Ruth Elayne Kongaika

Kalaupapa Settlement on Moloka’i Hawaii

October 17, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Our first year after arriving in Hawaii, we had the rare opportunity to travel to Moloka’i. It is a part of Hawaii that is undeveloped, and naturally beautiful. You can get a glimpse of Old Hawaii by traveling to this island. We flew to the island on a short jaunt from Oahu, and then rented a car so we could see all the sights. Most people are familiar with Father Damien, who was recently canonized in Rome for his work with the leprosy victims of Moloka’i.

On one end of the island of Moloka’i, we saw tropical rain forests and on the other, dry coastal sea cliffs that are amongst the highest in the world. It is truly breathtaking scenery. The people were very kind and welcoming to their island. We spent the evening with some of the locals, dancing and dining.

.We also explored the Kalaupapa National Historical Park in Kalawao. To visit this well preserved Kalaupapa National Historical Park, you must obtain a permit from the State Department of Health required by State law. You can obtain it directly or through Damien Tours, who will assist you in getting a permit. Damien Tours service provides daily airline transfers, access by boat, mule rides or ground hiking on the Pali Trail. No children under 16 are allowed access to Kalaupapa. There is a steep three and a half mile trail leading to the settlement. Only physically fit persons should attempt this challenging trail.

The Kalaupapa National Historical Park is located on an isolated peninsula on the island of Moloka'i in Hawaii. It has a rich archeological and woeful history which has been preserved since 1980. The early Kalaupapa Settlement was populated by victims of the dreaded disease, leprosy. Ignorance and fear of this condition, otherwise known as Hansen's disease, caused families to drop off victims so they would not spread this disfiguring illness. This was due to the fact that Hawaii was in crisis, and when their people were exposed, they had no immunity to the many diseases that were brought in by foreigners. Many native Hawaiians died during these years. At the peak, there were 1200 men, women and children exiled in this island prison community. The isolation law which was enacted in 1866, was only repealed as recently as 1969. So many people had been torn from their homes and forced to live in Kalaupapa.

The peninsula of Kalaupapa is fenced in on three sides by ocean, and the fourth by sea cliffs. It is on the north side of the island of Moloka'i. The US Coast guard owns and operates a light house there. The peninsula was formed by lava continually flowing from a volcano called Pu`u `Uao.

Father Damien gave his life in service to the people of Kalaupapa. He served in the settlement from 1873 until his death after contracting leprosy. Other religious orders also served in the area. Today, there are still victims of leprosy, or Hansen's disease living in Kalaupapa. They have chosen to live out their lives there. Modern drugs have rendered the disease non-infectious. If you decide to visit, be aware that there are no medical facilities available to you. We were able to visit the little chapel where Father Damien preached and also his grave.

You must arrange access to Kalaupapa through Damien Tours (http://www.fatherdamientours.com/).

You can also contact the Kalaupapa National Historical Park directly at 808-567-6802.

We enjoyed our trip to Moloka’i, and it was a time of meditation. It has a haunting history and mesmerizing landscape which is hard to forget.

Ruth Elayne Kongaika was raised in the mainland, USA, but has been living in the South Pacific for the past forty years. She enjoys trying to capture the beauty of the Polynesian islands through her photography, painting and writing. She has a blog which shares some of her art and favorite subjects at:

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

Filed Under: Featured, Guest Post, Hawaii, Moloka’i, Ruth Elayne Kongaika

Ala Moana Shopping Center West of Waikiki

October 12, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post: Ruth Elayne Kongaika

If I need shopping therapy, I head out to Ala Moana nearby Waikiki. A trip to Oahu would not be complete without a day spent at Ala Moana Center. I always try to take my friends and family who visit us in Hawaii. It has the distinction of being the world’s largest open-air shopping center, the largest mall in Hawaii and the fifteenth largest mall in the United States.

Ala Moana covers 2.1 million square feet and has four levels of shopping. I enjoy the mall not only for shopping, but it is a cultural mecca with dancing, singing and other entertainment on a daily basis. They host hula shows, art festivals, fashion shows, contests, competitions, musical productions and more at Centerstage in the Center court of Ala Moana. Many who have performed have gone on to be very successful in their careers.

