Molokaʻi: the leper colony

Molokaʻi is known as the long time residence of Father Damien de Veuster, a Belgian priest and canonized Roman Catholic saint who cared for sufferers of Hansen's Disease, also known as leprosy. Historically, a small north shore colony on Molokaʻi, Kalaupapa, was a refuge for sufferers of Hansen's Disease, but there are no active cases of Hansen's Disease on Molokaʻi today. Those who continue to live in the settlement are patients who chose to stay after the segregation policy was lifted in 1969.

Molokaʻi is built from two distinct shield volcanoes known as East Molokaʻi and the much smaller West Molokaʻi. The highest point is Kamakou on East Molokaʻi, at 4,970 feet (1,510 m). East Molokaʻi volcano, like the Koʻolau Range on Oʻahu, is today only what remains standing of the southern half of the original mountain. The northern half suffered a catastrophic collapse about 1.5 million years ago and now lies as a debris field scattered northward across the Pacific Ocean bottom, while what remains on the island are the highest sea cliffs in the world. Views of these sea cliffs are presented in the movie Jurassic Park III. The south shore of Molokaʻi boasts the longest fringing reef in the U.S. and its holdings—nearly 25 miles (40 km) long.

Haleakalā

Haleakalā or the East Maui Volcano, is a massive shield volcano that forms more than 75% of the Hawaiian Island of Maui. The western 25 % of the island is formed by the West Maui Mountains.



Early Hawaiians applied the name Haleakalā ("house of the sun") to the general mountain. Haleakalā is also the name of a peak on the south western edge of Kaupō Gap. In Hawaiian folklore, the depression at the summit of Haleakalā was home to the grandmother of the demigod Māui. According to the legend, Māui's grandmother helped him capture the sun and force it to slow its journey across the sky in order to lengthen the day.

The tallest peak of Haleakalā, at 10,023 feet (3,055 m), is Puʻu ʻUlaʻula (Red Hill). From the summit one looks down into a massive depression some 11.25 km (7 mi) across, 3.2 km (2 mi) wide, and nearly 800 m (2,600 ft) deep. The surrounding walls are steep and the interior mostly barren-looking with a scattering of volcanic cones.

Until recently, East Maui Volcano was thought to have last erupted around 1790, based largely on comparisons of maps made during the voyages of La Perouse and George Vancouver. Recent advanced dating tests, however, have shown that the last eruption was more likely to have been in the 17th century. These last flows from the southwest rift zone of Haleakalā make up the large lava deposits of the Ahihi Kina`u/La Perouse Bay area of South Maui. In addition, contrary to popular belief, Haleakalā "crater" is not volcanic in origin, nor can it accurately be called a caldera (which is formed through when the summit of a volcano collapses to form a depression). Rather, scientists believe that Haleakalā's "crater" was formed when the headwalls of two large erosional valleys merged at the summit of the volcano. These valleys formed the two large gaps — Koʻolau on the north side and Kaupō on the south — on either side of the depression.

Mauna Kea

Mauna Kea is a Volcano on the island of Hawaii. With and elevation of 4,205 m (13,796 ft) above sea level, its peak is the highest point Hawaii. However, much of the mountain is under water; when measured from its oceanic base, Mauna Kea is over 10,000 m (33,000 ft) tall—significantly taller than Mount Everest. Mauna Kea is about a million years old, and has thus passed the most active shield stage of life hundreds of thousands of years ago. In its current post-shield state, its lava is more viscous, resulting in a steeper profile. Late volcanism has also given it a much rougher appearance than its neighboring volcanoes; contributing factors include the construction of cinder cones, the decentralization of its rift zones, the glaciation on its peak, and the weathering effects of the prevailing trade winds. Mauna Kea last erupted 4,000 to 6,000 years ago.

In Hawaiian mythology, the peaks of the island of Hawaii are sacred, and Mauna Kea is the most sacred of all. An ancient law allowed only high-ranking tribal chiefs to visit its peak. Ancient Hawaiians living on the slopes of Mauna Kea relied on its extensive forests for food, and quarried the dense volcano-glacial basalts on its flanks for tool production. When Europeans arrived in the late 18th century, settlers introduced cattle, sheep and game animals, many of which became feral and began to damage the mountain's ecology.

Mauna Kea can be ecologically divided into three sections: an alpine climate at its summit, a Sophora chrysophylla–Myoporum sandwicense (or māmane–naio) forest on its flanks, and an Acacia koa–Metrosideros polymorpha (or koa–ʻōhiʻa) forest, now mostly cleared by the former sugar industry, at its base. In recent years, concern over the vulnerability of the native species has led to court cases that have forced the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources to eradicate all feral species on the mountain.

With its high altitude, dry environment, and stable airflow, Mauna Kea's summit is one of the best sites in the world for astronomical observation. Since the creation of an access road in 1964, thirteen telescopes funded by eleven countries have been constructed at the summit. The Mauna Kea Observatories are used for scientific research across the electromagnetic spectrum from visible light to radio, and comprise the largest such facility in the world. Their construction on a "sacred landscape" continues to be a topic of debate. Studies are underway to determine their effect on the summit ecology, particularly on the rare Wēkiu bug

The US was close.....

