Hawaiian Haystacks!

December 9th, 2007
· by admin · Filed Under: Hawaiian Christmas · Hawaiian Potpouri

 

We have a fun Christmas Eve tradition at our house and it just happens to be a little bit Hawaiian.  Every year on Christmas Eve, our family gathers together.  We exchange gifts, have a silly Christmas progam, and eat a very un-traditional Christmas Dinner.  Every year we have Hawaiian Haystacks.  If you have never tried a Hawaiian Haystack, you MUST at least once.  They are delicious and simple.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised!  Our mother insists that we use all the ingredients (even if there is something we don’t like) especially the maraschino cherry on top!

HAWAIIAN HAYSTACKS

(In this order)

Chow Mein Noodles (hard crunchy kind that you buy in the bags…it’s the hay)

Rice (white or brown…whatever you like)

Chicken (you can use chunks or strips)

Cream of Chicken Soup ( pour over the noodles, rice, and chicken)

Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sprinkle over the top)

Celery (diced)

Tomatoes (diced)

Pineapple (cubes or crushed)

Peanuts

Coconut (shredded)

Maraschino Cherry (Top it Off)!

* Everyone makes their own.  Put out plates and all the ingredients.  We even have a few vegitarians.  They skip the chicken and use Cream of Mushroom Soup instead!

Enjoy!!

Aloha and Mahalo!

The Hula Girls….

 

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The Big Kahuna!!

December 3rd, 2007
· by admin · Filed Under: Hawaiian Potpouri · History of Hawaii

 

 

Have you ever heard the term “Big Kahuna”?  Have you ever wondered exactly what it meant to be a Kahuna?  It’s a common Hawaiian term that most people have heard at least once. The term was popularized by Hollywood in surfing movies….They would refer to the best surfer on the beach as the “Big Kahuna”.  I decided to research the Kahuna so that we could become familiar with the origin of the word and the history of the Kahuna.

I looked up the term in Roget’s Thesaurus and found the following:  Big enchilada, big gun, boss, chief, head honcho, influential person, leader, person in charge, top dog, VIP, big cheese.  These are the terms we associate with the Kahuna, but I still wanted to find the origin of the word/term Kahuna.  I did a little research and found an amazing article on a website called Aloha International.  The article is written by Serge Kahili King.  There is a small summary of the Kahuna below; written by Serge; to view the entire article go to http://www.huna.org/html/kahuna.html

Brief Historical Survey of Kahunas

  • They were experts of old Hawaii, experts in religion, health, crafts, science, psychology, and magic

  • “Kahuna” was a title, like M.D. or Ph.D., and additional descriptive words were used to designate the field of expertise.

  • Just as the modern use of the word “doctor”by itself is generally taken to mean a medical doctor, so the use of “kahuna” by itself generally designated a priest or healer

  • They underwent intensive and extensive training before being recognized as experts in their field, either by their teacher or by the community.

  • Some Kahunas were experts in many fields.

  • They were attuned to the spiritual side of their expertise as well as to the material side.

  • They could be male or female.

  • Under the Monarchy the term “Kahuna” began to be used for foreigners who were recognized experts in their fields, especially for ministers and health professionals.

So what have we learned??? Kahunas were well-respected, well-learned, men and women.  I was personally very surprised to find out that women were also Kahunas!!  We have to give “props” to the ancient Hawaiian culture for recognizing women as intelligent leaders!!  Pretty amazing for the 1800’s!

Aloha and Mahalo!

The Hula Girls….

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Hula Girls Wear Shades!!

November 29th, 2007
· by admin · Filed Under: Hawaiian Potpouri

 Are you someone who thinks that sunglasses are the one trendy accesssory that you can live without?  Do you only wear them on vacation or at the beach?  If this sounds familiar, then keep reading…Sunglasses PROTECT your eyes from the sun.  You need to begin thinking of sunglasses as sunscreen for your eyes.  Sunglasses keep out harmful UV rays which helps prevent cataracts, photokeratitis (a painful eye condition), snow blindness (a type of sunburn that occurs within the eye), and various types of eye cancers.