There are also over 70 eateries available from fine dining to quick take out. There is a food court so each member of the family can choose a different palate. I always enjoy exploring the nearly 300 world class shops. So much to explore and appreciate, even if just window shopping. One thing I really enjoy is the open-air style. You do not feel closed in since you can look up and see the sky throughout most of the mall. There are waterfalls, ponds with lily pads, koi and many places for you to rest and enjoy it all.

It was interesting to find out about the history of Ala Moana Center. Walter Dillingham purchased 50 acres of unwanted swampland in 1912 from Bishop Estates for $25,000. Actually Waikiki was mostly swampland as well into the 1800′s.

In 1948, plans were announced for the shopping complex. The Ground breaking ceremony occurred in 1955 and construction began in 1957. The world "ala" means street, and "moana" means ocean in the Hawaiian language. The Developers chose the name "Ala Moana" because it expressed the location of the center.

Hawaii became the 50^th state eight days after Ala Moana Center opened Hawaii in August 1959.

When it first opened, it was the largest mall in the entire United States with 89 stores and 4,000 parking spaces. In 1966 Ala Moana doubled in size and added J.C. Penney and Liberty House. In 1987 a food court with 19 restaurants and 900 seats was added.

In 2005, the Ho'okipa Terrace was opened. It boasts ten incredible restaurants all in one place including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., California Pizza Kitchen, Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks, Mai Tai Bar, Pearl, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Ruby Tuesday, Tanaka of Tokyo, and Tsukiji Fish Market and Restaurant.

Since the mall is very close to Waikiki, it is convenient for visitors to the islands. A shuttle runs every ten minutes from Waikiki seven days a week. There is also plenty of parking for those who are driving, and it is within walking distance of the Ala Moana Beach Park.

Eleven of the original mall retailers from 1959 are still at Ala Moana Center today, although they may not be in the same location.

Sears
Longs
Foodland
Slipper House
Crack Seed Center
Reyn's
Shirokiya
Watumul's
Territorial Savings
U.S. Post Office
Dairy Queen

If you plan on visiting Ala Moana Mall, be sure to wear your walking shoes to enjoy the many levels of shopping, dining and entertainment. There is plenty to see and do for all ages and interests. I consider it a real treat when I can take a morning, afternoon or evening to spend in Honolulu at the Ala Moana Center.

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

Filed Under: Featured, Guest Post, Hawaii, Oahu, Ruth Elayne Kongaika

Ghost Stories of Hawaii

October 8, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

There is an overabundance of superstition in Hawaii. Almost every hill, valley, road, trail, building or town has a spooky history where spirits, ghosts or other essences have made an indelible presence. Many urban legends have been passed down through the generations. The roads from the North Shore to Honolulu, past Pearl Harbor and onto Kaena Point are marked with floral memorials for those who have met an unfortunate and untimely death on trails and highways. I believe the Polynesians have a close connection with those who have passed on.

Hawaiian history is overflowing with the bereft that have been visited by their ancestors. The Hawaiian Islands are the perfect place to visit for those people who love ghost stories, or who are fascinated by the paranormal. Personally, I have visited a few places on Oahu which gave me “chicken skin” (goose bumps) with no explanation for it. There are many heiaus (sacred burial sites), which are taboo to ordinary folks like you and me.

Currently a big issue in Hawaii is the building of a major rail transportation system. Many of the supports for the rails have already been constructed, but the project was abruptly put on hold because unidentified human remains were found on the route. It would be unheard of for the rail to just cruise over the bones of the kapuna (elderly) Hawaiians. It could taint the future of the rail!

I truly appreciate the concern, giving the many horror stories that have resulted in disturbing the deceased in Hawaii. Also, fueled by the stories I am familiar with, I have experienced the oppressive fear and anxiety while driving along the winding roads after twilight on my own. One that stands out is Pali Highway. It has been said that if you carry pork over the Pali Highway, which connects Honolulu and the Windward side of Oahu, your car will stall. You must remove the pork from your vehicle before you will be able to restart and be on your way. I have not tried it myself, nor do I plan to. Another version of the story is that an old woman and her white dog will appear when the car stalls, and you must feed the pork to the dog in order to continue on your journey.

On the North Shore is a tourist town called Wahiawa. There is a story about a lady who often visited the botanical gardens of Wahiawa with her children. On one visit, she lost one of her children and he was never found. It is said that she continues to wander the gulch looking for her child, and she may take one of your children as a substitute. Since she has been searching so long, it is been testified that she is covered with moss, and is now known as the Green Lady. As recently as 1980, there was a sighting.