Yesterday was the final game for the Fifa World cup. The US Played, but the lost to Japan on penalty kicks. The road to the final game went as is:

Jun 28: USA: 2-0 PRK
Jul 02: USA: 3-0 COL
Jul 06: USA: 1-2 SWE

Quarterfinals: USA 5-3 BRA (PSO)

Semi-Finals: USA 3-1 FRA

Finals: USA 1-3 Japan (PSO)

It was unfortunate that the US lost, but it was a rare moment of joy that the Japanese team won despite all the recent events.

Camp Pupukea

The previous week I went camping at a Boy Scoutcamp on the North Shore called Camp Pupukea.



A former military training, area, Camp Pupukea is roughly a one hour drive from Waikiki, the North Shore has more than 7 miles, of beaches and during the summer waves subside creating the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and Scout Camp. The facility offers central dining, a shooting sports range and eleven Troop campsites with water, latrines and conveniently located showers. Troop participate in a traditional merit badge program with several special programs. The purpose of the Camp Pupukea is to serve the needs of each Scout by providing a quality opportunity for Scouts to learn within a safe and supportive environment and to serve the members of the Aloha Council by continually improving the quality of our product through management and leadership dedicated to excellence. Among the many merit badges offered are Swimming, Nature, Forestry, Emerdency Preparedness, Life Saving, Shotgun, Archery, and First Aid. The Camp was a lot of fun, and i hope to go back next year.



The Lion King: The Musical

Our family last night went out and saw the Broadway version of this Disney movie. 

What sets this musical apart from any other is the special effects. The special effects where extraordinary for the circumstances, and it was interesting to watch how the show transformed a human into each and every animal. My personal favorites were the cheetahs, hyenas, and the tigers and how their masks extend when the actors bend over. I also liked Zazu and Timon and how they were acted out. Another interesting thing that was done was how birds were shown flying. Birds were stuck on sticks and waved around to portray flying. 

Featuring music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, this family show is full of wit and humor for all ages. For example, in the movie the Royal Advisor Zazu is an annoying character, whereas in the musical he is transformed into a very humorous character that entertained the crowd during the scene changes.

The Magic Kingdom at Disney

 Over the Summer months, our family visited The Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. The Magic Kingdom is divided into 6 areas, each with a theme, with the rides following the theme. Each area is based on Walt Disney's original idea for the area. 

Adventureland

Adventureland represents the mystery of exploring foreign lands. It is themed to resemble the remote jungles in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South America and the South Pacific, with an extension resembling a Caribbean town square. It contains classic rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise.

Frontierland

Frontierland is where guests can relive the American Old West – from cowboys and Indians, to exploring the mysteries of the Rivers of America. Frontierland contains classic attractions such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, and the Country Bear Jamboree.

Liberty Square

This area of the park is based on an American Revolutionary town. The Magic Kingdom's Rivers of America hosts the Liberty Belleriverboat. Liberty Square is home to The Haunted Mansion and the Hall of Presidents.

Fantasyland

In the words of Walt Disney: "Fantasyland is dedicated to the young at heart and to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true." Fantasyland is themed in a medieval-fair/carnival style.

Attractions include "It's a Small World", Peter Pan's Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Prince Charming Regal Carousel, and Mad Tea Party.

Tomorrowland

In the words of Walt Disney: "Tomorrow can be a wonderful age. Our scientists today are opening the doors of the Space Age to achievements that will benefit our children and generations to come. The Tomorrowland attractions have been designed to give you an opportunity to participate in adventures that are a living blueprint of our future."

Tomorrowland is themed to be an intergalactic city. Classic attractions include Space Mountain, The Carousel of Progress, Astro Orbiter and the Tomorrowland Speedway. Other current attractions include Stitch's Great Escape, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor.

Storybook Circus

Storybook Circus, part of the aforementioned Fantasyland expansion currently in progress, is expected to open in late 2012. It will be located at the former site of Mickey's Toontown Fair. Attractions will include The Great Goofini, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant, which will be removed from its current location in Fantasyland and an expanded duplication will be built here.

Las Vegas: The Ninth Island

As we all know, Las Vegas is a popular tourist site for all kinds of tourists. But it is also a very popular place for Hawaiians, so Las Vegas is nicknamed "The Ninth Island". The Strip is the most popular place within Vegas, and includes:


MGM Grand: Features two lions on display in the lobby, along with many shows and gambling.


Mandalay Bay: Displays a tropical theme in its shows, decoration, and its slot machines.


Luxor: This pyramid-shaped hotel and casino features an Egyptian theme and design.


Excalibur: The hotel itself is designed like a castle. Its shows and interior design is based off the medieval time period, and features a jousting show.


New York, New York: As its name suggests, the design and slot machines all are decorated using New York as a theme.


Bellagio: Feature the fountains that dance and the scene for Oceans 11.


Ceasers Palace: Features a Roman-themed hotel and Forum Shopping as well as fountains that move to tell Roman myths. 


The Mirage: Has French Polynesia theme, and was one of the first Strip hotels.


