Fun Tips For Living in Hawaii

Living on the Kauai, Hawaii - Just a Dream or Legends of Mermaids?

Hawaii living, is it a dream or legends of mermaids? Has Kauai always been there in the back of your mind? It is the American dream and the dream of people from other countries such as Japan, China, Europe as well.

Many people who live in Hawaii, came from someplace else. They often tell stories of getting off the airplane and having the distinct feeling that they were always meant to be there. The islands take you in with a warm aloha embrace. Some people talk about being on the islands in another life even. There is a distinct mystic and enchantment found on the islands that are no where else.

Kauai is known as the spiritual island. It is the oldest of all the island and perhaps that is why. There is a vibration of peace there that is like none other. That coupled with the fact that Hanalei Bay is considered to be the BEST beach in the world is reason to spend some quality time there. The mountains, greenery, waterfalls reach out to greet double rainbows and that my friend is something everyone should experience.

I would not dismiss visiting the Big Island but Kauai is indeed considered to be the most beautiful by many.

Living in Kauai or anywhere in Hawaii for that matter, can bring paradise to your doorstep. Do it for you! It's in your dreams isn't it? Live in that peaceful hideaway you have always dreamed of.

Can you feel it? See yourself living the life you thought belonged to someone else. Check out a great house for rent in Kauai posted below, that is centrally located and very reasonably priced. It is for rent for the months of August and September. Live your dream!

Hawaii is known as the Big Island. Each island is considered to be a 'county', so the Big Island, or Hawaii, is a county, as is Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, and Lanai. Hawaii claims the second largest in population estimated at about 158,000 plus residents. The Kona side of the island is rather dry and has an average of 72 degrees in the winter months and around 82 degrees in the summer. The east side, known by locals as the Hilo side, has more rain and tends to be cooler and much greener because of its extra rainfall.

The Big Island offers dramatic scenery along the lush Hilo coastline. Hawaii is an explorers dream with two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa and three dormant volcanos, Kohala, Manuna Kea and Hualalai, for the geologists enthusiasts.

Hawaiian legend tell tales of Pele, the goddess of the volcano Kilauea, giving artists, dreamers and writers a distinct world of enchantment. Many hula and Hawaiian chanting often suggest Pele in their expressive messages.

Legends of mermaids were born here! That's where my "Mermaid Baby" series of paintings was born!

Amazingly, Hilo side also offers snow skiing on Mauna Kea because of its snow capped mountains! They SNOW ski on the Big Island, not just surf. While there are no ski lifts, locals and visitors alike do snow ski at different times of the year.

Mauna Kea is actually the tallest mountain in the world, even taller than Mt. Everest!

Wow!

Measuring from the ocean floor to its highest peak, Mauna Kea is 93 miles (150 km) across and has a land area of 4,028.0 square miles (10,432.5 km)representing 62% of the total land area of the Hawaiian Islands. Mauna Kea has some of the best ground-based astronomical observatories as well. Hawaii is a star gazers dream indeed.

Other attractions to the Big Island on Hilo side include, the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hawaii Community College, the Merrie Monarch Festival, which is a week-long celebration of ancient and modern hula. It is served by Hilo International Airport.

So there it is, Hawaii, land of enchantment, dreams and legends of mermaids, sailors and sea captains and perhaps yours as well.

Houses for sale Big Island of Hawaii, are you looking for your spot of heaven? Need a few tips, fun facts about Hawaii and/or on how to fit in to island living too. Hawaii real estate has never been more affordable. I just to know of this one house, that my oh my is full of all the Aloha you had ever imagined!

Ever think of living in Hawaii?

Taking island flights or the Super Ferry to go to Oahu north shore tours, e noa Oahu pearl harbor tours or find a few cheap Oahu Hawaii activities on those lazy discover days? Craigs list Hawaii may not see this home for sale on its pages for long.

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Looking for Hawaiian music lyrics and music to sing while planning trips that include Oahu north shore tours,Hawaii dinner shows,yup some Hawaiian fun food? Would you like to know more about island living? Tropical life including tidbits like how to eat poi and love it. No, I am not kidding.. smile.

Posted below within this lens are fun facts about what to wear, eat, Hawaiian music and places to visit in Hawaii. Hawaiian etiquette is within this lens, that I will clue you in on the social graces of this amazing island called Hawaii as well.