Probably the most well-known ghost story in Hawaii involves Menehunes, otherwise known as night marchers. These warriors come on the night when there is no moon (Pokane). For Hawaiians, if they are approached by the night marchers, they must prostrate themselves on the ground and recite their genealogy. Then they will be left unharmed. Perhaps that is why most Hawaiians know all of their uncles, aunties and relatives way back! These Menehunes carry torches and walk on the old Hawaiian trails. If you happen to build your home on their trail, the will pass through your house and you may find yourself somewhere other than in your bed in the morning.

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

Filed Under: Featured, Guest Post, Hawaii, Oahu, Ruth Elayne Kongaika, United States

Visiting Foster Botanical Gardens in Honolulu, Hawaii

September 26, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post: Ruth Elayne Kongaika

One Aloha Friday afternoon, as my husband and I were making our way through the rush hour traffic on Vineyard Street in Honolulu, we saw a sign that said Foster Botanical Gardens. Since we were not in a hurry, we pulled over into the parking lot. The moment we opened our car doors, the most beautiful fragrance drifted to our nostrils. It was coming from the heavily endowed flowering trees surrounding the entrance to the gardens. That was enough to prod us toward the entrance to check things out further.

After paying a nominal fee, we swooped up our map of the gardens and started our adventure. I honestly felt transfigured to another place and time. Luckily, I had brought along my camera, since I was enthralled with the many beautiful tropical flowers in a various shapes and colors. Just as I would start to put my camera away, I would see something else I was stimulated to capture a photo of. Well-placed signs indicated the name and species of many of the flowers and plants. We were surprised at how many of them we had never witnessed before.

We discovered that some of the incredibly large trees that towered over the gardens were planted around 1853. There were trees from many countries around the world including Africa. These giants were so magnificent! They actually refer to them as exceptional trees because of their age, rarity, size, location and historical and cultural significance. They were massive, indeed, and I had to get a few pictures of my husband standing next to the trunks so we could remember how enormous they were.

Foster Botanical Garden is divided according to the following:

Lyon Orchid Garden – a collection of Old and New World orchid species
Main Terrace – the oldest part of the garden dating from 1853.
Middle Terraces – palms, aroids, heliconia and ginger plants.
Economic Garden – herb garden, spices, dyes, poisons and beverage plants.
Prehistoric Glen – primitive plants from around the world.
The Orchid Conservatory – blooming orchid display.
Exceptional Trees – 24 trees designated "exceptional" throughout the Garden

The gardens are very well taken care of, and you easily forget that you are almost in the heart of one of the busiest cities in the United States. The gardens cover 5.5 acres of land off Vineyard Boulevard and Nuuanu Avenue in Honolulu.

The history of the garden goes back to 1853 when the land was leased to a young German doctor, William Hillebrand by Queen Kalama. He built his home on the property, and being a botanist as well as a physician, he planted many trees that still remain in the gardens today. Later, the lot was sold to Captain Thomas and Mary Foster. They continued to maintain and develop the garden. Upon Mary’s death, the garden was bequeathed to the City and County of Honolulu. It was opened as a public garden in 1931, directed by Dr. Harold Lyon. Ten thousand new trees and plants were introduced by Dr. Lyon.

As we strolled through the gardens, I could not help but think it would be the perfect setting for a wedding. I learned that it is possible to have weddings and wedding photos there with a permit. They also offer guided tours and several times a year, school children get to enjoy this enchanting place.

I witnessed flowers and trees that I have never seen before, and had quite an educational and fascinating experience at the Foster Botanical Gardens. It is part of the Department of Parks and Recreation of Hawaii and well worth a look.

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

Filed Under: Featured, Guest Post, Hawaii, Oahu, Ruth Elayne Kongaika

The World’s Tallest Mountain is in Hawaii

September 21, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post: Ruth Elayne Kongaika

I know you are thinking that the world’s tallest mountain is Mt. Everest, and if you consider those that only originate on the land (above sea level), you would be right! But of those mountains rising from under the sea, Mauna Kea tops even Mt. Everest. The altitude of Mount Everest is 8,850 meters. Mauna Kea’s total height, from the sea floor, is over 10,000 meters. You can even ski during the winter months when it is covered in several feet of snow – in Hawaii!

