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Chinese New Year in Hawaii

Da Small Coconut — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 06:46:53 +0000

KUNG HEE FAT CHOY!!!

Chinese New Year is celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice. This year it falls on February 3 and, in Chinese Astrology, this is the year of the Rabbit.

Here in Hawaii celebrations were held on January 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29. The Lion Dance is one of the most popular traditions. A giant lion costume is worn by a number of individuals (one controlling the head, the other the back side of the lion… and depending on how the long or large the costume is, there maybe one or two more individuals making up the middle portion of the lion). During the dance the habits and expressions of the Lion are imitated. The lion is a symbol of power, wisdom, and good fortune. It is also said to chase away evil spirits and brings hapiness, longevity, and good luck… That’s why you will often see people “feeding” the lion money..

2011 Lion Dance in Chinatown

What’s to eat? Well… What’s not to eat??? During the Chinese New Year’s celebration there’s an abundance of food! It’s during this time of year that many of the dessert shops will be buzzing! You’ll see that they are stocked up with treats like candied yam, ginger and coconut strips! Also, many of the chinese restaurants will be offering Jai, a vegetarian dish. It’s also called Buddah’s Delight or Monk food.

Downtown View from Punchbowl

Surfa Aunty — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:16:36 +0000

View of Downtown Honolulu with overcast skies-March 14, 2010

Around Honolulu – Pictures of Familiar Places

Surfa Aunty — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:45:47 +0000

Ala Moana - Magic Island

Ala Moana Beach

Majestic Iolani Palce

Diamond Head / Waikiki

Island Style Decorating Idea – Number 2

Surfa Aunty — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:37:46 +0000

Pineapple bowl made out of wood

What about a “pineapple” theme? The “pineapple” is a symbol of welcome, hospitality and wealth. I found this at www.wishiwereinhawaiishop.com, made out of wood, it stands 12inches high and can either be displayed flat or with or a collaspable bowl (this picture shows how the bowl drops down to place items in). You can put it on a side table, or on the dining room table.

Island Style Decorating Idea – Number 1

Surfa Aunty — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 02:37:18 +0000

There are so many home decorating and renovation shows on television these days, that it seems I am always looking for ways to change the furniture, or redecorate my home. Here is an idea that offers “island style decor” in many different designs.

Check out these ideas at : www.wishiwereinhawaiishop.com

Hawaii’s Epic Surf

Surfa Aunty — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:40:02 +0000

Hawaii’s north facing shores has been experiencing epic surf this winter and it hasn’t let up yet! This much great surf hasn’t been here for over a decade, with swells from 10 feet plus heights. With the Eddie Aikau Invitational Surf Meet happening last December, the only time this surf meet happens is when the waves are monumental and consistently near 40 feet , then there is the Van’s Triple Crown, Volcom’s Pipeline Pro, and many many more surf meets which mostly happen when wave heights are 15 feet plus. More great surf headings our way! It’s a great time for surfers!

You can purchase this book and read about the meaning of the ocean and Hawaii

and how there is a deep and ancient connection with “Kai” (ocean) :

(Click on Image)

Honolulu Christmas City Lights

Surfa Aunty — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:56:40 +0000

Every Christmas the City & County of Honolulu puts on a display of Christmas decorations by City Hall down on King Street. Here is a glimpse of some of the lights and decoration. We all look forward to see the Hawaiian Mr. & Mrs. Claus!