Zen living right around the corner, don't count the Big Island of Hawaii out- the house prices will astound you. Yes! You can live in Hawaii, it's not that far from reach.

Before looking into Oahu real estate, Honolulu real estate,Maui real estate, Kauai real estate, even Kona real estate, look into the Big Island of Hawaii. Hawaii land, Hawaii homes, Hilo real estate are looking good! Come see Pahoa land, Pahoa and Puna houses for sale. Aloha!

The image is of my painting "Ipu", The original oil sold and hangs in Kauai, Hawaii. Cards, posters, giclees are available.

The poem I wrote honoring Hawaii and Hawaiian music "I Want To Download Free Hawaiian Music" is below...

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Saving money! You don't need all those cold weather jackets, boots... just an umbrella for occasional showers.

Yet.. the Big Island does have snow! Crazy huh?

There are no snow storms in Hawaii except at the top of Mauna Kea. Yup, people do snowboard and snow ski on Mauna Kea (Hawaiian for white mountain) on the Big Island of Hawaii.

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Hawaiian Music Lyrics & Aloha In My Mind

I want to download

free Hawaiian music

download Aloha

in my mind.

I want to embrace

those magical love songs

Elvis is King

Don Ho

da kine.

Bruddah IZ,

"Facing the Future"

singing "Over the Rainbow"

and "Ua mau

ke ea o ka ina

i ka pono"

Bruddah IZ,

Hawaiian Supah-man

he came and he blessed us

and for Hawaii

most firmly

took a dedicated stand.

Hawaiian music lyrics

fill my heart with your joy

forever loving these islands

the taro and the poi.

"The Life of the Land

is Perpetuated

in Righteousness"

Children of the aina

taking a stand.

Singing out with Aloha

defining love

at its best.

Kama aina

child of the land

Ukuleles playing

sing along

Kapunas chanting

take a stand

Hawaii forever

forever

live their song.

I want to download

free Hawaiian music

embrace its soulful meaning

hold it close

to my heart,

by the sea

Hawaiian music

forever freeing.

Oh Kauai, Hawaii

the island sings along

majestic and sacred

with dignity

this island

forever strong.

Hawaiian local music lyrics

I am blessed by the words

forever in my spirit

loving its oceans

its mountains

and its soaring birds.

Palm trees swaying,

Keali'i Reichel

dancing hula

in the moonlight

as his stories

he tells.

Summers with his Tu Tu

on the windward side

Maui sweet Maui

glowing with pride.

Kamakawiwoole,

Reichel,

Pahinui

slack key

sweet guitar

singing and chanting

so fully.

Oh Hawaii, Hawaii

live your song near and far

for the the land

and your beautiful sea.

Aloha forever,

keikis

sweet babies

know who you are!

I want to download

Hawaiian music

download Aloha

in my mind.

by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

23 August 2008

Oh Kauai, Hawaii

I am sorry to see

such woeful destruction

to your land

and your seas.

All the birds are a calling

Oh Kauai

my home

for the time that they knew you

this land

on loan.

Your mountains

forlorn

treasures abused

too many houses

and roads overused.

Mud from the hillsides

bringing death to the reefs

golf course with poison

and the fishes deceased.

Government projects

claiming defense

killing the dolphins

and whales meant to rest.

Trash on the trails

leading to God

Kapuna's chant loudly

people not listening

their voices stopped?

Pele is angry!

She screams with a vengeance

throwing fire and rocks

new land sent

from her flowing lava locks.

Taro farmers erased

as youth seem to tire

a heritage forsaken

with loss of desire.

Oh Kauai, Hawaii

I am sorry to see

Whales, dolphins in mourning

this beautiful island

no longer free.

Man in his wisdom

forgot to write down

that the truth in the matter

Kauai, Hawaii

is sacred ground.

Lists should be made

with efforts to meet

a promise to the Ina

forever precious

in prayer

needing peace.

Forever Kauai?

I think maybe not.

Without your own people

loving you enough

to be your voice

a prayer in the storm

reverently dancing

and raising you up.

Oh Kauai, Hawaii

I am sorry to see

such woeful destruction

to your land

and your seas.

All the birds are a calling

Oh Kauai

my home

for the time that they knew you

this land

on loan.

