Aloha

Aloha all you kanakas, wahines, haoles, tutus, aunties, titas, blalas, paniolos and da gang of girls. This blog will offer some steps you can take on the way to a sandy Hawaiian beach. It will help you get in the mood, plan wisely, and gain the aloha spirit before you go.

Flower 
The plumaria tree with its white flowers are found all around the islands and may be the first flower you see upon arrival as it is used in making leis. It has a wonderful perfume like fragrance that can be enjoyed especially at each end of the day when the winds die down. If a golf course has fairways lined with these trees a white ball can get lost among the white flowers. Using a day-glow orange or yellow ball will aid in finding your ball.

Culture
The roots of the Hawaiian culture can be best found in the hula. Hula has been used to communicate the stories of the Polynesians since their arrival in the islands. The dances can be danced with either male or female dancers and can be staged with either a singular performer or by a halau (group). Each year the biggest cultural event in the state is held in Hilo, on the big island of Hawaii. It is a hula competition called the Merrie Monarch Festival and it runs for a week. The finals are broadcast live on TV to the whole state. Hula stories can be about love, bravery in battle and beautiful locations, among other subjects.

Video
This video is a performance by a hula halau, the Beamer-Soloman Halau O Poohala,
from the Waimea region of the island of Hawaii. The interviews in the beginning give details about the work they put in as a group. The performance also features singers and a band for the dance music. The crowd frequently shows its love for their dance and with the critique at the end one is reminded of a figure skating competion, but with a large group. This should get your blood moving, put a big smile on your face and the excitement of anticipation.