Recently, in August of 2012, we had snow on the top of Mauna Kea, while at the same time it was over 80 degrees in Honolulu. A few years back, we made an attempt to travel to the summit of this huge volcano. We traveled in a rental car up Saddle Road from Route 200. The grade was steep and at about 7,000 feet frost started to form on our windshield, and we became a little alarmed. We could barely see a few feet in front of us and could not look down very far because of the thick white clouds and fog.

Signs along the road recommended that we use a four-wheel drive up the mountain, especially with a plan to reach the summit. It was very steep and the wind made it feel as though we may be swept off the side. Continuing on up the winding narrow road, we were lead to a Visitor Information Station at about 9,000 feet. We learned that the main reason for the station is so that we could adapt to the altitude slowly. Here we watched videos, took a bathroom break, and purchased some souvenirs. Afterwards we wound our way up the mountain a bit further, and were soon surrounded by clouds.

We were not lucky enough to have good weather conditions on the day we decided to go up to the summit, so we just stopped by the side of the road to watch the clouds before going back down.

We discovered that there are bus tours that can take you up Mauna Kea (weather permitting). They depart from Honokohau Harbor and spend the afternoon and evening before returning to the valley. Because the temperature changes quickly, you must take along sweaters, long pants and socks to keep warm. They serve dinner at a Sheep Ranch, which is part of the tour. Next time we will take the tour!

At around 11,000 feet up Mauna Kea, there is an adze quarry and then a permafrost lake at 12,000 feet. That altitude can make you feel giddy, and above the clouds, there are some exhilarating views. You must remember to breathe; otherwise you will feel faint and as light as a feather. Mountain sheep and rare native plants are also spotted.

Besides being the world’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea has the world’s largest astronomical observatory. There are over two dozen telescopes which gather information from the expanse. Above the mountain it is dry and the atmosphere stable, so the planets and stars can be studied in more detail than at other observatories. It is also above the tropical inversion cloud, so the air is pure and clear. It helps that it is far from city lights and is very dark.

The actual climb of Mauna Kea above sea level is nearly 14,000 feet, but the majority of it is underwater. This volcanic hot spot resulted in all of the Hawaiian Islands. Native Hawaiians regard Mauna Kea as sacred.

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email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

Filed Under: Featured, Guest Post, Hawaii, Hawaii "Big Island", Ruth Elayne Kongaika

How Tonga Celebrates the New Year

September 6, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post: Ruth Elayne Kongaika

One tradition I learned about when we lived in Tonga was their unique celebration of the New Year. The people of Tonga take New Year’s very seriously. When we lived in Tonga, precisely at 12:01 on New Year’s Eve locals start walking. They are hoping to be the first to greet their relatives and show their gratitude and love for them.

Tonga, until recently was the first country in the world to greet the New Year. That is because it lies very close to the 180th parallel (12 hours ahead of Greenwich). It sits directly on the International Dateline. These friendly islanders often send messages or food if they are unable to walk the long distances.

Tongans also value their relationship with God. The whole first week of the New Year is called Uike Lotu (prayer week). Church congregations meet and pray both morning and evening, always feasting in between, during the first week of the New Year. Traditionally, bands from all over the island take their musical instruments, which include homemade banjos, bass and guitars, singing their way from home to home and hoping for some provisions in exchange for their music.

After midnight of the old year, you see people walking all over the paths and roads looking for their kin. When they meet, which may be halfway between their homes, they embrace and uma (kiss). Then they may sit down and have some cookies and Milo (chocolate drink) before leaving to find other relatives. The older people talk and reminisce about the old times and express their gratitude for being able to make it to the New Year. They reflect on people who have died and babies that were born. They also share their hopes for the future.

The young boys of Tonga construct fana pitu (bamboo cannons) and you can hear them all over the islands as their kerosene contents are lit. The boys will try hard to outdo each other in this cannon marathon. It sounds like a war is going on in the villages with all the cannons going off.

After greeting all the relatives, and a long nap, most everyone heads for the beach. January 1st is during the hottest time of the year in Tonga, unlike the white snowy Christmases some other countries are used to. The whole family will go to the beach and have a swim. Food for the New Year is usually baked in an umu (underground oven), and may include lu pulu (beef, onion and coconut milk wrapped in taro leaves), root crops like taro, kumala (sweet potato) manioke (tapioca), and seafood. Mostly, the men fix the umu, but everyone enjoys it. Women make desserts like faikakai (caramel dumplings), Tongan pudeni (pudding) with custard, trifle (adopted from England) and other sweets.

