Beyond Expectation

There’s just so much to enjoy and discover about Hawaii. At first few days, I was so fascinated with the whole exploration and I even considered it a time travel. The coconuts, the flowers, the mountains, the sea… ah, the magnificent views are so similar to the small island where I came from. Not until the last days, I realized there’s so much more in Maui, Hawaii that our island doesn’t have. The stunning sunsets, the evergreen scenery, misty mountains, rainbows, perfect weather, idyllic beaches, mesmerizing music, expressive hula dances and plummeting cliffs. I could on and on. The place is indeed beyond paradise! There is profound peace and majestic contrasts. It’s definitely grand in nature’s gifts.

(Lana-i beach with Manele Bay in background)

I could say that the highlight on our 12-day vacation was whole-day trip to Lanai Island (thanks to Trilogy). We did snorkeling and toured around the small village up in the mountain. The island was owned by James Dole of Dole Food Company in 1922 and developed a large portion of it into the world's largest pineapple plantation. I was even more surprised to know that 70% of the population is Filipinos. Now, I had connected the dots of our family roots. My grandpa’s brother was one of those that were hired for the pineapple plantation back in 1930’s. Suddenly, I felt more connections. Well, cheesy as it may sound but that’s how I felt. The hibiscus flowers, the small houses that remained unlocked, one gas station, few smaller stores, and people speaking Tagalog, kids smiling and waving as they see tourists. It was very mysterious and yet so serene place to live. Although, there’s not much going on in the island, I could tell there are tons of reasons why most people choose to stay. What’s more surprising to me is their weather, it’s really nice up there! Not so hot, not so cold. Presently, the island is owned by Southern California’s David Murdock as a result for his purchase of Castle & Cooke. It must be tough to switch the villagers from pineapple farmers to being in the hospitality jobs. There’s only about 3,000 population though and guess what? They all know each other and perhaps they had to look for husband/wife somewhere as they may all be related, lol! I just can’t believe I was so fascinated with the island’s history!

(the only gas station in the village)

(this place brings back a lot of fun-filled childhood memories)

Anyway, I’m so happy to be back blogging. I’ll share more experiences later.