HAWAIIAN FRIENDS

Back in 1986, I had an opportunity to go to Hawaii to participate in a professional learning exchange program which was co-sponsored by my California Parks and Recreation Society and the Hawaii Recreation and Park Association. During this time, I was very fortunate to have met a number of professional colleagues who have now become lifetime friends. SInce this encounter, we all made a practice to meet up at our annual professional conference and whenever the conference was held in Southern California our group would take an additional 2-3 personal days and head to Ensenada as a tradition.

During these years of friendship, whenever my Hawaii friends would come into town I would coordinate our carpool to Ensenada (back in the days, rental cars were not allowed across the border) or we would meet up as they individually came into town. On the same note, when we headed to Hawaii we would also meet up with our Hawaii Friends and they would very generously host us with their warm Aloha Spirit...and though most of us are retired now. Our special friendship has still endured to this very day.

Some of you on this cruise have met my very special Hawaii Friends and had the opportunity to receive their gracious hospitality and aloha. One of those Hawaii Friends I speak of here is, Joan Yamanaka and she had shared this with me and I thought I would share it with you. In my experience this truly spotlights the beauty, grace and generosity of who the Hawaiian people are... during our visit to the islands, I hope you have an opportunity to experience the Aloha Spirit that has touched my heart through all these years. Enjoy! 

Aloha Nui Loa, Diana

There are friends..and then there are “Hawaiian Friends”

FRIENDS: Never ask for food

HAWAIIAN FRIENDS: Always bring food.

FRIENDS: Will say “Hello”.

HAWAIIAN FRIENDS: Will give you a big hug and a kiss.

FRIENDS:Call your parents Mr. and Mrs.

HAWAIIAN FRIENDS: Call your parents Uncle & Auntie

FRIENDS: Have never seen you cry.

HAWAIIAN FRIENDS: Cry with you.

FRIENDS: Will eat at your dinner table and leave.

HAWAIIAN FRIENDS: Will spend hours talking,laughing and just being together. Help clean-up when all pau (finished)!

FRIENDS: Know a few things about you.

HAWAIIAN FRIENDS:Could write a book with direct quotes.

FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that’s what the crowd is doing.

HAWAIIAN FRIENDS:Will kick the whole crowd’s okoles (butts) that left you.

FRIENDS: Get mad when you don’t stay in contact.

HAWAIIAN FRIENDS: Years could go by and you pick up like it was yesterday.

FRIENDS: Come and go.

HAWAIIAN FRIENDS: Are family