What’s Your Name in Hawaiian?

There are many Hawaiian names, but what about yours? Is there a Hawaiian equivalent?

Translating your name into Hawaiian is done phonetically. And since there are only five vowels and eight consonants in the Hawaiian alphabet, many names will be the same when using a phonetic translation.

Here are the translations for my family:

Kelela (Cheryl)

Halikonu (Harrison)

Iana (Ian)

Akalei (Ashley)

Kawe (Dave)

Kane (Shane)

The site I visited has hundreds and hundreds of first name translations. Since I have four first names, I can translate my entire name:

Kelela Ana Lina Malakina

(Cheryl Ann Linn Martin)

(Note: I had to use the traditional Lynn)

Fun, huh? The photo above is the Hawaiian bracelet I bought when I lived in Hawaii. See my first name?

Click on this link to translate your name:

http://www.alohafriends.com/name.html

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

Hawaii Five-O Shocker!

Fanpop.com

Steve McGarrett is the head guy of Hawaii Five-O, originally played by Jack Lord 30+ years ago, and currently played by Alex O’Loughlin.

I love the banter that goes on between Danno and McGarrett. They’re both pretty much tough guys, although I think McGarrett drives Danno crazy with some of the brazen things he does.

The first season is over now, and we’re only halfway through the summer, but I can’t wait for the second season to begin. Not only do I love the show and the characters (by the way—I was a super fan of the original Five-O as well!) but the cliff hanger in May was shocking.

Don’t know how McGarrett is going to get himself out of the predicament he found himself in, but can’t wait for the first show of season two this fall.

If you’d like to read more about Alex O’Loughlin, visit this fan site:

http://www.alexoloughlin.org/

Join me on Mondays this fall to watch Hawaii Five-O, okay? Great characters, intriguing stories, and the beautiful Hawaiian Islands—what more could you ask for?

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

Which Waimea? (Waimea Part 2)

As I’ve been researching and talking with people about Hawaii I’ve discovered something very interesting—a whole lot of Waimeas! This is my second posting on the Waimeas of Hawaii. If you missed it, look back to Thursday’s post on the amazing surfing on the Waimea River (Kauai.)

Waimea Canyon—On the island of Kauai. Nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific. If you’re lucky when you visit, you can catch the canyon when the mist and fog has cleared and you’ll get a gorgeous view. This is a photo from my last trip. I’ll never tire of this view. Maybe next time I visit I’ll have time to hike through the Waimea State Park.

Waimea Bay Beach Park is located on the north shore of Oahu. Summer waters are calm and great for swimming, but the winter waves can get as high as thirty feet.

Waimea Falls is located in the Waimea Valley on the north shore of Oahu. It is the main attraction in Waimea Falls Park. Visitors enjoy hiking through the 35 tropical botanical gardens, watching hula performances and music demonstrations, and experiencing Hawaiian culture and traditions.

Waimea, Hawaii is an area east of the Kohala Coast on the big island of Hawaii. It is known as paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country. The area is brimming with opportunities including wonderful food, Kahua Ranch, Kahilu Theatre, and Pololu Valley Lookout.

For more information on the Waimea area on the big island, click on this link:

http://www.gohawaii.com/big-island/regions-neighborhoods/north-kohala/waimea

Hope you get a chance to visit every Waimea Hawaii has to offer. (And, please, let me know if I’m missing any!)

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

River Surfing?? (Waimea Part 1)

As I’ve been researching and talking with people about Hawaii I’ve discovered something very interesting—a whole lot of Waimeas! Over this and the next posting I’ll talk about all the ones I’ve found. But this has to be the most intriguing!

Waimea River—On the island of Kauai. How do you feel about surfing a river? Surfers and boogie boarders dig out the sand where the river meets the shore. The powerful water creates a pipeline and away they go!

Watch this youtube video for an impressive display. As the water gains power, the waves increase and the sport moves from boogie boarding to surfing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75MMzKs8MWE

For more of an explanation and more pictures, visit this site:

http://www.zootpatrol.com/index.php/2011/02/no-waves-build-them-surfing-the-waimea-river/

Join me on Thursday for more of Hawaii's Waimea's.

Hang Ten, Brah!

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

Vows Renewed in Kauai (Part 2)

My friend, Corinne, and her husband, Michael, renewed their wedding vows while on vacation in Hawaii last year. Corinne was gracious enough to allow me to ask her questions about her trip to Kauai and her wedding vow renewal experience in the islands. This is part two. To see part one, check out the post from Monday, July 11. Thanks, Corinne, for sharing with my blog readers.

What was your favorite part of the renewal ceremony?

My favorite part was when we had our foreheads together. At one point the minister had us repeat a prayer to each other. I loved that, and when the ceremony was complete they gave us a certificate with that prayer printed on it.

Have you been back to the islands, or do you have plans to go back sometime?

We haven’t returned and have no plans for future visits, but I would love to go again.

Have you visited any of the other islands, and if so, do you have a favorite?

