Old Hawaii

Polynesian Discovery

The Hawaiian island chain was settled by Polynesian voyagers, the first possibly from the Marquesas Islands and from Tahiti. They used navigation techniques that relied on celestial observation, wind and wave following as well as seabird sightings. In the 1970's a recreation of the double hulled sailing canoe, the Hokulea, was built. It has repeatedly sailed the Pacific, using only the ancient techniques of navigation.

In 1985 Aunti Heidi and Kimo's uncle traveled to the Big Island to see it as it began its voyage of rediscovery. The Hokulea was anchored at the little settlement of Milolii. Milolii is very isolated and well into the old ways with no electricity, no glass in the windows and being supported by fishing.

But what were the first voyagers thinking as they pushed off to the unknown? They had navigation techniques but did not know of anywhere to sail to. It was 1000mi untill first landfall!

Something Fishy

The state of Hawaii has declared a state fish. The great part of the declaration is that only the locals will have a chance saying its name correctly. It is the humuhumunukunukuapua'a. We will spare you the song from High School Musical 2.


Peanut Butter Chicken
The recipe is an ancient Hawaiian barbecue delight. Well OK, its only ancient because it is scribbled on the back of a Back Order Parts Invoice from Maui Toyota. Yeah, there really was a time of no computers kiddies! This recipe is from the former parts manager and the good friend of uncle's, Ron Sarrao.

12 chicken thighs                 NOTE: this works better with de-boned chicken thighs
5T Peanut Butter
1 stock celery minced
1 small onion minced
1/2 cup mirin - a sweet rice wine used in Japanese and Hawaiian cooking
5T Soy Sauce
1T sugar

Mix it all together in a big bowl and let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to overnight in the refridgerator.

Slow cook on your hibachi. (You are practicing with a hibachi, aren't you?)

This is also another definition of ono.

Video
The video is a performance of He Aloha Ku'uipo (Beloved Is My Sweetheart) by Puna Keli'iho'omalu. The song is a beautiful love song with an infectious rhythm.At first the rythim seems fast but try to visualize a hula dancer's feet smoothly moving about. 


Notice that the house is wide open at one end, typical for older houses in the remote areas. Look also at the perfect posture the music teacher always wants, elbow planted on a table. Also notice that the finish is worn off where the strumming takes place. Beautiful music far from the madding crowd. All it needs is a hammock and your sweetie.