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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Surf’s Up With Sunset Suzy!!

November 28th, 2007
· by admin · Filed Under: Things to do in Hawaii

 

 

Some of our readers have expressed an interest in taking surfing lessons while in Hawaii and asked if we could recommend someone.  Since we are with a women’s blogazine, we wanted to find an amazing woman who offered surfing lessons.  We found Sunset Suzy!!  She offers everything from one day lessons to surf camps for women, men, and children.  She is very experienced and is located on the North Shore.  We included her bio from her website (below) and links, and information.  If you are interesting in learning to surf, we suggest giving her a try!Aloha and Mahalo!The Hula Girls…Aloha!!  Thanks again for checking out my website.   When you come to Hawaii It is important to find the best surf instructor for you and your  family.  So let me tell you a little about myself. I adopted the name Sunset Suzy from lifeguarding and surfing Sunset Beach for the last 15 years.  With my lifeguarding experience and ocean safety skills I started a surf school and Surf camps in Hawaii.  I wanted to teach the people how to enjoy the ocean safely and surf in Hawaii.The north shore can be a tricky place to learn how to surf.  However there are some perfect small wave coves that provide small fun waves for beginners.  I will show you exactly where these small fun waves are located, and how to surf on them  and have a blast!Hollywood has come to the north shore of Oahu a few times.  I was lucky enough to be chosen to be in the Movie “BLUE CRUSH”,    where I played a surfer girl.  It was fun to meet Kate Bosworth and surf with her while filming the movie.   The movie was made here on the  north shore and I take my students to the same beaches where the movie was filmed.  Bay watch Hawaii also was filmed here and I was a stunt women for the show.  I fell off boats, surfed and played a surfer girl in many of the episodes.I was also fortunate enough to co host “Girl Meets Hawaii“  with Samantha Brown from the Travel channel!   I showed Samantha around the north shore and all the beautiful waves we have here.Jimmy Buffet comes to the north shore all the time and is a great surfer and a nice man.  We surf together each time he comes to town and he’s always so much fun to surf with.The north shore of Oahu is a beautiful Place filled with awesome waves, waterfalls, sea turtles, and white sand beaches.  So if your coming to Hawaii for a Surf camp or just a daily lesson please let me show you around, teach you how and where to surf safely and take good care of you!
God bless and I hope to be surfing with you soon!
Sunset Suzy

http://www.sunsetsuzy.com

(808) 781-2692

 

 

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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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What’s The Deal With Leis?

November 17th, 2007
· by admin · Filed Under: History of Hawaii

  

The History of the Lei

 

 The custom of the flower lei was introduced to Hawaii from the various surrounding Polynesian islands and even Asia. In ancient Hawaii, wearing a lei represented wealth, royalty, and rank. Leis were also heavily associated with hula, religion, and geography.

The state of Hawaii is consists of eight major islands. Each island has its own designated lei which represents a harmonious marriage of texture and color. Most of these leis are unavailable for shipping to the mainland due to strict agricultural laws.

  • Hawaii – Lehua
  • Oahu – Ilima
  • Maui – Lokelani
  • Kauai – Mokihana
  • Molokai – Kukui                                                             
  • Lanai – Kaunaoa
  • Niihau – Pupu
  • Kaho’olawe – Hinahina

May 1st is Hawaii’s official “Lei Day.” Hawaiians call it “May Day.” The flower lei is celebrated on May Day with Hula, parades, and music. On May Day, most parents request to take a day off of work so they can watch their children participate in May Day festivities and programs at school. Everyone in Hawaii is encouraged to wear a lei on May Day.

Lei Etiquette
Leis can be worn, received, or given for almost any occasion. In Hawaii, a lei is given for an office promotion, a birthday, an anniversary, a graduation, or any special event. Yet more notably, a lei can be worn for no other reason than to enjoy the fragrance, take pleasure in the beautiful flowers, or simply, to celebrate the “Aloha Spirit.”