The Tongan royalty also have their own way of celebrating the New Year. On January 1, 2009 members of the royal family as well as cabinet ministers and distinguished guests received an audience with his Majesty King George Tupou V shortly after midnight. The monarch tries to strengthen his relationships during the New Year’s celebration.

Truly, the people of Tonga are proud that they are one of the first countries to greet the New Year. Their monarch, Taufa’ahau Tupou IV fought for them to have this distinction so they would be the first in the world to offer up their prayers in Thanksgiving. They even have a hotel called the International Dateline Hotel.

More recently, it has become popular in Tonga to be married the first week of the New Year.

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

Filed Under: Featured, Guest Post, Ruth Elayne Kongaika, South Pacific, Tonga

My Haunted Lagoon Experience, Hawaii

August 31, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post: Ruth Elayne Kongaika

We live very close to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii, which has a variety of activities during the year. You can learn about Tongans, Samoans, Tahitians, Hawaiians, Fijians, and other Polynesians all in one place. They have a vast lagoon that goes from one end of the center to the other on which you can take a canoe ride, and see all the villages along the way.

I guess I thought I was too old to get scared, but discovered I was wrong. Last Halloween I went together with four of my grandchildren to the Haunted Lagoon at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii, which has become an annual event. Unlike any spook alley I had ever experienced, this one took place on the water.

The canoes can carry approximately 35 people. An oarsman steers the rafts with a long pole as he stands on the deck. As we pulled away from shore and approached the first bridge, the grim reaper appeared overhead with a sign that said, “I would turn back if I were you”. The low bridges across the lagoon were draped with furry material, which hung down in strips and touched our heads and shoulders. It felt really creepy.

On our left after the first bridge, there was a woman standing on a small island with a white dress and long hair. A sinister voice told the story of the poor lady of the lagoon who had lost her lover and son in the lagoon. About this time the lady walked, and then then crawled on the water towards our raft (I'm still not sure how she did that). She then jumped into the lagoon and disappeared. It looked so real!

Everyone in the raft was screaming and holding tight to the next person. My granddaughter was almost in tears. Just when we felt a little bit safe again, creatures appeared out of the water and reached into the canoe. There were monsters on the shore bending and twisting. Eerie music played and chilling sound effects made the whole experience more intense.

While going through another tunnel, huge hairy spiders dangled down towards us almost touching our heads. Children sang Ring Around the Rosies and mothers called out for their children. Ghosts flew overhead adding to the frightful environment. Suddenly, lights flickered on the water focused on a creature or a floating graveyard. Kudos to the Polynesian Cultural Center for an excellent haunted lagoon experience.

There is a milder keiki canoe ride for the children or for the faint of heart. The center has the Haunted Lagoon ride starting in late September and running through Halloween. To entertain guests who are waiting in line for their turn on the canoe ride, there are movies, games and entertainment.

People come from all over the islands travel to the North Shore to have their turn at this Haunted Lagoon Experience. It is a great way to get into the Halloween spirit. Polynesian Cultural Center has a ghostly cast of over 100 to make this an unforgettable experience.

The Haunted Lagoon has become Hawaii’s premier haunted attraction. Last year the Polynesian Cultural Center welcomed more than 44,000 guests in 20 days. Each year they choreograph a new show to keep kamaina (locals) and visitors entertained. It is definitely worth a visit.

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

Filed Under: Featured, Guest Post, Hawaii, Ruth Elayne Kongaika

So Much to Learn in the Land of the Long White Cloud

August 18, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post: Ruth Elayne Kongaika

One of the most beautiful island countries in the Pacific Ocean is New Zealand. I had a chance to visit there some years ago. Because it is in the Southern hemisphere, New Zealand has winter in June and July and summer during Christmastime. We happened to visit during their warmer time. We had a new baby and stayed with my husband’s aunties (a term of endearment for older female relatives). We became quite well acquainted with the public bus system. We stayed in Ponsonby, a suburb of Auckland, the capital of New Zealand.

