Everytime I think about going back to Kauai, I always make a stop at The Right Slice because their pies are by far some of the most ono (pronounced: oh-no), or delicious, that I have ever tasted.
Read MoreSometimes the best plans aren’t actually plans. Three weeks before I departed for Kauai, I had the idea to have this ceremony. I wanted a way to honor my family as well as my respect and love for the islands.
Posting in one of the Kauai Facebook groups, I asked for help finding a photographer and a florist. Whenever possible I try to support women-owned businesses. Bonita Hensley’s photography was stunning and captured the essence of our family. This was also the first time I have ever worn a haku. This crown of fresh flowers made me feel pretty.
Chelsea at the Sheraton Kauai had been very helpful in the search for a kahu. Our kahu, Jade, was an amazing wahine. Her joy and knowledge made the ceremony memorable. The first part of the ceremony involved Hawaiian sea salt, and not just any sea salt—this had been harvested up the road at Salt Pond. What is important to note is that the only way non-natives can touch this salt is if it is gifted. Real Hawaiian salt is sacred and can never be sold. We each took a pinch and rubbed it in our hands, then we sprinkled the pa’akai back into the earth. Paʻa means solid or hardened and kai means ocean water. When you gift paʻakai, you’re wishing that person good wishes and you’re solidifying your relationships.
Next Mr. Aloha took water and cleansed the hands of each family member. We then kissed, but we also touched noses, honi ihu. This is a traditional method of greeting one another, whether it's a man and woman, two men or two women. It allows both people to exchange breath, which is the supremely important life force in Hawaiian understanding, and also share scents and conveys a closeness in the relationship.
We finished our day where our wedding reception was fifteen years ago with a delicious prime rib dinner at Lava Lava’s. Mahalo again to the Sheraton Kauai for giving us another memorable event.
I recently finished an interesting book that I found at Talk Story Bookstore on my last trip to Kauai, “Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia” by Christina Thompson. I didn’t know much about the history of Polynesia and its people and thought it could be a good way to learn. The book was phenomenal and I highly recommend it. The thing I was most impressed by was how polynesians knew to move around the islands with virtually no instruments to help them. They knew how to ho’okele (pronounced: hoh-oh-keh-leh) or navigate the waters between the islands.
Read MoreAs many of you know, my love for Hawaii started 15 years ago when we were married on Kauai. I just came back from Kauai where, to honor my love for Hawaii and the ohana I share it with, I asked a kahu to perform a traditional Hawaiian blessing. It was truly one of the most beautiful and magical moments.
Read MoreFinding Kauai-made products took some looking around, but the treasure hunt was worth it. Some can easily shipped to the mainland like Tropical Flowers Express, but others like Popo’s Cookies are best experienced on the island. Whether you are in the West or the East, there are many beautiful galleries with island-inspired art and jewelry.
Read MoreDedicated to helping you live aloha even when you are away from the islands.
The Lives Aloha Promise
Feel like you’re back in Hawaii without leaving home.
When you are part of the Lives Aloha ohana, we are committed to helping you incorporate aloha into your daily life. You will remember the sand beneath your toes, the sun melting your reality away, and just for a moment, you’ll breathe and remember that aloha feeling.
