Meet Mihana Souza at her home Kailua. Mihana is a descendent of one of Hawai'i's most legendary musical families. Her mother, the late Irmgard Farden Äluli, is one of Hawai'i's most prolific songwriters and performers, and has been honored numerous times, including being inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame. Mihana is a warm and gracious woman who exemplifies the aloha spirit. She performs with the Hawaiian group Puamana with her sister and currently records as a solo performer. Hopefully we have a little time after our meeting to visit Kailua Beach, which is one of the worlds best beaches.

Hi'ilani Shibata - Education Operations Manager - will lead us on a tour of the main Hawaiian Hall of the Bishop Museum, and be part of their kapa program that looks at the process to make Kapa. Students will learn how intensive the process can be. We will also be exposed to a surfing pasttimes program in which we will learn the history of surfing and makes a small surfboard to take home.

Hanauma Bay is perfect for protected snorkeling and the beach is often crowded. The bay is a designated marine preserve. Attractions include the Toilet Bowl, a natural pool in lava rock, Witches Brew, a rocky point and Halona Blowhole.

January 20, 2004

Waikiki Surf Instructors Cowboy and Jenny

We're guaranteed to stand during our first surf lesson. If we ever wanted to learn to surf, now we are able to learn from the best. Jenny and Cowboy give surfing lessons in the perfect setting of Waikiki's safe waves and living aloha spirit.

`Iolani Palace was the official residence of King Kalakaua and Queen Kapi`olani from 1882 until the King's death in 1891. The Palace then served as the official home of Kalakaua's sister and successor, Queen Lili`uokalani, until the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893.

A traditional backyard-style luau, 27 miles from Waikiki on a private beachfront location. Upon arrival, each of us is welcomed with a Hawaiian Shell Lei and photographs are taken. At the sound of the conch shell, the luau has begun. Experience the traditional Imu Ceremony and the procession of the Royal Court. Feel the rhythm of a musical "tour" of the South Pacific. Enjoy the breathtaking fireknife dance and the talented performers of the Polynesian Revue.

January 21, 2004

Pearl Harbor, Arizona Memorial,

This memorial to the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor is the mid-section of the sunken battleship. It is reached by a naval shuttle boat. The USS Oklahoma and USS Utah were also sunk. Other ships were repaired and returned to battle.

Battleship Missouri Memorial

This is Hawaii's newest attraction, the famous USS Missouri, known in folklore as the "Mighty Mo". Nearly three football fields long, the battleship is now moored in historic Pearl Harbor and offers a sweeping view of Oahu Island's mountain ranges. Also in Pearl Harbor is USS Arizona Memorial. Guests can re-live the great sea battles aboard the finest of the fleet. Tours of the main deck to the sleeping quarters show how 2,500 sailors lived and worked

Submarine Memorial Park

The USS Bowfin is a WWII era submarine that is moored in a military park adjacent to the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. The Bowfin sank 44 ships in the Pacific during WWII. There is no charge to enter the park, but self-guided tours are charged.

Makaha Hawaii - Kaneaki Heiau

This is Oahu's best restored heiau, located on the Waianae Coast near Makaha. It is in the center of the Makaha Valley and was originally dedicated to Lono, the god of agriculture. It was rededicated by King Kamehameha I as a war temple.

Watching Surfers on the North Shore of Oahu

Monster waves in winter make this the world's surfing destination. The North Shore rocks with monster waves that roll in unabated 2,000 miles from Alaska. Top surfers and curious onlookers crowd Sunset, Banzai Pipeline and Waimea Bay.

January 22, 2004

Our last day in paradise before returning back to Grand Rapids, MI.

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