Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and honoring those who have fallen in the service of our country. In Hawaii, it is a day we visit our gravesites of our loved ones to spend time reminiscing about the fond memories that was shared and place offerings and flowers.

Every year on Memorial Day, Lantern Floating Hawaii hosts a ceremony that brings over 40,000 people together at Ala Moana Beach Park and joined by thousands around the world with a live streaming for an event honoring loved ones. The ceremony brings everyone together to remember, reflect and offering our gratitude for those that have gone before us

For those who are interested in participating, there will be a Lantern Request Tent, located at Ala Moana Beach on May 30, 2016 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, or until the lanterns run out.

The live streaming of the event will be available on May 30, 2016 from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM HST and can be viewed live on Hawaii News Now KGMB.

Over 6,000 candle-lit lanterns will be set afloat from Magic Island in remembrance of loved ones who have passed, or as symbolic prayer for a harmonious and peaceful future.

If you are in Hawaii during Memorial Day, this event is truly one you shouldn’t miss.

For any questions about Waikiki vacation rentals, please contact Marina Hawaii Vacations and an agent would be happy to assist you. We can be reached at 808-946-0716 or info@marinahawaiivacations.com

Here at the Ilikai, Hawaiian language lessons and hula lessons are offered by one of our local shop keepers right in the hotel. Enjoy the tropical breeze in the courtyard as you dance the hula or learn to communicate from a true local, Germaine. She runs her class for condo owners and guests here at the Ilikai multiple times a week. Tuesday and Friday from 4-5 pm is hula dancing, and Wednesday from 4-5 pm is the Hawaiian language class.

Classes are free to owners and $6 per class for guests ($30 per month for long-term tenants).  Simply sign up in her shop, Simply Wood Studios, next to Cinnamon’s on the lobby level of the hotel. Germaine will gladly be your new kumu! For now, check out this list of useful phrases and words to study until you join us here in Waikiki:

Ahupua’a – Land divisions set up in a complex system by ancient Hawaiians (you’ll see this word on brown street signs, marking the divisions)

A hui hou – until we meet again/ goodbye

‘Aina – land, island (a favorite phrase you can use when you unexpectedly see someone you know on the island—“Small Aina!”)

‘A’ole pilikia – you’re welcome/no problem

Aloha – hello, goodbye, love, the happy spirit of the people that permeates the islands

E komo mai! – Welcome, enter (You’ll see this phrase on a sign in our office here at the Ilikai)

Hale – house, building (“Honolulu Hale” is the name of the city hall; decorated extravagantly with lights every Christmas season—a must see!)

Hana hou – Encore, do it again

Hau’oli La Hanau! – Happy Birthday

Hau’oli Makahiki Hou! – Happy New Year (check out the fireworks over the lagoon this New Year’s Eve, or every Friday night, easily visible from our property)

Haupia – A Hawaiian coconut flavored pudding/jello (featured in many Hawaiian desserts, our favorite is haupia & Okinawan sweet potato pie)

Honi Honi— kiss

Honu – turtle (catch a glimpse of these on the North Shore)

Kai – Sea, sea water

Kane – male/man (you’ll see this word often on restroom signs)

Keiki – child/children

Kokua – help, assistance (you’ll see this word everywhere, and in the spirit of the locals)

Lanai— balcony/patio/porch (this is where you enjoy the Hawaiian breeze!)

Lani— the sky/heavens (attached to the end of many womens’ names)

Lei – a symbol of honor or affection, a necklace made of flowers/leaves/feathers/nuts/shells (many leis have special meanings and history, depending on the materials used)

Limu— seaweed (Ahi limu is a local favorite way to eat poke!)

Lu’au – Hawaiian feast; young taro leaves (edible and often used in cooking)

Mahalo – Thank you

Makana – gift/ present

Manuahi – Free

Mauka – Toward the mountains (this word and the next word on the list re used to give directions on the island)

Makai– Toward the ocean

Nalu – wave, surf

Nani– beautiful, pretty

Nui loa – very much (ie, “Mahalo nui loa,” meaning thank you very much, or “Aloha nui loa,” meaning very much love)

‘Ohana – family

Ono – a type of white fish common in Hawaii

‘Ono – delicious (“’ono grindz!” = “delicious food!”)

Pau – done, finished, over (usually said in a celebratory fashion)

Pau Hana – after work (this is mostly used to describe after-work festivities, socialization, and relaxing for drinks with friends and family)

Pehea ‘oe? – How are you?

Poi – A staple in the Hawaiian diet, a thick liquid made from pounded taro root and water

Poke– raw fish cut into cubes and usually seasoned, served as pupu or as a meal with rice (ahi poke, tako poke, etc)

Pupu– appetizers/ small dishes (we like to eat here in Hawaii, so no meeting for drinks is complete without pupus!)

Tako– octopus (you will definitely see this on menus, but you might also see spear fishermen with a few of these in their catch bag)

Wahine – Female/woman (again, you’ll often see this on restroom signs)

Wai– water (fresh, normally)

Mahalo for reading, and we’ll see you soon in Waikiki! Aloha! A hui hou!

For any questions about Waikiki vacation rentals, please contact Marina Hawaii Vacations and an agent would be happy to assist you. We can be reached at 808-946-0716 or info@marinahawaiivacations.com

Susie Bowman                                  Blayne Koike

Reservations Agent                        Reservations Agent

Mar 8 – 7:00 PM

Blue Note Hawaii

http://bluenotehawaii.com/

Santana

Mar 8- 8:00 pm

Neal S. Blaisdell Arena

http://www.blaisdellcenter.com/

Truck and Jeep Fest

Mar. 9- Mar 10

Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall

http://www.blaisdellcenter.com/

Honolulu Festival

Mar 11 – Mar 13

Throughout Honolulu

http://www.honolulufestival.com/

Hawaii On Tap Beer Festival

Mar 12 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm

Blaisdell Exhibition Hall

http://www.blaisdellcenter.com/

Hawaii Symphony Orchestra: Joel Revzen & Joyce Yang – Gardens of Spain in Honolulu

3/12 7:30 pm

Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall

http://hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org/

Shakey Graves

Mar 15 – 8:00 PM

The Republik

http://jointherepublik.com/

Kona Nui Nights

Mar 16 from 6:00-8:00 pm

Ward Village Courtyard

http://www.wardvillageshops.com/event/kona-nui-nights/2145454117

A Tribute to Judy Garland

Mar 18 7:30 pm

Blaisdell Concert Center

http://hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org/

French Romance

Mar 20 4:00 pm

Blaisdell Concert Center

http://hawaiisymphonyorchestra.org/

Easter Brunch at Waimea Valley

Mar 27

Two seatings: 10:00 am and 12:30 pm

Keiki Easter Egg hunt: 12:00 pm

http://www.waimeavalley.net/

For any questions about Waikiki vacation rentals, please contact Marina Hawaii Vacations and an agent would be happy to assist you. We can be reached at 808-946-0716 or info@marinahawaiivacations.com