Harrah's: The theme here is a carnival, and Harrah's boasts over 1200 slot machines and houses a Ghirardelli Chocolate Company Store.


The Venetian: Featuring a series of canals with gondolas and a replica of Saint Marks Square, the theme at the Venetian is clearly Venice. 


Treasure Island Hotel & Casino (also known as "TI"): Has a Caribbean theme and has staged pirate battles.


Wynn: Named after the designer Steven Wynn, this super luxury hotel features a theme of Imperfect Dreams, and the resort has earned AAA five diamond, Mobil five-star, and a Forbes five-star rating, and is considered to be one of the finest hotels in the world.

Diamond Head: The Tourist Hike

Today, our family decided we wanted to hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater. This Crater was formed 300,000 years ago. It's shaped like a broad saucer, and was formed during a single eruption.

As the materials settled and compacted, they created the crater. Most of the vegetation and birds were introduced in the late 1800s to early 1900s.

As we hiked the 1.5 mile round trip trail, we had many good views of the valley.  We also got many good looks at the sea and of Waikiki. It was worth the rigorous hiking and the stair climbing. There were 271 stairs to climb, and we gained 760 feet in elevation. But it was worth it. You could see out into Waikiki out to the other end of the island. Some of the the graffiti written on the side of the wall was right: it said, "You made it! Enjoy!"

Hanauna Bay: The popular Oahu destination

 

Decided by my mother, our family woke up early (something like 8:00) to go to Hanauna Bay. Located on the Southeast shore of Oahu, Hanauna Bay is a protected alcove that used to be a volcano crater that was flooded. There are several hiking trails that extend along coastline and along the ridge overlooking the bay that provide good lookouts. 

Due to it's protective reefs, scuba diving is very popular and safe, especially for new scubers.

The wildlife is very diverse and colorful, and most are breeds only found in Hawaii. This makes it one of the most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike. The coral reef is very rich, and inhabitants many creatures.

Memorial Day Remembrance

As we all know 5/30 is Memorial Day here in the United States, so i want to take a moment to honor all those who have served in the Armed Forces.


To remember Memorial Day, i went with my Boy Scout Troop to the National Cemetery for the Pacific, also known as Punchbowl Cemetery.

Here, we met up with thousands of other scouts state-wide Punchbowl Good Turn. We started with a 20-minute ceremony commemorating the date. Then, we place flags and flower leis at every single grave.

This annual tradition started 56 years ago. Memorial Day it self is thought to have started during the Civil War. After the liberation of a prison camp, escaped slaves would return to the old camp and place flowers (that they picked along the way) at the graves of Union soldiers that died during captivity. This was later expanded to commemorate all the soldiers that died in action.

Friday Fun with the Aliens

Yesterday, David and I were forced to "sight see" with aliens (i.e., parents).  My mother is obsessed with seeing the island.  First stop, the Byodo-In Temple near Kaneohe Bay. Built on June 7, 1968 to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.. It is a scale model of the temple in Uji, Japan constructed over 900 years ago. The Byodo-In temple is built without any nails, and is incorporated into the plots of many T.V. shows, including Hawaii Five-0 and Magnum P.I.

La'ie Point is a great spot for views of the North Shore.  Just a short amount of time after the Polynesian Cultural Center, this point is shrouded by legend:

The tip of  La'ie Point

The Legend of La'ie Point:





Laniloa, The Mo'o
      This point of land that extends out into the ocean is called Laniloa. According to legend. This peninsula was originally a "Mo'o" or giant lizard. Standing upright ready to kill any intruder.

      After Kana (a legendary warrior) and his brother had rescued their mother from Moloka'i and had taken her back to Hawaii. Kana set out on a journey to kill all the Mo'o in the islands. In time, he arrived in La'ie where the Mo'o had been killing many people. Kana easily defeated the Mo'o taking its head. He chopped it into five pieces and flung them into the ocean. The pieces of the lizard's head can still be seen today as five small islands lying off-shore.  Their original names were Kihewamoku, Moluaaniwa, Pulemoku, Malualai and Keauakaluapa'a'a

Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau

"Hill of Escape"

Located on the north shore town of Pupukea, this site is located on a cliff overlooking Waimea Bay. After a 5 minute hike, you come to a beautiful view that is for miles. Also on the mountainside that the heiau is located on is a Boy Scout Campsite.  This heiau may also have been a site of human sacrifice.

We stopped for lunch at a local burger stand/ surf shop at the foot of the mountain.

On the western tip of Oahu is Kaena Point was our next stop. The only way to get there is to hike. There are two trailheads: From the south side, or Leeward Coast side, begin your hike from Kaena Beach State Park. From the north side, or Mokuleia side, drive to the very end of Farrington Highway and park at the trailhead. We did not hike this, but it is sopposedly one of the most butiful things you can see. 

The four of us then decided it was time to head home. On the way, we stopped at Matsumoto's Grocery Store. But it's more known for it's great shave ice. My Dad and i found out there are over 14,000  flavor combinations from the flavors they offer!

As we passed the Dole plantation on the way home, we passed the Birthing stones. After turning around and returning to the spot, we found them. These are the stones on which the kings would be born.