This is my 'keep it green' proclamation, of sorts, for the Hawaiian Islands. The island of Kauai is being overbuilt, for such a tiny island. This poem notes what progress brings, and part of the destruction that can happen, because of our thoughtless march toward what we consider to be progress. Embrace these fragile resources, that have been left in our care. Let us remember to tread lightly, on the land and sea, respect the gifts we have been given, so that they might still be there for future generations. Wherever you are, remember that is your own responsibility to protect your own view of the 'Aina', which is 'land' in Hawaiian.

by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

copyright 2008

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Here are the Hawaiian music lyrics and chords to Brudda Iz's song:

Here are the Hawaiian music lyrics

|G D |Em* C |G D |

|Em* |C |

G D/F# C G

ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo

C Bm7 Em C

ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo

G D/F# C/B Em7/D

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high

C G/B D/A Em C

And the dreams that you dream of once in a lullaby______

G D/F# C/B Em7/D

Oh somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly

C G/B D/A Em C

And the dreams that you dream of, dreams really do come true______

G

Someday i'll wish upon a star

D/F# Em C

Wake up where the clouds are far behind me

G

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

D/F# Em C

High above the chimney tops that's where you'll find me

G D/F# C/B Em7/D

Oh somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly

C G/B D/A Em C

And the dreams that you dare to, oh why, oh why can't I?______

G D C/B Em7/D

Well I see trees of green and Red roses too

C G/B D/A Em/B

I'll watch then bloom for me and you

C D/A Em C

And I think to myself: what a wonderful world

G D C/B Em7/D

Well I see skies of blue and I see clouds of white

C G/B D/A Em/B

And the brightness of day, I like the dark

C D/A G C G

And I think to myself: what a wonderful world

D/A Em/B

The colours of the rainbow so pretty in the sky

D/A Em/B

Are also on the faces of people passing bye

C/B Em7/D C/B Em7/D

See friends shaking hands, saying 'how do you do?'

C/B Em7/D C D

They're really saying, I...I love you

G D C/B Em7/D

I hear babies cry and I watch them grow

C G/B D/A Em/B

They'll learn much more than we'll know

C D/A Em C

And I think to myself: what a wonderful world

G

Someday i'll wish upon a star

D/F# Em C

Wake up where the clouds are far behind me

G

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

D/F# Em C

High above the chimney tops that's where you'll find me

G D/F# C/B Em7/D

Oh somewhere over the rainbow, way up high

C G/B D/A Em C

And the dreams that you dare to, why, oh why can't I?______

G D/F# C G

ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-ooo

C Bm7 Em C

ooo-ooo ooo-ooo ooo-a-eh-a-a-a-a-a-a-a

The Hawaiian culture has a certain Etiquette to be mindful of.

Etiquette

noun

the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.

While visiting Hawaii.. remember that you are almost visiting another country. Hawaii is different from the mainland in that it honors certain things within the Hawaiian culture.

Mainlanders think of the work Aloha as seen in the dictionary:

Aloha

exclamation & noun

Hawaiian word used when greeting or parting from someone.

BUT... it is A LOT more than that!

Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, love, peace, compassion and mercy. Since the middle of the 19th century, it also has come to be used as a greeting to say goodbye and hello.

It is also the state nickname of Hawaiʻi, the "Aloha State".

Aloha means to let the other driver go first, notice the people around you and showing good manners. I cannot promise you that ALL the people on Hawaii will show you equal courtesy but for the most part it is indeed the Hawaiian way.

LIVE ALOHA!!

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Ever need an extra hand? How about using your toes?

Ti leaf leis are often tied with both hands and feet, using ones toes to hold as leverage, as shown in my painting below.

When making a Ti Leaf Lei one first goes out and gathers ti leaves. Cut out the middle vein so that you have two peices left. Wash them off and put in the freezer til frozen, then thaw. They will be soft and pliable then. They are then twisted and braided. Often they are made to have an open end.

I have posted books below on leis for your further enjoyment. You can make a lei out of most anything and they make a wonderful thoughtful gift.

"Lei Hilo"

Ua hilo 'ia i ke aho a ke aloha: Braided with cords of love.

30x40x2 gallery wrap, oil on canvas, completed 12/05

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You need to try poi first at a authentic Hawaiian luau or a chance to go on one of the states Hawaiian food tours. Kalua Pig or chicken just out of the 'imu' is the Hawaiian way. An imu is an underground oven of sorts, done with banana leaves and rocks that are hand picked with great respect. Hawaiian fun food while different and entertaining also has many traditions of honor in Hawaiian history.

