P.S.

Hawaii isn’t just about beaches and tropical breezes. It, like everywhere else, is about people. I love Hawaiians and their culture. So, I can’t blog about the islands and not mention that.

Hawaiians have a huge hang-out culture. On weekends, extended families and multiple generations spend the entire day together on the beach. They play games, pass food around, teach the younger kids to surf. This party atmosphere/family reunion provides a great setting for people watching. In fact, I never bring a book to the beach in Hawaii. Who wants to read a book and be transported somewhere else? Not me. I plop myself down in the sand, prop myself up on my elbows and watch the stories unfold.

My last layover was a typical Sunday on Waikiki beach. In Hawaii, kids seem to outnumber the grown-ups and they hang out in packs. I watched a pack jump on their kid-sized surfboards and paddle out to the surf together. Not being a strong swimmer myself, this looked terrifying to me. But their proud parents sat totally relaxed, cheering them on whenever they caught a good wave. Another pack of kids were jumping off the pier into the water. Equally terrifying. And if the kids can do it, why not the dogs? They’re part of the family. So, I watched the dogs surf, three actually. But the most charming scene (and one that didn’t cause me any anxiety) was the lifeguard practicing “rescues” with the local kids. On his jet ski, he would pick up random kids and tote them out to the surf. As they rode away clinging to the raft, I wondered, “Do they know each other?” 

That scene captured what I love most about the Hawaiian culture: the feeling of family. It seems like everyone on the island is related. In fact, younger generations call older women “Auntie” out of respect. Sitting there, I thought it must be a nice place to grow up: the ocean as your playground, the support of so many aunties and uncles, and best of all, the hang with your pack.  

The second thing I love most about the Hawaiian culture is their tradition of sharing food! As a flight attendant, it’s a perk. Hawaiians constantly bring food to share so the flight feels less like work and more like a party …like a big potluck. Two local favorites I have to give a shout out to: Liliha Bakery famous for their Chantilly coco puffs and Kamehameha Bakery, home of the original poi glaze donuts. The donuts are delicious, just a little chewy and the prettiest lavender color. But the Chantilly coco puffs! The first time I ate them, I didn’t know what I was eating. I just knew it ended too soon. They tasted like a special occasion in my mouth. So, put down the malasadas (no offense) and try one (or both) of these sweet treats. Worth It! They’re both on Oahu. So, if you happen to be traveling from Honolulu… your crew would appreciate some! Mahalo