Coffee Trees arrived in Hawaii in the early 1800’s. The British warship H.M.S. Blonde brought coffee trees, to Hawaii, from Brazil in 1825. Chief Boki, Governor of Oahu, had acquired coffee trees in Rio de Janeiro, on his way back from London.
The coffee was planted in Manoa Valley on Oahu, and from a small field, [...]
Posts under ‘Culture’
It’s About More than Coffee
Hawaii Pop
For underexposed mainlanders, Hawaiian music is mellow slack key guitar, or traditional falsetto with lots of guitar and ukulele, or maybe it’s the older hapa-haole songs — Little Grass Shack and Ukulele Lady. All that stuff has its place in the history of Hawaii’s sound, but there’s a new generation. The golden boy of the [...]
Changes in Hawaii, Observed
Not everything happening in the state of Hawaii has been change for the better. But some things — a revival of local food and a real solution to health care — have put Hawaii out in front on quality of life issues. And there’s Hawaiian culture, still in revival, still growing in strength.
Thirty or so [...]
The Island Wants You
When we first arrived many people said to us, “Well, if you got here the island must want you.” ”If things work out easily once you’re here, like finding a car easily, you’ll know the island wants you.” ”If the island doesn’t want you here, you’ll know- stuff will happen to you and you’ll leave.”–The [...]
A Crash Course in Hawaiian Sovereignity Issues
The WSJ published this complicated editorial about the Akaka Bill — more formally know as the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act. Even if you don’t agree with the conclusions it’s worth a read for a look into the tangled mess that is the struggle for Native Hawaiian rights.
The bill creates a complex federal framework under [...]
Hawaii After Dark
“If I were a tourist, I’m coming here for the weather, the culture, the sightseeing. But one night I might go to the casino, because what other entertainment is there to do at night?” said James Boersema, an investor of a Waikiki nightclub and restaurant. — MSNBC: Is Hawaii gambling with paradise?
That [...]
Tourists vs. Natives
“The Hawaiian culture that tourists see is very tourist-oriented,” according to an unidentified Native Hawaiian who was quoted in the study. “Tourists don’t see the authentic culture. They put on leis and sing Tiny Bubbles” —Don Ho’s famous tune. — USA Today
Ouch. That quote cuts straight to the heart of the matter while also painting [...]
“Aloha Oe” Considered
After a recent visit to Hawaii, KUOW’s Amanda Wilde has a new connection to an old melody. The last of the Hawaiian monarchs penned this tune. It was inspired by a poignant moment on top of a mountain on the Island of Oahu. Amanda spoke with KUOW’s Dave Beck about a classic tune that Sounds [...]