Celebrate Hawaiian Style!!!

Aloha!

Hawaiians are not actually part of the Asian group. They are actually Pacific Islanders, like the Samoans, Tongans, and Tahitians. But I figured everyone would love to hear about them.

There are a number of specifically Hawaiian celebrations, festivals, and events in Hawaii. Of course, every day is a celebration of the islands and it’s native culture wherever you go—the beaches, the tropical plants and fruits, the music, the dancing, and the luaus.

Food and Flower Events—

Pua Plantasia

Orchid Show

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival

Festivals—

Hula Kahiko Series

The Merrie Monarch Festival

Puukohola Heiau Cultural Festival

Aloha Festivals

Races (Not exactly a cultural celebration or festival, but they sure do have a bucket-load of them in Hawaii!)—

Keauhou Kona Triathlon

Honu Triathlon

Kona Marathon and Fun Runs

Big Island International Marathon

Kilauea Volcano Runs

Ironman Triathlon World Competition

There are many other festivals and events in the islands. Here is a web site for more information on these events and more.

http://www.coldwellbankermaryl.com/the-big-island/unique-island-celebrations-of-the-arts-sports-culture-and-community.html

Join me on Monday for a Recipe Re-c-Cap so you can locate all the recipes I've posted for 2010. On Thursday I will post my final recipe for 2010--Chicken Long Rice.

Enjoy, and mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

How Do YOU Celebrate? (Part 4)

Aloha!

The third largest group among the Asian population in Hawaii is the Koreans.

Celebrations/Festivals—

Korean Festival of Hawaii

In July this festival is held in Honolulu at Kapiolani Park. It includes dance performances, musicians, singers, taekwondo demonstrations, artifacts, and food. Korean food items include kalbi (barbecued short ribs), bibim gooksoo (a spicy noodle), and kim chi (spicy, pickled cabbage.)

Korean War Fallen

On June 25, the Hawaiian veterans (including the Korean War Veterans Association) honor those who died in the Korean War. The public ceremony takes place at Punchbowl Cemetery. Wreaths are placed at “The Courts of the Missing.” The number placed represents the number of years that have passed since the Korean War began on June 25, 1950.

Other Cultural Opportunities—

Additional Korean cultural opportunities in Hawaii include Halla Pai Huhm Dance Studio in Honolulu which offers a learning center for Korean dance and music.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa (in the Manoa Valley of Honolulu) has a Center for Korean Studies.

Korean cooking is a very big part of the culture in the islands. I hope to try a couple favorites later in 2011. Look for them! Bulgogi and Kal Bi.

Enjoy, and mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com

How Do YOU Celebrate? (Part 3)

Aloha!

The third largest group among the Asian population in Hawaii is the Chinese.

Celebrations/Festivals—

Chinese New Year

The islands celebrate in Honolulu’s Chinatown with the crowning of a Narcissus Queen, a lion dance, firecrackers, a parade, and a street festival.

On Maui, they celebrate in Lahaina (this may or may not change location) with a lion dance, live entertainment, demonstrations, and food.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, you may find a celebration in Hilo, which includes a performance and an all-day festival in Kalakaua Park.

Chinese Narcissus Festival

In January or February right before the Chinese New Year Celebration in Honolulu.

Other Events—

Miss Chinatown Hawaii Pageant

Created in 1990 as a scholarship pageant by the Honolulu Chinatown Merchants’ Association

If you are interested in the Chinese culture in Hawaii, Chinatown in Honolulu offers a great deal of culture and history. It has become an important center for the arts. There are also tours available.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa (in the Manoa Valley of Honolulu) has a Center for Chinese Studies.

Of course, Chinese cooking is a very big part of the culture in the islands. I am going to try two favorites and will post my experience sometime in early 2011. Look for them! Char Siu and Almond Cookies.

Enjoy, and mahalo for visiting!

Cheryl

www.cheryllinnmartin.com