What I Learned in Hawaii...

We recently visited Hawaii, and it was more beautiful than I had imagined. The canyons, active volcano, lava beds, and Hawaiian people were each a learning experience. Did you know they are among the most remote islands in the world? ... and everywhere, we were reminded of the sea.

Prevalent animals included wild and multi colored chickens, boar, mongoose, brown goats, deer, and sea turtles.

The beaches were covered with brown, red, white, or black sand--depending on the location. On many beaches, it was not safe to swim because of the rocks, humongous waves, or current. But where it was safe, what glory I felt to be in an aquamarine sea--a part of the waves and sky above.

I had heard that prices in Hawaii were outrageous. We did not find this to be true. I could get a yogurt at the hotel breakfast bar for $5 or I could go across the street to the ABC store and buy the same brand/size yogurt for a little over $1. I had "catch of the day spearfish" with mashed potatoes and a garden salad in a seaside restaurant for $22.

There were homeless people. Some had little nests established near the ocean surrounded by lava rocks. Sleeping bags covered the ground; piles of decorated rocks created their walls.

The native Hawaiian families came from various Polynesian islands many, many years ago. They seem to be hard-working, friendly, family oriented, and wanting to keep their history intact. We attended several Luas, enjoyed their native food, and were entertained by dancers and stories of days past.

Almost everything in Hawaii is brought to Hawaii from other countries or the United States. Pineapple and sugarcane are no longer grown there. Tourism is their primary industry, followed by the military on most islands.

SPAM is big in Hawaii. We found it in abundance in a variety of flavors in supermarket stores. A family can feed themselves a meat dish with a can of Spam for $1.99.

No shirt, no food, no service doesn't apply in Hawaii... We attended a Congregational church on Sunday morning, just a block from seaside.... some didn't wear shoes although dressed in skirts, blouses, or nice shirts and long pants. We worshiped with Christians from Hawaii and from other places in the world to praise our Almighty God, the Creator of all Creation.

For the LORD is the great God,

the great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth,

and the mountain peaks belong to him.

The sea is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

Psalm 95