does.  One of the coolest parts of the hike is that with the right amount of wind all the bamboo will begin swaying and knocking agains each other creating a fantastic wind chime effect.  But the best part of the day was on the drive down and what do we see on the side of the road... 2 piglets running along, each no bigger than a ferrel kitten!  For those who know me well can guess that it just about put me over the edge in the cute department haha.  It was amazing, and a first for me on the mountain, they were so precious! I just hope they make it safe and sound wherever they were going.  I'd say Tantalus Road made the day so special and I look forward to taking all my visitors up that winding abyss.

Reason #7

Diamond Head Community Garden... Just up Diamond Head Road there is a magnificent lookout area where locals, surfers, tourists and pretty much anyone else trying to escape the crowds of Waikiki go to watch endless hours of surfers battle the waves at "Cliffs."  Well in my years of visiting, this has been one of my favorite meditation and relaxation activities.  Sitting on the edge of the lava wall looking beyond an incredible garden of greenery (and when in bloom, multiple varieties of Hibiscus) and usually getting lost in the sea of blue ahead.  It wasn't until very recently I came to learn the story behind this garden of joy.  In 1999 three surfers started bringing jugs of water in their cars to wash their feet of all the mud and rock that would be stuck on them from the climb up the cliffside.  In a short period of time they realized that this water source brought the hillside to life, and little sprouts of grass started covering the ground.  They purposefully began bringing a lot more water specifically for the land and eventually each of the surfers also contributed plants.  Even papaya seeds that dropped from someone's breakfast have turned into trees lining the garden.   Today it has become a community activity, as surfers and locals can be found each morning weeding, pruning and maintaining this place of beauty for all to enjoy.  From one person who takes advantage of this garden of love, I say thank you surfing community for this wonderful gift.

Reason #6

Sunrise... I don't know what it is about being in Hawaii, but automatically your body adjusts to a new way of life.  Meaning at 6am when you should be fast asleep, not only do you wake up but it's as if its that once in a lifetime morning, and you have to get up so you don't miss any action.  Kinda like it's your birthday everyday!  Well that's my story and I know eventually once I begin working I will probably dread waking up at 6am again, for now I take so much joy in knowing that when I wake up I am able to witness the next greatest event to a sunset...a sunrise!  Something so peaceful about the morning and watching the sun creep up over the Ko'olau mountain range.  Today was one of those special occasions that I woke up just in time to see this magnificent view from my lanai (balcony).  I don't know if it is possible to have a bad day when this is the first sight you see.  Once again I am fortunate to know that each morning I have something so special waiting for me. From my lanai to yours hope this brightens your day...

Reason #5

Kaimuki... With all the times I had been to Honolulu I seem to always miss this little beauty of a neighborhood.  Not really for it's looks or location, it's all about the ethnic cuisine!  Located about 10 minutes outside of Waikiki, it offers the world of cooking proving once again how DIVERSE this island really is! So on my way to meet a friend for coffee today I passed by what I consider to be the ultimate food court spread all along one long street; call it the paradise of hole-in-the-wall amazingness that will satisfy any craving.  There is the more commonly found Hawaiian, American, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican and Thai, but for added cravings how about some Soul Food, Jamaican/Caribbean, Louisiana Crawfish, Greek, Latin, Vietnamese, Korean, Italian, not to mention a Nepalese restaurant that allows you to BYOB.  Now that is what I call a Dream come true.  So whatever your pallet craves I am sure I can find it for you in Kaimuki, so come visit!  I guess the last thing needed to complete the menu is that perfect little Persian restaurant.  I will work on opening that one myself :)

Reason #4

Rain... So for anyone who enjoy's rain, the smell, the feel, and the sound, then Hawaii is your Dreamland! At any given time it may rain, and sometimes it's a peaceful sprinkle which almost evaporates the instant it touches your skin, at other times, you can look out 100 feet in front of you and see a wall of wetness approaching you, and sorry to anyone that tries to hide from it, cuz that just won't happen, the wall will get you.  I have never been fond of the rain, besides the fact that it helps the flowers that I love bloom and make the grass grow a little greener and provides the element all living things need, I guess I just have a love hate relationship.  Well, for some reason in Hawaii that turns into a love LOVE relationship.  This morning I went out for a run and while it was overcast I wasn't prepared at all.  The wall I described earlier was in full force and it came down in an instant, I saw everyone around me look for trees and coverage or the spare umbrella that everyone is supposed to carry.  For some reason, the drenching sensation of the wall of water just made me smile, and without knowing it I was holding my arms out running and twirling.  LOL it was like a movie and I just smiled the whole way, people stared but I just thought, WOW this water that mother nature is sending me is the exact cool down I needed and it is so BEAUTIFUL.  To my right I saw the Ko'olau mountain range, so lush and green and the creator of the rains.  Fun Fact.... That mountain range has approximately 5 million gallons of rainfall each DAY!  So I guess if I get even one gallon, I feel fortunate.

Reason #3

Diamond Head... No I don't think it's that special of a hike.  It's not even really natural anymore with all the foot-traffic and paved roads inside the crater.  It may just as well be an extension of Waikiki.  Yet, today I decided to embark on a little exploration.  Walking out of the house with my keys, phone, and a snack.  It took me about an hour to walk from my house to Diamond Head, another hour to hike to the top and back, and I made my way back home all in time to have lunch.  While I have never had very high praise for this hike as I feel many people could see real beauty that Oahu has to offer in all it's lush mountain ranges, I really LOVE the fact that just a few miles outside of the heart of this bursting city lies this beast awaiting exploration by over 800,000 visitors a year!  The fascinating part is that on my walk to the top I passed every type of person imaginable.  From a 2 year old to a 92 year old, and probably heard about 10 different languages being spoken, each person making the trek to the top to get that eagle's eye view of Honolulu.  It reminded me of my first trip to the top with my mom, I was 3.  Oma (my grandma) keeps saying she wants me to take her to the top, she is 82, and to think that it is even possible for us to do this together makes me smile.  So I praise you Diamond Head for being in my neighborhood and getting those vacationing tourists to leave their beach towels (even if only for a few hours) and get some exercise together as a family.  That is beautiful.  

Reason #2

93.9 JAMZ...  Well, I have waited my whole life for the best radio station, and for some reason neither Sacramento or San Francisco could provide it.  Honolulu has it people.  NON STOP, ALL DAY, 90's Hip Hop and R&B on 93.9 FM.  Each song is "MY JAM" and my roommate Cate and I rock the station all day with Gongo's assistance of course.  For those of you who know me well, know that this concept of non-stop 90's music is pure BEAUTY and gets me going each day.  Yes, obviously I realize that all of this can be found on the internet and on my "Classic Hip-Hop" Pandora station.  But the fact that regular old radios have this option now brings a smile to my face.  Thank you Hawaii for keeping the Jams alive!

Reason #1

ALOHA!  Exactly that.  This beautiful word that has come to define the islands more than just a greeting or goodbye, it is a description of life.  Per Wikipedia in the Hawaiian language the word means affection, peace and compassion.  UMmmmm how cool is that?!?! every single day the word Aloha fills the air I breath, paves the roads I walk on, and warms the hearts of people I pass.  Not to mention it is plastered on every building, bus, and t-shirt.  How could a girl not feel welcome when the literal essence of the word Aloha is so giving and it is ingrained in the people who live on this island.  So from across the ocean to all my friends and family I say...Aloha :)