We’ve been to Maui, but I enjoyed Kauai more. It’s less commercial and more tropical.

What are your favorite places and things to do on Kauai?

There’s a wonderful beach (can’t recall the name) near the Napili Coast. As I remember, it’s where the road ends. I loved it.

We liked eating shave ice, and tried it at a number of different places. I’ll share a photo with you of our favorite shave ice spot.

An activity we really enjoyed was hiking near Waimea Canyon.

One of our most favorite activities was to go to the local Sunshine Markets. They’re like our Farmers’ Markets. We would buy local foods and prepare our meals, such as lettuce and shrimp for a salad, and fresh taro root which we steamed. Michael and I loved trying all of the local foods, and it was especially fun to prepare them ourselves.

Is there something you’d like to do that you haven’t done when you get back to the islands someday?

I’d love to swim with dolphins and go on a helicopter ride.

Wow, Corinne, can I come with you? I’ll tag along, take notes, and feature you in my blog again. All you and Michael have to do is cook all that great local food for me!

Thanks to Corinne for sharing her and Michael’s experience renewing their wedding vows in Kauai! Congratulations to you and to your parents!

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

Vows Renewed in Kauai (Part 1)

My friend, Corinne, and her husband, Michael, renewed their wedding vows while on vacation in Hawaii last year. Corinne was gracious enough to allow me to ask her questions about her trip to Kauai and her wedding vow renewal experience in the islands. Thanks, Corinne, for sharing with my blog readers.

Why did you choose Hawaii for your wedding vows renewal ceremony?

It actually wasn’t a planned event. We were taking my parents to Hawaii since they had taken us with them on many vacations. The resort offered a free wedding vows renewal ceremony every other Saturday. We just happened to be there over one of those dates, so both my parents and Michael and I decided to go for it.

How many years for you two and for your parents?

For us, 29 years. For my parents, 54 years.

Where in Hawaii was this?

In Poipu Beach, the island of Kauai, at the Kiahuna Resort.

Who performed the ceremony?

A local minister hired by the resort—a Hawaiian lady dressed in a bright colored Hawaiian print muumuu. She wore a lei and a wreath in her hair. She, as well as everyone else, was barefoot during the ceremony.

Please describe the ceremony for us.

There were six couples. Everyone received a lei and a plumeria (to wear behind our ear.) All of the couples did the ceremony together. The minister gave instructions on placing your forehead against your spouses and to gaze into each other’s eyes as you repeated the vows.

There was also a time of placing a pinch of black salt on your spouse’s tongue. She addressed the symbolism, and we repeated a statement she made. She also spoke about the difficult times in life and how you overcome them.

Besides all of the couples and the minister there was a ukulele player and a photographer.

Would you like to know more about Corinne’s experience and her favorite part of the ceremony? Join me again on Thursday for more of my interview. In the meantime, enjoy the photos of Corinne and Michael as they renewed their wedding vows in Kauai!

See you on Thursday.

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

Meet Me At Puck’s Alley

Just on the outskirts of the University of Hawaii Manoa campus is a quaint little shopping center called Puck’s Alley.

I remember shopping the little shops, and I’m sure I ate at some of the food places. For sure I ate often at McGoo’s Pizza. (click on McGoo’s to go to my post about the favorite student hang-out from my UH student days.)

One review I read says The Curry House is the best eatery in Puck’s Alley today. My hubby is from Burma and he’s grown up eating tons of curry—we still do! But, my heart longs for the rowdy student crowd at McGoo’s—ahhhh . . . those were the days!

Other places to visit while at Puck’s Alley include the bikini shop, surf shop, Izakaya Japanese restaurant, the Greek restaurant, Nijiya Market, coffee shop, and The Varsity Bar and Grill (took over McGoo’s former location).

Do you know of other stores and eateries in Puck’s Alley? Leave a comment or e-mail me and let me know. Next time I’m in Honolulu I plan to walk through the little shopping center and see how many memories it conjures up.

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

Fireworks and Barbecues!

Today we celebrate our nation’s independence with parades, festivals, picnics, family fun, barbecues, and—of course—fireworks!

The same kind of celebration happens in Hawaii. In 1959 Hawaii became the 50^th state in our union and all America celebrates this holiday.

But what about Hawaii’s Independence Day? It’s called La Ku’oko’a and is an observance of November 28, 1843 when a treaty was signed by France and Great Britain, recognizing Hawaii as a sovereign nation. During this time they also came to an agreement with the United States.

King Kamehameha III sent several delegates on this mission. Sir George Simpson traveled to England while Mr. Timoteo Ha’alilio and Mr. William Richards traveled to the United States.

I’ll remind everyone about this significant date when November rolls around this year. In the meantime, enjoy your July Fourth celebrations and if you’d like to read more on the history of La Ku’oko’a, please check out this site:

http://www.dmzhawaii.org/?p=4846

And here’s a little fireworks video from my visit to Disney World while in Orlando for the Romance Writers of America conference last July 2010.

Mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com