Polynesian Culture

 If a Hawaiian tells you he/she does not eat pineapple, it's because it's usually because the person still associates it with the evils of colonialism. For can you believe that Dole, the company that basically symbolizes pineapples, was one of  13 American companies led by Caucasians, which organized the coup against the Hawaiian Royal Family  led by Queen Liliuokalani, in 1893. 

And can you believe that once the Americans colonized the island, for over a hundred years, the teaching or practicing of Hawaiian Culture and language were not allowed!

I missed my trip to the Polynesian Cultural Village today  (https://joan-myviews.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-maximum-disappointment.html?m=1) and took a Hawaiian cultural cruise instead. 

Thankfully, we learnt a lot about Polynesian culture there.

This was aboard the Kamoauli, a catamaran on which interesting, educational excursions are held to teach young people about their culture. 

On board, they explain and demonstrate cultural traditions, poi pounding, food preparation, their musical instruments, teach you the hula, how to make the lei and go in depth about the real meaning and origin of the now touristy word, aloha.

Really good stuff and enjoyable too. We even  saw Diamond Head crater from a different angle and caught a beautiful sunset on the way back.

The Kamoauli

A typical Hawaiian dish

When we got back to shore, we took in a fireworks display on Wakaki beach which hotels put on to draw visitors to see craft items made by local people.

The household staff at the Hilton Hawaiian hotel has been on strike for weeks and some attended the fireworks event  with their bullhorns,  to draw attention to their cause.

Hope had an impact.

These chopsticks not for me😬

                        Michelle made me a lei.❤️