While daydreaming about your Hawaii vacation, visions of women in grass skirts adorning your neck with a beautiful lei upon your arrival at the airport have undoubtedly crossed your mind.  Before Hawaii saw millions of visitors per day, that was the case.  Unfortunately, unless you are meeting someone who was thoughtful enough to greet you with a lei, you may be disappointed to learn that if you want a lei to wear, you are going to have to buy your own from airport vendors.  That is, unless you arrange to be greeted at the airport by Honolulu Lei Greetings.

It was during the time of the 19th century when the early Western missionaries took notice of the need to have the natives be properly clothed in preparation for their conversion to Christianity. The shirts with flamboyant colors and tropical prints were conceptualized. But it wasn't until the mid-1930 when it went into full production.  

Research discovers stories of a Waikiki, Honolulu Chinese merchant by the name of Mr. Ellery Chun and owner of King-Smith Clothiers and Dry Goods, who was believed to be the pioneer of the Aloha Shirt. Along with his sister, Ethel Chun Lum, they manufactured the first vibrantly colored, floral, short-sleeved shirt from left-over kimono fabric.

Do you love to party? Do you enjoy fun party theme? Then Luaus are great for you! At Hawaii, Luaus are traditional ways to celebrate graduations, weddings, baby's first birthday or any for just any reasons to party. Most of the time, Hawaii Luaus are held in the backyard and under tents. The tents used for Luaus are decorated with ferns, heleconia and red gingers.

Are you planning on having a party soon?  Then, why not have a luau?

One reason that you may state for not having such a party is that it is difficult to find the supplies that you need.  However, this is not the case any longer thanks to Oriental Trading.  Here you will be able to find everything that you need.  This includes decorations, leis, apparel and accessories.  You can even find tropical treats to give to your guests to take home with them so that they can remember the occasion for a long time to come.

The world's love of Hawaiian jewelry was born in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Princess Liliuokalani was presented with gifts of jewelry at Queen Victoria's Jubilee. The stunning simple gold design was offset by elegant and intricate lettering, which spelled the princess's name in Old English lettering. She was so impressed with the style that she had some crafted for other members of her family. The Royal Family then commissioned all goldsmiths throughout the land learn this art of jewel crafting. 

The island of Hawaii prides itself with having the most abundant harvest of lavender. Several Hawaii lavender farms sit on the island and manufacture more than a few products made from the fragrant flower.  

One famous lavender farm is the Ali'I Kula Lavender of Maui. It embarked on the business in February 2002 and opened its doors to visitors wishing to enjoy the beauty of their Lavender Walking Tours. Ali'I Kula Lavender sits on 8.5 acres of land, with over 25,000 lavender plants blooming and more than 40 different lavender varieties. The owners Alii Chang and Easter Martin greatly take pride in their lavender farm. Martin is the one brewing different concoctions for the lavender, while Chang is the grower and harvester.

This article is going to give a brief history lesson for those who aren't familiar with the USS Arizona. The tragedy that changed our world and a memorial that won't let us forget.

At approximately 8:10 am, the USS Arizona exploded, having been hit by a 1,760 pound armor-piercing bomb that slammed through her deck and ignited her forward ammunition magazine. In less than nine minutes, she sank with 1,177 of her crew, a total loss. The wreck was not salvaged, and continues to lie at the floor of the harbor. It is the site of a memorial to those who perished on that day. Oil leaks from the hull and still rises to the surface of the water to this day.

The Merrie Monarch Festival is an annual cultural affair held in Hilo, Hawaii ("Big Island"). It is a week- long celebration attended by various hula schools, "halau," not only from the islands of Hawaii but also those from the US Mainland and Japan. This event is regarded as the most prestigious Hula competition. The festival is devoted to King David Kalakaua, known as the Merrie Monarch. During his reign, King David Kalakaua reinstated the cultural traditions and preserved portions of the nation's history that were lost by the influence of Protestant Missionaries.