Sunglasses should be worn year-round.  Sun bounces off water and snow and can cause significant damage to your eyes if they aren’t protected.  Don’t take any chances with your eyes, no matter what the weather looks like (unless it’s raining or nighttime) wear sunglasses.  Your children are also prone to eye damage from the sun.  Have them wear sunglasses…eventually they will get used to wearing them (they put up with us slathering sunscreen all over them).

You might be wondering what type of sunglasses to buy.  Don’t worry about choosing a pair based on how much UV protection it offers.  Sometimes you just end up paying more than you should.  The majority of sunglasses sold are manufactured with the appropriate level of UV protection/blockage.  However, you should avoid buying from vendors on the street or anyplace outside a regular store.  Chances are good that they aren’t made with quality UV protection or none at all.

So treat yourself to a nice pair of sunglasses. They don’t need to cost a fortune, but they do need UV protection for your eyes.  Plus…less squinting means less wrinkles….right?? 

Aloha and Mahalo!

The Hula Girls…

 We love Sunglasses Hut! They have a great selection of affordable and stylish sunglassess.  Consider buying a gift certificate for someone on your list… Sunglasses make a great gift.

Or visit, www.hulagirls.shopeverest.com for great prices on Bolle’ sunglasses.

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Please Pass The Pineapple!

November 27th, 2007
· by admin · Filed Under: Hawaiian Potpouri · Things to do in Hawaii

 

                                                                                      

                       

Is it possible to think about Hawaii without thinking about pineapple?  Halakahiki (Hawaiian for pineapple) has become a symbol of the beauitful Hawaiian Islands.  You have probably eaten pineapple at least once in your lifetime, but did you know that it is an excellent source of Vitamins A and C, but most importantly the enzyme Bromelain.  Bromelain helps the body’s digestive system and also has anit-infammatory properties as well. So while your in Hawaii, sample the delicious fruit( it’s good for you) and take a few minutes to tour a pineapple plantation..it’s really interesting and fun too!

There are basically five different kinds of pineapple.  The Smooth Cayenne is the variety that is grown in Hawaii.  It weighs about 5-6 pounds and ranges in color from light yellow to yellow.  It is high in sugar as well as acid.  It is the most accessible variety of pineapple and it’s most often found in grocery stores in the United States.

Grow Your Own

Pineapples are usually grown by propagation, which means they are grown by replanting a part of themselves.  If you live in a warm climate, you can grow your own pineapple plant.  Simply remove the crown from a fresh pineapple by twisting it off gently.  Remove the bottom leaves, and then let the crown dry out for a couple days.  You can then plant the crown in a sunny location, about 2 inches down into the earth.  When the plant is a year old, it will flower.  The flowers are small, pink, and resemble a pine cone.  It takes about a year and a half for the plant to produce a pineapple.

Fun Pineapple Facts

* In 2004 there were 31,000 acres of pineapples grown in Hawaii

* 1/3 of the world’s pineapple comes from Hawaii

* Pineapple is not a single fruit, but a cluster of 100-200 tiny fruitlets

* Pineapples can grow up to 20 pounds….but it makes them difficult for shipping!

Visit the Dole Plantation

Ten minutes from Haleiwa Town on the North Shore form Waikiki, takke H-1 West to H-2 North. Continue to Kamehameha Highway. Dole Plantation is located at 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway. Approximately 40 minute drive from Waikiki

Useful Information:

  • Open daily from 9am – 6pm
  • Free, ample parking · Free self-guided tour of the plantation
  • Admission to maze is $4.50 for adults, $2.50 for children
  • Restrooms, gift shops, snack bars, and dining room available at this stop

 

Aloha and Mahalo!

The Hula Girls..

