This is quite a surprise for us both, my love…but today I write you from the Big Island of Hawaii, channeling some juicy Aloha Spirit and sipping a cozy mug of Kona coffee.
A great dream has manifested Hawaii style: 1. I have been specifically requested for my video work from afar, and 2. my travel expenses have been gifted to me. I will be waking up to this beautiful tropical garden each morning for the next 3 weeks! Not too bad, universal forces that be…
A remarkable and passionate woman named Leilehua Yuen has asked me to direct a documentary on traditional Hawaiian culture and mythology through lei making. Leilehua is a storyteller, cultural ambassador, musician, writer, biker, go-getter, and all around groovy lady.
On one of our first shoots we awoke at 3:30 A.M. and drove an hour inland to a special lookout. I filmed the peaceful sunrise over Mauna Kea while I stood at 7,000 ft above sea level. Getting to the location included a short hike in surprisingly chilly Hawaiian weather, but we found the perfect spot to see the sun greet the native birdsong. After an hour of shooting the sun, I filmed Leilehua and her husband Manu in a variety of chants, slack key guitar playing and traditional Hawaiian nose flute demonstrations.
On Friday we spent the day at a very cool cultural festival at the national park, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau, also known as the City of Refuge.
The Cultural Festival was a celebration that marked the 50th anniversary of the park as a unit of the National Park Service. There were free canoe rides in paradise…
A spiritual precession of Hawaiian elders and holy men initiated the event. The sound of the conch echoed throughout the palm trees…
There were hula demonstrations and chanting, including a group of hula dancers from Portland, Oregon.
Many cultural and traditional Hawaiian crafts were demonstrated. Here was a woman demonstrating the cleaning of a gourd.
Since our documentary is on the history and crafting of leis, I am finding many uses for leis…including on the front of canoes.
The precession makes its way to make the offering or ho-okupu.
Leilehua sits with two other Auntys who are some last keepers of the ancient art of making fabric from plants.
Examples of beautiful leis…
I thoroughly enjoyed my lunch of kimchee shrimp, seaweed salad, and a can of Hawaiian coffee! This is my kind of Hilo cuisine.
I couldn’t leave the festival without partaking in a little awa, or kava kava, to get me grooving on Hawaiian time. This powdered root is made into a tea that relaxes the muscles and calms the body. This is a must-have when trying to recover from jetlag!
This post might be a bit brief, but I’ve got some living to do. Thanks for following as I keep you posted on what gifts come from a little “Big Island Love”. This happens to be a popular bumper sticker around these parts. Send me a note and I’ll pick one up for you. Thanks for reading, darling.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post!!! Not too sure about the kimchee thou. What a great way to get off the beaten tourist path & see the real Hawaii. Love ya girl.
Wow, the pretty sunrise in the morning is awsome. How was the keyweed salad??? I wish that I was there, I was born in Hoululu Hawaii, and so was my sister. Enjoy the sunrise. I hope you get to learn more of making the Leis. I have the flower that make them. I am waiting for it to start growing and blooming again.
My Darling Daughter:
I am so happy you are having this experience, able to record it, eat it, sleep and wake up in it. This is a magical part of our world and YOU need this.
I love you,
Your Other Mother
Hi Irene,
Sorry I missed you while you where in town, I ended up coming down with flu.
I love all the photos. Looks like a fantastic trip.
Ali
Love this magical site! What a breath of fresh air. On a side note- we are wanting to travel with our kiddos, and move to Vilcabamba. So I am asking for a bit of advice on how your school your eldest daughter? I know it is summa time, but do you homeschool?
Sending you much light and love!
Dalene