I found that New Zealand is home to many ethnicities. The native Maori people tried hard to keep foreigners out, but today the majority of New Zealanders are of European descent. There are two main languages spoken, Maori and English. I felt like I had traveled in a time machine back about forty years having been raised in America. Going from automatic washers and dryers to wringer washers was quite a surprise for me (and not so convenient with a baby).

One thing I truly enjoyed while we were there was their plunket nurses. The government provides supports services for the health, development and well being of children under the age of five. Even though I was only a visitor to the island, plunket nurses came to visit often, and checked my son’s growth and overall health.

While we were in New Zealand, we were lucky enough to visit an enchanting place called Rotorua. It is located on the North Island. It reminded me of Yellowstone in Wyoming. There are 16 lakes and tall redwood trees. We enjoyed the geothermal forces, biking trails, walking tracks and Maori art and culture which was available all in one place. The living and breathing landscape of Rotorua was mesmerizing.

We also got to bottle feed lambs, watch sheep sheering demonstrations and witness the kiwi bird in its natural habitat. Many visitors come just to soak in the mud of the geothermal pools. It has been found that hydrogen sulfide, a gas that is prevalent in Rotorua due to the thermal activity, has been discovered to enhance erectile function. Move over Viagra!

We also discovered that Rotorua is one of the world’s premier mountain biking destinations. There are plenty of signs posted for bikers according to their skill levels. There are trails through lush ferns amidst rain forests, and even more challenging trails for those brave enough to race down Mt. Tarawera, a dormant volcano.

My favorite memories of New Zealand were learning about the Maori culture. The natives are considered Polynesians. The Maori are more than happy to share with you their love for the land and their traditions. They have beautifully carved buildings where they hold community meetings.

There is a war dance called the “haka” where they chant, stamp their feet and use threatening hand gestures. They also open their eyes wide and stick their tongue out in an attempt to scare the audience. The haka has become quite popular at the beginning of rugby games.

I also enjoyed learning the lingo of New Zealand. They use British English, and so I learned that candy is called “lollies”, diapers are “nappies”, and a stroller is a “carriage.” It was fun learning the different terms for many items. We also learned to use a different currency since they used British pounds back then. I feel so lucky to have experience the land of the long white cloud, New Zealand, and hope to be able to return again.

Ruth Elayne Kongaika was raised in the mainland, USA, but has been living in the South Pacific for the past forty years. She enjoys trying to capture the beauty of the islands through her photography, painting and writing. She has a blog which shares some of her art and favorite subjects at:

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

Filed Under: Featured, Guest Post, New Zealand, Ruth Elayne Kongaika, South Pacific

Leave Your Shoes at the Door

August 11, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post: Ruth Elayne Kongaika

Growing up with four seasons, we almost always kept our shoes (and sometimes socks) on outside and inside the house. Only on the hottest of days during the summer, did we go barefooted. So when our little family relocated to the South Pacific, I was curious to learn that it is customary to leave your shoes on the porch before entering a home. It took me quite a while to remember this tradition, often finding myself as the only one in the group with my shoes still on in the house and then apologizing profusely.

In Hawaii, where we now live, home owners often put little signs at the doors to remind guests to remove their shoes. There may be a little wood or metal rack specifically for storing shoes just outside of the front door. Most locals are aware that tourists may not be educated in this practice, and so in an effort not to offend them, they say “no need”.

My dear Dad came to stay with us for a while in Hawaii. He is of Scottish descent and has lived all his life in a colder climate. You rarely see him with bare feet, even in the house. He has very tender feet and does not even like the feel of sand on them. I did not force him to alter his routine while he stayed with us. My own feet have toughed a bit while living in the islands. Actually, I prefer to go bare footed and can hardly wait to take my shoes off when I have been away.

Then there is my husband, who was raised in the islands before going to school in a cold climate. He still can’t make up his mind whether to leave his shoes on or off, and I discover his shoes in the oddest places throughout the house! He told me that the first time he saw snow he thought it looked fun to run in and attempted it shoeless! He quickly learned that doing so was quite painful.

In the Fiji Islands, where we have visited, there are certain tribes who get the coals in the fire burning, and then show their bravery by walking on them unprotected. I suppose their calloused feet make it much easier, having gone without shoes most of their lives.