 

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Hula Girls are Nuts about Macadamias!

November 26th, 2007
· by admin · Filed Under: Hawaiian Potpouri · Things to do in Hawaii

When traveling to Hawaii… Don’t forget to bring home some macadamia nuts.  With chocolate or without they are delicious!  One of the first things you’ll notice as you arrive to the airport; along with the gorgeous weather and fragrant flowers is the huge displays of macadamia nut products.  If you like macadamia nuts, don’t pass them up..  You will pay less than half of what you would pay on the mainland!  Hawaii is the macadamia nut capital of the world, supplying more that 90% of the world’s macadamia nuts!  Interestingly enough, the macadamia nut tree is not native to Hawaii.  It originated in Australia.  It was brought to Hawaii in 1882 and planted near Kapulena on the Big Island of Hawaii. 

If you would like to visit a macadamia nut plantation on the Big Island of Hawaii, we recommend the Mauna Loa Tour. The visitor center is located on Macadamia Road off Highway 11 in Hilo.  It is approximately 5 miles south of Hilo and 20 miles north of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. They offer 45 minute tram tours of the Macadamia Tree grove at a cost of $5 for adults and $3 dollars for children.  They are open from 8:30 to 5:00 daily.  Call 808-966-8618 for more information.

Even if you pass on the tour, don’t pass on the nuts!  Eat them or bring them home…They make great souvenirs!!

Aloha and Mahalo!

The Hula Girls…


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Hawaiian Recipes

November 21st, 2007
· by admin · Filed Under: Hawaiian Potpouri

Oven Kalua Pork
3 lbs. pork butt 2 cups water 1 tsp. liquid smoke 1/4 cup Hawaiian salt (coarse sea salt)
Place pork, fat side up, in a roasting pan. Combine water and liquid smoke, pour over meat. Sprinkle with salt. Cover and roast in electric oven at 400 degrees for 3 hours or until tender. Remove from pan and shred pork.

Lomi Salmon
1/2 lb. salted salmon 5 tomatoes, diced cherry tomatoes work best, cut enough for equivilent amount 1 cup chopped green onions 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 cup crushed ice Soak salmon in water for 3 hours rinse. Remove skin and bones, shred salmon into a bowl. Add tomatoes and onions. Lomi or knead until well mixed. Chill thoroughly. Add ice before serving.

Shoyu (Soy Sauce) Chicken
1 cup soy sauce 1 cup water 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup sliced or grated fresh ginger 1/4 cup chopped fresh garlic 1/2 round onion Green onions for garnish 5 lbs. chicken thighs
Before adding chicken, be sure to taste sauce and adjust to your taste. Mix all ingredients in a large pot. Add chicken and boil for approximately 30 minutes or until chicken is tender. Serve on a platter and top with chopped green onions or sprigs.

Chicken Long Rice
2 1/2 lbs. chicken thighs 3 quarts chicken broth or water 2 tsp. salt 6 cloves garlic minced fine 2 tbs. vegetable oil 1/4 cup fresh ginger root sliced 8 oz long rice (cellophane noodles) shiitake mushrooms (optional) 1/2 cup green onions In a large put heat oil. Add garlic and sautee until light brown. Add chicken and sautee until brown. Add chicken brother or water and the fresh ginger. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 40 minutes. Shred chicken (optional), return to broth. Then add long rice cooking for another 5-10 minutes until long rice is clear in color. Add mushrooms turn off heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Top off with chopped green onions.

Caramel Sweet Potatoes
8 medium sweet potatoes cooked and peeled 1 cup butter 2 cups brown sugar 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup shredded coconut Cut sweet potatoes into 1 inch slices combine butter, brown sugar in a saucepan cook on medium heat until mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Add sweet potatoes, lower heat and simmer 20 minutes Sprinkle with shredded coconut before serving

Laulau (Taro Leaf Bundles)
1 1/2 pounds pork shoulder, cut into cubes 1 1/2 pounds beef brisket or roase, cut into cubes 1 1/2 pounds salted cod, cut into cubes 3 to 4 large taro leaves (or fresh spinich) Lay 2 taro or spinich leaves crosswise to each other. Place meat and fish on leaves. Gather the corners and tie in a bundle. Steam for 3 hours in a steamer.

