HAWAIIANA

1. The Green Flash
At sunset, when the last thin crescent of the sun disappears into a clear horizon, a green burst (flash) of light replaces the image of the sun: the green flash.

2. Abundant Rainbows
Look to the mountain valley of Manoa, along Waikiki, or against the Ko´olau Mountains and these miracles await almost daily.

3. Canoe Paddling
When the sun is low in the sky, paddlers glide along the Ala Wai (canal) -- and just off of Waikiki. Team paddling is a mainstay in Hawai´i; many compete at the Moloka´i Ho´e in fall.

4. Surfing
Duke would go! Learn on Waikiki's gentle waves; Lessons await from beach boys at the kiosk by Duke's Canoe Club or the many stations of Hans Hedeman Surf School. Not ready? Share a ride in an outrigger canoe for six, easily found at Waikiki.

5. Da Mixed Plate
Not food, but the mosaic of cultures that makes Hawai´i what it is. Hapa is a common term here, signifying the pidgin cognate of "half," as in half of this, and half of that.

6. Hawaiian Regional Cuisine
Okay, now food. We use the term loosely, because there's nothing like a lu´au, a plate lunch steaming with Kalbi, or of course the proliferation of classically trained chefs who stir it up Hawaiian style (such as Alan Wong, Sam Choy, and Roy Yamaguchi, all of whom have namesake restaurants here).

7. The Lei
Once made as an offering for Gods, the lei today is more commonly given to friends and loved ones as expressions of love, admiration, and celebration. Made from flowers, shells, silk, feathers, and fruit, check out how it's done at the Royal Hawaiian shopping center, Mon. and Weds., at 11 a.m., or at the Aston Waikiki pool (just outside Tiki's) Friday from 5-8 p.m. A must have lei-making book is "Ka Lei" by Marie McDonald. (Charley's will gladly arrange such mailings for you on request.)

8. Music of Aloha
From ´ukulele to slack key guitar, falsetto crooning to a reggae-infused "Jawaiian riddim," music in Hawai´i evolves constantly and breeds new talent in the islands. When in Hawai´i, tune into KCCN FM100 or Island 98.5, and recorded music can be found at Na Mea/Native Books and Beautiful Things in Ward Center.

9. Slippahs
Don't call them flip flops or Zori's in Hawai´i; Doing so may elicit cock-eyed looks from da kine local folks. Say "slee-paws." Now, run down to any Longs or ABC Store and get a pair. For leisure time, it's all the footwear one needs.

10. That old Hawaiian Hospitality
Waikiki, once 'the place', perhaps then considered passe, is now back and it's better than ever! Get a feel for a sunset show revue along nearly any of its hotel beach bars; gaze at craftsman within hotel and shopping center lobbies, or amble along the beach and talk story. There's a ready smile and a friend always waiting in the islands.

A few Hawaiian Phrases:

Akamai: smart, clever
Aloha: Hello, love, goodbye
Aloha ahiahi: Good afternoon
Aloha auwinaia: Good evening
Aloha kakahiaka: Good morning
E hele mai: Come on over
E komo mai: Welcome!
Hang Loose: Relax
Hau´oli la hanau: Happy Birthday
Honikaua wikiwiki: Kiss me quickly!
Kapu: Reserved, off limits
Kulikuli: Be quiet
Mahalo: Thank you
Mahalo Nui Loa: Thank you very much
Makai: seaside
Mauka: mountain side
Noho me ka Hau'ole: Be happy
A´ole huhu: Don't get angry
A´ole Pilikia: No problem
Okole Maluna: Bottoms up (as in making a toast)
Pau: Finished, done
Wikiwiki: Hurry Up

EMAIL: info@charleystaxi.com