The feast will also include Lau Lau which is pork or chicken , a bit of salt pork wrapped up in a taro leaf which is covered then with banana leafs and either cooked in the imu or a pressure cooker or at least cooked for a very long time. Taro or lau lau leaves are the green leaves from the taro root. Taro leaves if not cooked for a very long time, at least 2 hours will give you what is called itchy throat, not exactly a Hawaiian fun food when it is not cooked long enough. I have had it before and while it is uncomfortable it is not the worst ever yet avoid it, why ruin a good lau lau or Hawaiian food tour?

Lomi, lomi salmon and rice are both traditional Hawaiian food served in this meal. Lomi lomi salmon is kind of like a tomato salsa.

OK.. so back to tasting. Take a bite of lomi lomi salmon and savor it. Next take a nice bite full of Lau Lau and rice, then finish it off with a one or two finger helping of poi.

Think yogurt at first. Blend the different tastes of all of the above and try to see how they compliment one another. Poi is what brings this all together... really!

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Living in Hawaii is a lot different from living in California where I am from originally. I will be posting more of my insights as time goes on.

Experience what is different from your home from another's. Isn't that why we travel? The best meal I had when I visited Germany was at a little stand outside a shop, not in some hotel. We travel to see what is different from ourselves right? Why look for the same?

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NEVER, ever, enter someone's home in Hawaii without removing your shoes first, not even if they have dirt floors. Ya just wouldn't do that out of respect for their home and person. Normally you will see a whole slew of shoes and slippas outside the door of Hawaiian residents. It is pretty darn cute.

Mahalo (thank you in Hawaiian), for removing your shoes is often posted on a lot of Hawaii residents homes just outside their front door. Craftspeople wisely take advantage of this opportunity by making signs out of tiles or wood and other materials. Plaques saying

"Mahalo For Removing Your Shoes"

are for sale all over the Hawaiian Islands.

You can find "Locals" or "Surfahs" brand names for the most hip, yet cheap (under $5.00 normally) at a lot of grocery stores even, all over Hawaii. Ya might want to go ahead and wait till you arrive to purchase what the locals wear, yeah? Make your first stop at the local grocery store or quick stop.. too funny huh?

Whatever ya do, unless you have extreme athletes feet or something, don't wear shoes and socks, that is a dead giveaway that you are from the midwest and your aim it to fit in right?

Aloha! A word that can never be said too much in Hawaii.

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When you visit Hawaii, know that you have stepped on to Hawaiian land and be respectful of Hawaii's ways and culture. Be mindful and show honor to the beaches and every single rock.

This is Hawaii.

Aloha

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Ever visit magic? You should.. come to Kauai!

"Pele and Her Undying Vengeance No Matter a Fairies Plea"

Out beyond the minds eye

there stood a delicate forest

lighted by hope

that glowed.

Yet the Caitiff found it

and the fairies

alas

ever so pathetically

innocent

stood in the open pathway

for they

just

did not know.

And so

alas

they sat in waiting

unsuspecting

of a fires power

and the eminent cruelty

approaching

that would ultimately

be

bestowed.

There would be no allies

rushing in to save them.

Flower nymphs

innocent

stayed huddled from the wind

waiting for a moment

when rain

would once again

find its way past the trees

and toss them

to a fairy's soft breeze.

Ohh human butterfly

and their wings

fluttering

no place to hide

no refuse

no wiping of tears

after sorrow

making them

and me... I might add

wise spies

of undying hopefulness.

Tall along the landscape

in a far off land

there are trees

captured

to this very day.

Take a moment

and remember them

like the lily and flowers in waiting

fore time sets on every sunrise

and sunset

in waiting.

Pele set her mark

fire breathing past a lily

no matter

a flowers

pleading

heart.

Pele has her own marks

forever

to impart.

Made into statues

tall posts

reminding all who seek

a history

in love

there was once an angel

a fairies song undying

chanting

with memories

knowing

and yes

understanding

of Pele

and her undying

love.

And so

let it be known

on any shoreline

that a hope is a hope

no matter the skyline.

Copyright 2009

by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

The image is of one of my little watercolor sketches.

Aloha!

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Hawaiian Virtual Tours

(808) 640-7349

Big Island of Hawaii.

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In honor of the volcano Kilauea, on the Big Island of Hawaii.