Char Sui (Chinese smoked spareribs)
3 pounds spareribs, cut in half lengthwise Marinade: 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup soy souce 2 tablespoon Hoi Sin sauce 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spices powder 1 tablespoon coarse Hawaiian salt 1/8 teaspoon red food coloring Slit the hard bone and score spareribs. Parboil, rinse and drain well. Combine marinade ingredients and marinate meat overnight in the refrigerator. Turn and mix occasionally Smoke in a kamdo or smoker for 2 hours, basting occasionally with sauce.

Hawaiian Potato Salad
4-5 large potatoes 1 cup shell macaroni-dry 1-2 carrots chopped 2 celery stalks-chopped 2-3 pickles to taste-chopped 1 cup peas 2 stalks green onion-chopped salt and pepper to taste Dressing 1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup Zesty Italian dressing 2 tsp. pickle juice (or less) Boil potatoes until tender. Cool and cut into cubes. Cook macaroni per package directions. Toss with remaining ingredients. Add dressing. Refrigerate 2 hours before serving.

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
Large Macaroni 1/4 cup grated carrots 1 cup Best Foods or Hellman’s mayonnaise (a must) 1/4 cup milk salt & pepper Cook macaroni till tender. Add grated carrots, mayonaise, and milk till well coated. Salt & Pepper to taste.

Huli Huli Chicken
3 broken fryers, split or quartered 1/4 cup catsup 1/4 cup shoyu 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/3 cup white wine 1/4 cup frozen pineapple juice concentrate Pinch of fresh or dried ginger Drop or two of worcestershire sauce Mix ingredients in bowl, brush over washed chicken splits. Grill over barbecue, turning and basting with sauce until it is done (about 40 minutes). Serve with sticky rice or Macaroni Salad.

Haupia (Coconut Pudding)
3 cups frozen coconut milk, thawed or 2 cups fresh coconut milk mixed with 1 cup water 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup cornstarch 1/2 teaspoon vanilla pinch of salt In a saucepan, combine coconut milk and sugar. Gradually mix in cornstarch. Add vanilla and salt. Stir and cook on medium heat until thickened. Pour into an oiled 9-inch square pan. chill for at least 1 hour. Cut into 36 squares.

And don’t forget the Poi. It is a Hawaiian staple. Try and have it on the menu so folks can at least try it. It really is not that bad!
The Poi Company

Also at a luau you will also find: sticky white rice, fresh fruits, cheeses, breads of all kinds, and a green salad. Don’t be afraid to add some of your own creations to the menu … make it fun! =)

Here are some great places online to help you find great Hawaiian treats to make the occasion special!
Volcano Winery Hawaiian Happy Cakes Hawaiian Isles Coffee Kailua Candy Company Mauna Loa Hawaii Crack Seed Hawaii

No luau is complete without the topical drinks. At most luaus the tropical drinks you will find will be a Mai Tai or a Blue Hawaii or a Tropical Punch. There are mixes available that all ready have the liquer in them and really are very good. Just add a pineapple spear and a bamboo umbrella and you are all set.

Mai Tai
2 oz. Light Rum 1/2 oz. Triple Sec 1 oz. Orange Juice Splash of Orgeat Syrup Or try Amarreto Splash Sweet n Sour *Mixing* Shake and strain into Juice glass over ice Garnish with orange slice

Blue Hawaii
1 1/2 oz. Light Rum 1/2 oz. Blue Curacao 1/2 oz. Sweet n Sour 2 oz. Pineapple Juice *Mixing* Shake and strain over ice in hurricane glass Garnish with pineapple wedge

Pina Colada
2 oz. light rum 2 oz.coconut cream 4 oz. pineapple juice Combine everything in a blender in this order: rum, coconut cream, juice and ice. Blend. Pour into a collins or parfait glass. Serve with a pinapple slice, cherry, and straw.

