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  Aloha Dreams

   Fabulous Recipes, Cooking for a Crowd & Dream Home Design      

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Experience the Spirit of Aloha

Aloha literally means “the breath of life” or “the presence of breath.” The word aloha comes from the combination of “Alo,” meaning presence, front and face, and “ha,” meaning breath. People living with the spirit of aloha try to be loving and treat each other with consideration and respect.

The kahunas (priests) taught that living with a spirit of aloha was a path to reaching self-perfection for body and soul. The aloha spirit is living in harmony with those around you in positive energy. When you live life with the spirit of aloha, you create a positive environment. That Christ-like love spreads easily to others.

If you’re in need of relaxing or being renewed and uplifted, you should not miss the following opportunities to experience the true aloha spirit:

In the Kapa’au & Kohala Coast Areas

Kapa’au is also known for its unique plantation town charm. Many of Kohala’s galleries are located in Kapa’au’s historic buildings. Kapa`au is also known as the home of the original King Kamehameha Statue and celebration which commemorates his birthday. For the first time, Kapa`au will host the Kohala Country Fair in October of 2011.

See Map

 

 

Hawaiian Art

If you’re interested in see authentic Hawaiiana, you can’t go wrong at The Isaacs Art Center in Waimea. The Art Center features a large collection of paintings, rare books, furniture, and Hawaiian antiques. There are also pieces available for purchase. The Art Center is affiliated with the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy boarding and day school established in 1949.

 

       Hours:     Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Many of Kohala’s galleries are located in Kapa’au’s historic buildings.

 

Hula

Hula is the soul of Hawaii expressed in motion. No one knows its exact origins but some Hawaiians believe that the first hula was performed by a god or goddess.

 

Legend and historical sources tell us both men and women danced the hula. Hawaiian hula is unique and totally different from other Polynesian dances. Although it began as a form of worship during religious ceremonies, it gradually evolved into a form of entertainment.

Every movement in hula has a specific meaning, and every expression of the dancer’s hands has great significance. The movements of a dancer’s body might represent certain plants, animals, and even war. For example, in imitating a shark or waving palm tree, the true hula dancer believes he or she becomes the shark or palm.

 

Because it was a religious dance, the training of ancient hula dancers at the halau hula (hula school) was strict.  Students followed elaborate rules of conduct (kapu) and had to obey their teacher (kumu). For example, dancers could not cut their hair or nails, certain foods were forbidden, and no sex was allowed. A memorizer (hoopaa) assisted the kumu with the chanting and the drumming. A head pupil, selected by the students, was in charge of discipline.

Source: Noted Hawaiian Scholar, George Kanahele, Pookela Course in Hawaiian Culture.

 

Hula Lessons with Aunty Ma’iki Ai’u

Aunty Ma’iki Ai’u. Alana has been dancing at Na’au Ali’i School of Dance for over 15 years and Tiaina her daughter has been dancing for 13 years.

 

Everyone ages 4 and up is welcome. Their belief is that if your feet already know what to do, it makes learning any hula easy, all you have to do is add the hands. Aunty Ma’iki Ai’u offer lessons for those who come to Big Island on vacation. Join one of the classes for just $15 per lesson!

http://naaualii.art.officelive.com/aboutus.aspx

Floral Arrangement Workshops

Your host, Nani Svendsen, is the owner of He Nani Florist, specializing in beautiful custom Hawaiian tropical flower arrangements for weddings, funerals and special events. He Nani Florist was given its name by Sarah Moku Pule, a well known kupuna of Kohala who taught Hawaiiana in the Kohala schools. He Nani means ‘It’s Beautiful’ in Hawaiian.

 

With over 30 years of experience, Nani has decided to share some of her knowledge in working with tropical flowers. Learn the basic techniques in making beautiful centerpieces for your home or as gifts. Classes are held in Nani’s Konea O Kukui’s Gardens and is limited to 8 people per class. Classes are 2 – 2.5 hours long. The fee is $40.00 per person + $10.00 for supplies. All profits from the classes are used toward the maintainence and improvements to Konea O Kukui’s Gardens.

For information on classes, please visit the He Nani Florist website or call Nani at 808.895.2963.

 

Church in Hawi

Church in Hawi

If you would like to feel the spirit of aloha in its most pure form, we invite you to attend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Hawi. All visitors are welcome with open arms. The members of the congregation are some of the warmest, most welcoming folks on earth. This is a don’t miss. If you leave dry eyed, I’ll be amazed.

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Tropical Salad

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