In some other countries (Asia), shoes are removed so as not to tear the straw floor covering. In Japan the word for outside shoes is “dosoku” meaning “soiled feet”. It is perceived as dishonorable when someone enters the home with outdoor shoes on. They have specific indoor shoes available for guests to wear. In some parts of the world

Since we have so many different cultures here in Hawaii, it is good to consider the owner of the home as you enter their abode. A telltale sign would be if there is a pile of shoes or slippers at the front door. That is what I look for when I pay a visit to someone I do not know well. Often I find a pair of attractive shoes that may actually fit me and wonder what would happen if they would notice if I left mine and took theirs (Just kidding)!

In scripture, it tells of prophets removing their shoes when they are on “holy ground”. The same is expected in some mosques or chapels today. A person’s home should be considered their inner sanctum. Consideration of a person’s customs and traditions shows respect and honor. It is always good to learn whether you need to take your shoes off at the front door. Aloha!

Ruth Elayne Kongaika was raised in the mainland, USA, and has been living in the South Pacific for the past forty years. She enjoys trying to capture the beauty of the Polynesian islands through her photography, painting and writing. She has a blog which shares some of her art and favorite subjects at:

http://hawaiianart.ning.com/

email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

Filed Under: Asia, Featured, Fiji, Guest Post, Hawaii, Japan, Ruth Elayne Kongaika, South Pacific

Pomp, Pageantry and Position, A Tonga Wedding

August 2, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post: Ruth Elayne Kongaika

My first experience attending a royal wedding was when we moved to the island of Tonga. We received an invitation for the Imperial nuptial. I did not know what to expect, but was informed that I must wear gloves and a hat. Tongans must wear traditional clothing, but since I was a foreigner, I wore a long blue empire waist dress with a matching hat and gloves. Princess Salote Pilolevu, daughter of the reigning monarch was to marry Tuita, a cousin. Tongan Royals must marry in the family to retain the strong royal bloodline in order to continue the true line of succession to the throne. That was taboo in the society I grew up in, so it took me a while to get my brain around it.

I recollect the young beautiful Princess Pilolevu in her wedding attire, and what a contrast it was to bridal gowns I was used to seeing. Extravagant feasting, mostly provided by the commoners, was indulged in by all. There were polas (large wooden trays lined with banana leaves) piled high with whole pigs, lobsters, fish, beef and oodles of local root crops and luscious fruits. The finest the Kingdom had to offer was displayed for the grand occasion. It was a far cry from the quaint receptions of my friends and family with bowls of mints and nuts as refreshments.

Etiquette and decorum were uppermost in the minds of all involved. There was quite a bit of bowing, curtsying, and even crawling on the ground by commoners around the imperial family members. I remember how “star struck” I was when it was my turn to greet Princess Pilolevu. She was very refined in her mannerisms. I had practiced my curtsy well ahead, but it still felt awkward.

Of course, the activities of the whole island kingdom were put on hold in celebration for the wedding. There was dancing, including whole villages which donned skirts of leaves, feathers and mats all handmade from what the land provided. Months of practice had gone into preparation for a lakalaka, the Tongan National dance. One lakalaka could last as long as thirty minutes, and sometimes seemed it would never end. The song writer and choreographer would usually base the dance on a legend or history of the islands.

Another notable difference between typical Western and Tongan weddings is the cake ceremony. The wedding cake is usually more than ten layers. After the couple has share a piece with each other, each layer of the cake is presented to a person who has played an important role in the wedding. It is their way of honoring those who have helped them.

In 2012, there was another royal Tongan wedding. Again, close cousins were united in matrimony. The son of King Tupou VI, the Crown Prince Tupouto’a Ulukalala and Sinaitakala Fakafanua (26^th in line for the throne), were united amidst controversy regarding the wisdom of carrying on this age-old practice of arranged marriages.

Interestingly, modern day weddings in Tonga are usually a mixture of British style weddings and traditional Tongan. Family obligations are very important in Tonga, and many sacrifices are made by close and distant kin, which becomes a competition in many instances. It is not unheard of today for the line to include ten or more bridesmaids. Gifts of tapa cloth, quilts, fine woven mats and great deals of money are often lavished on the couple. Hopefully you can experience a lavish Royal Tongan Wedding during your lifetime.

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email: kongaikr@byuh.edu

Filed Under: Featured, Guest Post, Ruth Elayne Kongaika, South Pacific, Tonga