Aloha means “joyful sharing of life energy.” Hawaiian words and phrases are woven into everyday life in the islands, so here are a few words to frame our story of 2 months on O’ahu, Maui and Hawai’i.
‘Ohana (oh ha nah), Family, including adopted or chosen family
We began in O’ahu with friends Carol, Bill, Andrew and Gail. Our ‘ohana Christmas celebration resulted in beach time, beer pong and Aloha Spirit.
Diamond Head in background 
Marlene & Carol, Hanauma Bay 
Steve & Bill, Turtle Beach, Haleiwa 
Andrew & Marlene, Hanauma Bay 
Beer Pong!
‘Ohana at Diamond Head National Park
Nani (nah-knee), Beautiful
Hawaiian life shows deep respect for nature: Aina (land), U’i (sun); Lani (sky).
Kahala Beach, O’ahu 
Kahala Beach, O’ahu 
Kona, Hawaii 
Kahala Beach – O’ahu
Blue Marble Tree 
Lyon Arboretum, O’ahu 
Big Island Volcano Art
Mauka (Mow-ka), Towards the Mountain
On Maui we visited the craters at the summit of Haleakala and rode bikes down the twisty 26 mile road to the beach town of Paia.
The road down 
The view from the road
On the Island of Hawai’i (Big Island) we drove to the summit of Mauna Kea where the telescopes sit at 13,000 feet altitude, then watched sunset.
Maui – We found the less traveled northwest shore road – cliff edge driving!
Maui – ‘Iao Needle (used as a lookout by warriors) and O’ahu – Ko’olau mountain.
Makai (Mah-ka-ee), Towards the Sea
Honolulu, Oahu 
Kiholo Bay, Kona 
Kiholo Bay 
Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, Oahu 
Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail, Oahu
Pololu Lookout – Hawai’i
Holoholonas, Animals
- Noi’a, Dolphins. Our neighbors were 6 male dolphins at Kahala Resort
- Honu, Turtle. We sought them out on numerous beaches.
- Kohala, Whale. Humpback whales arrive in January to give birth. We saw a mother and 2-week old baby. She breached 5 times in front of our little boat.
- Hihimanu, Manta Ray. I followed a little manta in my kayak. After I took its picture, it turned around and followed me.
Noi’a 
Hono 
Kohala – Credit Ultimate Whalewatch.com 
Hihimanu 
Kao 
Moa kane, Rooster (aka Jungle Fowl) 
Nene , Hawaiian Goose 
Hawaiian Garden Spider
Mahalo! – A Deep Sense of Gratitude, Admiration, Respect
Heiau (Temple). Pu’uhonua a Honaundu. This ancient place of refuge was the destination of people seeking asylum from death penalties imposed by breaking kapu (sacred) laws. Sanctuary was guaranteed if they made it inside the 10-foot walls.
Byodo-In, a replica of a Buddhist temple in Japan outside of Honolulu. Ring a giant bell with a soft wooden log to ask for happiness, blessings, and a long life.
Maui Tibetian Buddhist Dhama Center. A stupa is a symbol of hope. Walk clockwise turning a large prayer wheel. With each round, a gong sounds and millions of prayers are released from the wheel.
A’oia! – There You Have It!
For an excellent blog and recommendations on O’ahu, I invite you to click into a blog called Just Passing Through by Carol D. Use the bulleted links to learn more about O’ahu.
Travel Broadly - Marlene & Steve 
Stunning places and experiences! Beautiful family and friends! That’s living the life!
Oh, you are one of our treasures!