These recepies are delicious for any occasion, especially when your having a luau!

 

Aloha and Mahalo!

The Hula Girls..

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Planning a Luau

November 20th, 2007
· by admin · Filed Under: Hawaiian Potpouri

November 2nd, 2007 ·

Are you looking for a fun way to throw a great party?  Have you ever been to a luau?  It should definately be on your list for exciting party themes!  We are going to give you all the tools you need to be a success and great hostess!!

Luaus are a fun theme for almost any occassion.  Graduations, baby’s first birthday, weddings or anniversaries are all good reasons to have a luau. 

Decorations

When you throw your luau, be sure to decorate with a fun Hawaiian theme.  A luau isn’t the same without leis.  You might chose fresh flower leis, silk, or even plastic leis. They add just the right spice to the party.  Have them at the door and give them to your guests as they arrive.  It will help bring the Aloha spirit to the party!

To decorate your tables you can create a traditional center table runner of leaves, ferns, and flowers or you can chose an ocean theme and spread an ornamental fish-net topped with shells and sand.  You could try using hawaiian print fabrics for tablecoths and napkins.  Raffia hula skirts look tropical as edging around a buffet table.

Reproductions of the old Hawaii travel posters form the 1930’s and 1940’s would look great anywhere and also make great art for invitations.  You can buy most of what you need online at Partymart.com.

Music

What do you expect to hear at a luau?  Are you listening for ukuleles and guitars?  Do you want to hear the ocean?  Music is a must for your event.  Everyone will be expecting to hear familar sounds from the islands.  You can purchase traditional or popular Hawaiian music that your guests will love.  Click here for possible music selections.

 

Tropical Drinks

We must admit that when we attend a luau, we expect a little umbrella and pineapple in our drink….Do this for your guests to add some flair and check out our suggested drink ideas and recipes

Menu

Are you bold enough to serve a traditional Hawaiian feast…. or do you perfer something simpler?  Don’t fret, we have great ideas for both! Choose a menu that suits you and your guests and it will be a success! Click for menu and recipes.

Entertainment

You might want to contact a dance school or hula group in your area.  No luau is complete without the Hula!!  You could chose to have them teach professional lessons to you guests or just perform traditional dances while your guests feast. Either way, it will be an enjoyable experience for all!

Party Favors

You could pack little take-out cartons of chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, send them off with a beach ball, or even a fresh pineapple straight from Hawaii!!  You might even take a picture of your guests and send it to them in the mail…it’s a great way for them to remember the event.

Party Tips

Be sure to greet your guests with a shell or flower lei and a big “Aloha” and have them leave their shoes at the door!  You can also have loose flowers on hand for your guests to tuck behind their ears.  If you’re available, put the flower behind your right ear.  If you’re taken, put it closest to your heart…behind your left ear.

Aloha and Mahalo!

The Hula Girls..

Oriental Trading Company, Inc.

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Great Little Geckos!!

November 19th, 2007
· by admin · Filed Under: Hawaiian Potpouri

 

 

Geckos

When you are visiting Hawaii, you may be surprised to find geckos…almost everywhere!  They live in gardens, trees, hotel rooms, and inside homes.  Don’t be alarmed…they are harmless and friendly.  They are only a few inches long and have big eyes and sticky toes.  They are great climbers and that is why you find them in the craziest places.  The best thing about them is that they eat many times their weight in insects (including cockroaches)!  Geckos are also also considered aumakua (family god) to many Hawaiians.  It is bad luck to kill a gecko!  So when you see geckos in Hawaii, take a picture and leave them alone!  I’d take a gecko over a cockroach any day! 

