Sandwich? Why Such A Name?

In 1778 when Captain James Cook first arrived in Hawaii, he named the islands after his friend, Earl of Sandwich. Now when you hear someone speak of The Sandwich Islands, you’ll know it’s Hawaii!

Speaking of names, do you know the names of his two ships? They were Resolution and Discovery. I think those are very appropriate names for an explorer’s ships, don’t you?

Another interesting name is the town of Captain Cook, Hawaii. It’s a small town located near Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island.

Here’s some information regarding the town of Captain Cook:

http://www.city-data.com/city/Captain-Cook-Hawaii.html

I think I’d like to visit the bay, the monument, and the town someday. You too?

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

He's Here! He's Here!

In 1778 Captain James Cook arrived in Hawaii. He spent some time on a couple islands trading nails and iron for food and water. But he had another mission in mind, so left the islands.

 

He returned again in 1779 to Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island and was received by the Hawaiians as if he were a god. In fact, they thought he was Lono, the god of fertility and harvest. But when Cook failed to sail his ship through a storm and had to return to the island, the Hawaiians began to doubt he was a god.

Eventually, the strife between Cook and the Hawaiians ended in a battle. Captain James Cook was slain. Today you can find a monument where Cook died at Kealakekua Bay.

Find out more information regarding Captain Cook:

http://www.aloha-hawaii.com/hawaii/captain+james+cook/

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

Celebrating Kamehameha The Great

Happy Presidents’ Day!!

The first king of Hawaii was Kamehameha I. He was born on the Big Island, Hawaii, around 1758. After his birth, his mother handed him over to a friend to hide and protect her son from a jealous uncle. The name, Kamehameha means, “The Lonely One.” The future king lived in a valley with many caves where they could hide from any danger. He had no one to play with.

At age five, Kamehameha lived with another uncle who taught him many fighting skills such as using spears, daggers, and rocks.

After becoming king of part of the Big Island, Kamehameha gained total control of the island by 1790. He then invaded the islands of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. In 1795 he fought a battle on Oahu, gaining control there. Although he never made it to Kauai, the chief on that island gave up control to Kamehameha.

By 1810, Kamehameha I ruled all of the inhabited islands.

He was a king who supported peace and trade, as well as opening Hawaii to the outside world. Known as Kamehameha The Great, he died in May of 1819.

For more information on this great king, you might like to visit these web sites:

http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/nsh/kamehameha.cfm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamehameha_I

Remembering the great presidents of our country, and the great kings of Hawaii before it became part of The United States of America on this Presidents’ Day 2011.

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

The Great Kahunas!

The ancient Hawaiians had rules just like any other group of people. Their rules were called kapus.

The very important men (the priests, doctors, and advisors to the king) made sure the kapus were followed. These great men were called kahunas. Another responsibility of the kahunas was to make sure the knowledge was verbally passed on to the young people.

One of the greatest kahunas was the kahuna lapa’au. This great man was a doctor. He knew how to treat illnesses, and made use of 200 kinds of plants and seaweed to make medicines. He could even set a broken bone! Sounds like they really knew how to care for their people, huh?

These kahunas were great men, but they were not the king. Check back with me on Monday (Presidents’ Day) to learn a little about Hawaii’s kings.

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

Aloha Nui Loa!

My way of saying Happy Valentine’s Day! The phrase means All My Love.

That’s exactly what I want to extend to all of you who read and support my blog—all my love. And all my appreciation too.

Today is a day to show that special person in your life how much they mean to you. Traditionally we do that with candy, flowers, a special gift, cards, and meaningful words.

What are some meaningful words of love and affection in Hawaii? Here are a couple:

E Hoomau Maua Kealoha ~ May our love last forever

Ho'i Hou Ke Aloha ~ Let us fall in love all over again

Aloha Aku No, Aloha Mai No ~ I give my love to you, you give your love to me

Aloha Kaua ~ May there be love between us

Would you like to know more words and phrases of love and affection? Visit this site for all kinds of Hawaiian sayings.

http://www.alohafriendsluau.com/words.html

Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

Mahalo For Visiting, and Aloha Nui Loa!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

Celebrate With Aloha!

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching!

If you were in Hawaii, how might you celebrate this romantic holiday? Here are a few ideas:

* Have fresh tropical flowers or a lei delivered to your sweetheart.

* Send a singing valentine—sung by one of the groups affiliated with The Sounds of Aloha Chorus.

* Check out the wonderful restaurants (especially those serving special local faire.)

* Check out the special events—at the zoo, the various waterfront areas, parks, marinas (for cruises, etc.)

* Check out local festivals—for music, dance, crafts, special events, etc.

Want more ideas for a special Hawaiian Valentine’s Day? Check out this web site:

http://www.hawaiiforvisitors.com/events/valentines-day.htm

 

Hope you all get to make it to Hawaii and celebrate with that special person someday. But, until then, plan something really special for this next Monday!

Mahalo and Aloha!!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

Let’s Swim With The Turtles!

Did you get your ticket to Hawaii yet?

If you didn’t, you can still experience, in your imagination, some of the wonderful things the island has to offer.

When I was last there, my favorite place on Oahu was the North Shore, especially the area around Haleiwa. If you check out my pictures on my web site, or search my blog, you will see a photo of me and my kids enjoying a shave-ice at Aoki’s.

It was on a beach near there that we swam with giant turtles. What an exciting experience and a real blessing it was to bob around with those amazing creatures.

Here is a link to an interesting article about someone’s experience (mainly on the Big Island) of swimming with the giant turtles. He swam with them at a number of locations on Oahu as well.

http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-bliss-of-swimming-with-turtles-in-hawaii-508870.html

Don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to get back to the islands, get in the water, and swim with those big guys again!

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

Here Comes The Sun!

In case you weren’t aware, yesterday was Groundhog Day. It seems the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club announces Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction about the approaching spring, or the lingering winter every February 2 at dawn.

This is a great website for information on the event, the real live groundhogs who come out with a handler on that day, and a link to the Groundhog Club.

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/01/groundhog_day_2011_in_eastern.html

So, yesterday’s prediction???

Hard to believe considering the nasty storm spreading one-thousand miles wide through the mid-west and east coast, but Punxsutawney Phil came out and DID NOT see his shadow, which means it will be an early spring! See his live prediction here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2011/02/02/VI2011020202162.html

It really doesn’t matter either way, because you can have SUMMER anytime if you hop on a plane and travel to Hawaii!

The air in the islands has a general low of about 73 degrees (January) to a high of about 82 degrees (August) and the water a low of about 76 degrees (January-April) to a high of about 81 degrees (September and October.)

The climate there is pleasant all year long. Ready to board that plane??? I am!

If you want more information on the climate in Hawaii, including the zones, seasons, and rainfall, check out this site:

http://www.to-hawaii.com/climate.php

Okay, I’m ready to search for a ticket on-line. How about you?

See you in Hawaii??? Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com