There is one big faux pas that should never be made. Never refuse a lei! Always graciously accept the lei with a smile and a kiss on the cheek. (If you don’t feel comfortable with giving or receiving a kiss on the cheek, a warm hug is acceptable!) If you are allergic or sensitive to flowers, then discreetly and apologetically slip-off the lei. It is acceptable and considered a kind gesture to offer the lei to your spouse if you are unable to wear it.

Last, but not least, there is one more taboo…it is considered (in Hawaii) impolite to give a closed (tied) lei to a pregnant woman. Many Hawaiians feel that a closed lei around the neck is bad luck for the unborn child. (Head Hakus and open-ended leis are acceptable to give to pregnant woman.)

Would you like to order, Hawaiian Leis / Tropical Flowers / Gift Baskets / Other Hawaiian Gifts online?  Then just click here,  they will ship your tropical flowers or lei flowers which are picked fresh, washed and inspected. They are then carefully wrapped in ti leaves, florist wrap, newspaper, insulation (if needed) and sealed in a Tropical Flower box. This is a long box specifically designed for shipping tropical flowers. The box has handling instructions on the outside to alert the courier as to the urgent and special care needed for the package.  They use FedEx to deliver your order direct from their farm to your doorstep.

Aloha and Mahalo!

The Hula Girls..

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Whale Watching in Maui!

November 16th, 2007
· by admin · Filed Under: Things to do in Hawaii

 

If you are going to Maui anytime during late December-Early May, you are one of the lucky people who will get to see the Humpback Whale.  Maui is one of the prime breeding spots for this amazing mammal due to it’s warm, safe waters.   Maui offers many great boat tours where you can get a closer look at the humpback and their calves.   We recommend using The Pacific Whale Foundation as your tour guide.  They have been researching whales in Maui since 1980 and are dedicated to the conservation of marine wildlife.  Visit their website for detailed information about their tours, wildlife, and ticket information.  Don’t miss this amazing opportunity!

Aloha and Mahalo!

The Hula Girls….

http://pacificwhale.org


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Surf Hawaii

November 15th, 2007
· by admin · Filed Under: Things to do in Hawaii

Now that we have told you about the history of surfing, hopefully you are now ready to go catch some waves! And in order to do that, you are going to need to know about Hawaii’s best places to surf.

Lanikai Beach, Oahu

Lanikai Beach is considered by the locals to be the best swimming beach in Hawaii.  With a combination of the beautiful Palm Trees, clear waters, wide beach, and it’s protective off shore reef, Lanikai is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, sailing, and yes, surfing.

Kaanapali – Black Rock Beach, Maui

Also known as, Keka‘a Beach, Canoe Beach, Dig Me Beach, Kaanapali beach is a watersport lover’s paradise.  This beach front two Resorts.  Busy with people shopping, eating, boating, fishing, and surfing, this beach isn’t the most solitude, but it is the most fun.

Hanalei Bay Beach, Kauai

On Kauai’s North Shore, Hanalei Beach may be the most beautiful beach setting in all of Hawaii.  It’s white sand and back drop of waterfalls and emerald mountain peaks, make this beach a breathtaking destination to go surfing.

Kapalua Bay Beach, Maui

Situated between two lava points and a coconut tree grove, Kaplua Bay Beach in West Maui, is known for it’s tranquil surf.

Poipu Beach, Kauai

Poipu Beach is the most popular beach on Kauai’s south shore.  The south shore’s bays are great for surfing because they create year round ideal wave conditions.

Papohaku Beach, Molokai

Papohaku beach is where you go to leave your troubles behind.  It is located on the west end of Molokai, which itself is between Oahu and Maui. If you would like to go surfing, but have the waves to yourself, this is where you want to go.

I hope this will help when looking for the best places to surf in Hawaii.  For more information on these beaches, and other beaches in Hawaii, go to, http://www.bestplaceshawaii.com/tips/10_best/beaches.html.

For the best time to visit Hawaii’s beaches go to, http://www.bugbog.com/beaches/hawaii_beaches.html.

Aloha and Mahalo!

The Hula Girls..

 

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