Honolulu Condos: Reasons for Being Grateful in Hawaii

Reasons for Being Grateful in Hawaii

Although Thanksgivinig for 2009 has now passed, over the weekend I read a nice column in the "Honolulu Advertiser" newspaper that I thought was worth sharing. (By the way, 'ohana refers to "family".)

'Ohana gatherings, football games, Black Friday deals and consuming a little too much of Mom's 'ono grindz are all part and parcel of Thanksgiving weekend. Of course, the most integral part of this holiday is giving thanks. There may be countless reasons why living in Hawai'i is a blessing, but these examples will provide a start:

'Ohana, being surrounded by "aunties" and "uncles," diversity, seemingly two degrees of separation from everyone else, keiki-friendly community, birthplace of the president.

Expansive rainbows, cooling trade winds, rain when the sun shines, awe-inspiring sunsets, palm-studded crescent beaches, postcard-perfect waterfalls, dramatic Na Pali Coast, sunrise atop Haleakala, twisting along the road to Hana, glowing lava flowing into the Pacific at night, sunbathing monk seals, whale watching from shore, the distinctive humuhumunukunukuapua'a, being ranked among the world's most beautiful islands.

Spam musubi, poke, loco moco, malassadas, chocolate haupia pie, shave ice with azuki beans and ice cream, hurricane popcorn, 100 percent Kona coffee, manapua, Portuguese sausage, saimin, local fruits and veggies, grilling on the beach, plate lunches with two scoops of rice and a scoop of mac salad.

Hula, world-class surf breaks, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, stand-up paddle surfing, water sports haven, golfer's paradise, University of Hawai'i sports teams (most of the time).

Talking story, understanding pidgin, realizing questions can end with a downward inflection, pronouncing polysyllabic vowel-heavy street names, knowing the difference between mauka and makai or 'a's and pahoehoe, being asked enviously, "You live in Hawai'i?" when speaking on the phone with Mainland residents.

'Ukulele, slack-key guitar, Zippy's, Longs, more varieties of slippahs than possibly anywhere else on the planet, not needing anything warmer than a light jacket, wearing aloha shirts to the office.

No billboards, absence of honking, receiving a shaka from the driver you let in front of you, "far" meaning it's more than a 20-minute drive away, kama'aina rates, vacationing in Las Vegas, the "ninth island" and staying at the California Hotel; playing tourist in Waikíkí.

Feeling cold in 65 F- degree weather, becoming sentimental listening to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's "Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World" or Keola and Kapono Beamer's "Honolulu City Lights," being ensconced in lei up to your eyeballs at graduation, Christmas shopping in shorts and a T-shirt, New Year's Eve fireworks and firecrackers.

And our one-of-a-kind aloha spirit. Lucky we live Hawai'i indeed.