"From the Womb of God New Earth Does Form"

I feel it in the air

I sense it in the birds

and the trees that stand with grace.

Wild orchids grow free

in honor of today.

I will carefully choose my treasure

and wear it in my hair.

Sweet scent of erotic pleasure

only flowers can bring.

Voices from volcanoes sing...

Ohh...

I hear it

I sense it.

New earth spits out a sound

it is the birthing of new land.

I stand

STILL

Listening.

Listening.

We will walk upon the land

carefully

reverently

praying for mercy

hoping it is within our grasp.

We will look out on the ocean

from a far

hold our hopes intact

as life forms.

Pele will forever guard this trail

weeping tears of coal.

Blended secrets

legends abound

jealous lover

melted on the skyline.

Sacred tales

only a Hawaiian knows

tied with ti leaves

rocks of grace

forever chanting

vibrations humming

dancing

and blessing their sacred sound.

21 March 2008

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

One of the many things you can do in Hawaii... well anywhere of course... Is learn to paint.. connect with your creative side!

Below is an article I wrote on the subject:

Mythical- Magical Journey's to Enchantment - How To Stay Creative

Mythical and magical journey's to enchantment isn't that the road artists of fairy, mermaids, goddesses, unicorns, dragons and and other enchanted creatures seek out? Abstract, pop art, landscapes, seascapes, how to stay inspired.

Do you struggle with how to motivate yourself towards creativity, because at times it does feel flat? I believe there are things we can do, as artists, to stimulate the process. Sometimes those things might be more simple than you might think.

Some of my ideas might work for you and some may not, but you will not know until you try. Goddess art, unicorns, dragons, grim reaper drawings and and other enchanted creatures might just be around the corner.

Some ideas might spin you into another idea, one I had never even dreamed of like pop art or abstract art, you might be more 'creative' towards your own adventure of artistic endeavors. No matter how you get there, with my ideas or your own, the destination needed is the one that catches the light of an idea then acting on it.

I have always been an artist, seeking mythical and magical journey's to enchantment ever since I was a little girl I knew mermaids and fantasy fairies, unicorns lived in my head. Art is all I think about so being creative is just kind of a a force that I can't help. I am not saying that I don't sometimes go short though. I do, but I can usually pull myself out of it by doing simple things.

Watching a DVD on art or artists like Camile Claudel or Basquait... those movies make me feel passionate again.

Books! I have an art library that I constantly add to.. all those art books on sale at Borders and stuff ya know? Who can resist?

I write a lot. I write poetry or stories or articles and post them on ezines. I also post articles 'about art' ... getting out there, how to deal with not being accepted in juried show and things like that. I feed the process.

I keep things around me that make me happy. Sometimes those things are kind of dumb.. I like dolls and tea sets and things that make no sense but who cares I like them.

I join artists groups and enter shows. I volunteered for 'everything'! I was shy at first but I knew that if I volunteered in art clubs, to do anything at all, I would get busy and come out of it. I have.

I go online a lot and look at what other people are creating. I have a MySpace and that is the place that continually surprises and makes me happy because of all the amazing work people do.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!! Keep doing what you love.! You can only get better.. I do.. I get better every time I go to my canvas or put my hands in clay.

DON'T decide you stink based on one thing or one effort. I do that sometimes. If I am shut down somewhere I decide I stink about everything. Stupid but you know how your mind can get going right?

DO ART.. I saw a blog today where an artist posts one new work a day. What a great thing to do! I am thinking about it too.

Lastly, if you are an artist in your heart.. be sure an say so. If people ask you what you do... tell them, "I AM AN ARTIST" ... because you are! Mythical and magical journey's to enchantment are right there within your reach, how cool! Slay the dragon and don't limit yourself, stay inspired by the mermaids and fantasy fairies of youth.

by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

copyright 2008

"Orange Star Bromelaid"

by Kathy Ostman-Magnusen

18x24 oil on canvas, completed 3/07

Description: Guzmania Lingulata, Bromelaid w/ apple green leaves, orange

florescence rosettes.

We are unique... did you know that? Sometimes I forget.

I came across these pics that I added phrases to because they speak to circumstances at times. I send them just because I love them... especially the second baby.

Nothing is impossible

If we take the time to listen we will be blessed...

Ohhh!! Yes we are unique!!

Aloha with hugs that wrap around you when you need them.

Kathy