If you would like to read a great article about geckos we found one, just click the link below..

http://www.coffeetimes.com/geckos.htm

 Watch a gecko on our introduction page on You Tube ..

Aloha and Mahalo!

The Hula Girls…

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Hawaiian Lingo

November 10th, 2007
· by admin · Filed Under: Hawaiian Potpouri

 

 

Fun Hawaiian Lingo

Would you like to learn a little Hawaiian before your vacation??  Here is a list of popular words and phrases that you may find helpful….  

Common Hawaiian Words

Aloha:  the one word everyone knows..  It can mean hello & goodbye, welcome or farewell.

Aloha Kakahiaka:  good morning

Aloha nui loa:  Much love; fondest reguards

Akamai:  someone who is very smart

Break:  waves, wave action

Hale:  house or building

haole:  foreigner or caucasian

Hana Ho:  encore; one more time

Hauoli La Hanau:  Happy Birthday!

Hauoli Makahiki Hau:  Happy New Year

Honu:  Sea Turtle

Hula:  native Hawaiian dance

Huli Huli:  to flip over and over

Humu Humu Nuku Nuku Apua’a:  Hawaii’s offical state fish.

Kahuna:  priest, sorcerer, doctor

Kamaaina:  long time island resident or local

Kane:  man

Kapu:  forbidden; taboo; poison

Keiki:  child, children

Kokua:  help or assistance

Komo mai:  enter, welcome

Lanai:  porch or veranda; the patio

Lei: traditional garland of flowers or vines.

lua:  bathroom

Luau:  Hawaiian feast

Mahalo:  thanks, or thank you

Makai:  toward the sea or seaside

Malihini: newcomer

Mano: shark

Mauka:  towards the mountains

Mauna:  mountain

Mele Kalikimaka: Merry Christmas

Moano: the ocean or sea

Moi Moi:  sleep

Muumuu:  big, flowery dress

Ono: delicious

Okole Maluna:  bottoms up! Cheers!

Ohana:  family

Pali:  cliff

Pau: finished or done

Poi:  paste made from pounding taro root.

Puka: hole

Pu Pu:  snack, appetizer

Wahine:  young woman or girl

Wiki:  fast, in a hurry

 

Fun Phrases

Aznuts:  out of your mind

Bodda you:  does this bother you?

Braddah:  brother, bro

Brok’ Da Mout:  tastes really good

Bumbye:  when we get around to it

Choke:  meaning “a lot of something”

Da’Kine:  The real thing

Dat: that

Dirty Lick’ns: spanking

Fadda:  father, dad

Fo’Real:  are you serious

Grind: to eat and eat

Haad Rub:  having a hard time

Hawaiian Time:  Late

Hawzit:  what’s happening

Junk: no good, rotten

K’Den : ok then, agreed

Like Beef:  want to fight?

Lolo Buggah: stupid or crazy guy

Maki Die Dead:  very much dead

Mo’ Bettah: real good, great idea

Planny:  a lot, plenty

Shaka:  great or excellent; (hang loose sign)

Slippas:  flip flops or sandals

Talk Stink:  talking bad about someone

We go:  let’s get out of here!

 

We hope you feel mo’bettah about your Hawaiian vocabulary.  We gave you planny of cool words to use on your vacation.  The locals will think you are akamai and they might even call you braddah instead of asking you if you like beef. We hope you don’t have any trouble finding the lua, but be sure to look for the kane and wahine signs before entering. Go to a luau and get some good food that you can grind, it might even brok’Da mout! Be sure to spend some time on the Lani and listen to the break…  It’s probably a good idea to leave the keiki at home so you can relax. 

Have a great Vacation!

Aloha and Mahalo!

The Hula Girls…

 

 

 

For more fun Hawaiian Lingo click on these links, Kauai Local Lingo, Full On Pidgin (you’ll love this site!), Wave Hound, and Hawaiian Language

 

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