Kaho’olawe; also known as Kohemalamalama’okanaloa, is translated as “the holy genitals of the Ocean God Kanaloa” and is the only island throughout Polynesia to be named after a God. The following are my accounts of this sacred island, which only allows twelve private accesses per year.
I have been paddling outrigger canoes with the Hawaiian canoe club on Maui for the past four years and every year has been a life changing experience. Paddling an outrigger canoe is a spiritual, as well a physical sport. Our ancestors paddled and voyaged across the Pacific on these vessels to find their home here in Hawai’i. Without the canoe, there would be no Hawaiians.
In addition to competing in weekly regattas, our canoe club also takes paddlers on many cultural excursions to connect with our roots. We learn many oli (chants) and protocol in order to immerse ourselves in the Hawaiian way of life.
The excursion most paddlers take to heart is Kaho’olawe. The island was formerly used as target practice for the United States military from the late 60’s up until 1990, with countless other countries invited to test their arsenal as well. In 1976, a group calling themselves the Protect Kaho’olawe Ohana (PKO) filed a lawsuit in federal court to stop the Navy’s use of Kaho’olawe for military training. On March 18, 1981, the entire island was added to the National Register of Historic Places and in 1990, President George H. W. Bush ordered an end to live-fire training on the island.
The land was riddled with bullets and shrapnel. Unexploded ordinance scattered the land which was claimed, at the time, to never be habitable again.
After years of constant effort, this sacred island is being revived, thanks to groups such as the PKO and the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) by clearing ordinance, replanting vegetation and removing invasive goats.
My morning started off on Maui at Makena beach, a typical spot of departure. The sun had yet to appear in the morning sky and the cool ocean breeze gently kissed our cheeks. A pule (Hawaiian prayer) was said and the canoes were launched. The crystal clear ocean below glistened like a sapphire blanket in the rising sun as our paddles thrust into the sea. Our destination drew closer, Kaho’olawe was within our grasp.
We were welcomed by the beach stones beneath our feet. An oli was chanted asking for permission to enter. We were received. The day was young yet the sun was blazing while thorns littered the ground. For some, it would seem like a barren wasteland, but for us, it was a journey into the past.
Camp was set up, yet there was much work to be done, gathering wood and weeding. Strenuous labor, indeed, but the land needed tending to.
Dawn, and all were awoken by the sound of the pu (conch shell) blown like a horn. Today the group would encircle the entire island on canoe. We launched with the sun just barely in sight. The water raged with the fury of Kanaloa himself. Wave after wave was driven into the canoes, but our will power was stronger. It seemed as though the hands of Kanaloa lifted the front of the hull, as it continually rose above the water’s surface before crashing back down. It was the biggest thrill of my life.
Exhausted and feeling near death, our ka’apuni (to encircle) was complete. The next morning was another early quest through Kaho’olawe’s crimson terrain. An all day hike up the mountain awaited our wake from slumber. The trek was an amazing experience. Although the sun was relentless, the ocean breeze spared us mercy as we trailed toward the sky. We stopped when we reached the peak, and were asked to remove our shoes in order to connect with our roots and ancestors through the earth. We gazed upon the surrounding islands and could feel the mana (spiritual energy) coming from the landscape. An unbelievable occurrence, we left the mountain enlightened.
The island of Kaho’olawe gives off an energy of sort. It is alive, even breathing. It speaks, but only to those who open their ears to hear it’s voice. And by hearing that voice, those who travel deep enough understand why they will always return to keep that voice alive. We came to the island a team of paddlers who sought out the adventure of a lifetime, and we left as a family who discovered the legend in disguise.
Daniel Kamakanaola Ho of Kahului, Hawaii won Honorable Mention for this essay.
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I love how you focus on the actual trip. You have a very distinctive style. This was funny and entertaining.
this looks interesting! I will be in San Diego come November to attend the convention of the National Association of Realtors. I will include this beach to my "must see" . Im pretty excited to see this place.
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Hi, by baby is nearly 4 weeks old and i have started back at work but on nights, i have been getting txt's and phone calls off my partner all night saying that our baby has non stop crying since i left for work today. We think it is down to that he knows that i am not there and is crying out for me. Could anyone be able to give me some advise on how my partner could settle him pleas.
thank you Daddy I
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Thanks
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hhhmmm…i wonder why does the Boracay beach in Philippines not in the list..
Here is all the letter needs to say:
(Date)
I (parent's name), authorize my child/children, (child/children’s name) to travel to (destination) on (date of travel) aboard Airline/Flight # (flight information) with (accompanying adults), returning on (date of return).
Signed by parent or parents
Address:
Telephone/Contact:
Notary Public Signature/Seal
I want there, with my family.
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SameProb –
we hear some users have been having trouble getting these documents via email. It's really hard to troubleshoot this, so if you don't get the documents, can you please email us at ftf[at]familytravelforum.com and we'll make sure to send you the links. Posting your complaints here won't help at all! thanks, and sorry for the hassle-
Hi Derek,
Although there are regulations about transporting minors between some U.S. states (and they vary), our members have never reported a problem with this. It's mainly an issue transporting minors over national borders.
In any case, we subscribe to the "Better safe than sorry" school of travel. Therefore, why not ask the girls' mother to fill out the Permission to Travel letter with her contact info, and give you a copy of the girls' birth certificates to verify the Mom's identity, so that you have some paperwork with you.
While traveling, it sounds like you may be able to reach her by phone in case there's any trouble at the airport, but we don't anticipate there would be.
Let us know if you have any other questions and safe move –
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Same problem — if you go thru the hassle of requesting these via the email link, you get sent to a page that isn't working. Don't bother trying to get them!!!
Excellent overview of a very un-touristy part of Amsterdam
I do not have legal custody of my soon to be step-daughters and their mother needs me to take them with me to Alaska (I am staioned up there) before she can head up there herself. she has to stay behind for another week to finish selling the house. What legal documentation am I going to need for them to fly with me to Alaska?
These ideas are great. I studied abroad when I was a junior in college. I lived in Florence, Italy for the summer with the American Institue of Foreign Study. It was a great program, but I really wish I had some of these tips when I was planning my journey.
What is the average weather Aug-Oct?
Hi from Spain,
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saludos desde España
Richard Harris
The Iberostar resort complex in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic also allows you to stay at one resort while enjoying the restaurants, bars, and entertainment in the other Iberostar Resorts.
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Big thanks for keeping me awake and entertained.
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Hi David,
This same document "Permission to Travel Letter" is good whether a minor under 18 years is traveling with one birth parent or none. Just adjust the information you provide in it.
thanks, let us know if you have problems!
Tthe Information about the documents required for the children for traveling abroad is great! You have provided the required form is appreciated and made more convinient.
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You can find great local food restaurants with great service and good prices, for instance in Jaffa their are great fish and seafood restaurants, and you can not visit Israel with trying humus.
Maybe next time….
looking for single parent or one-parent authorization form letter
Visited parkmall today. Out of Africa BBQ and Steakhouse is on soft opening. This is my report! Details come from the manager and owners who gave me a tour….it is like a museum!
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Hi PatSea, sorry to be getting back to you so late! As a matter of fact, I did go to the plate boundry, it was incredible, very cool and slightly scary! I was able to do both the Golden Circle tour and the plate boundry area in only two days, so you should be fine! Iceland was amazing, and two days is really all you need to see the major geological sites!
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Maybe discuss with children what sort of attractions or venues that they would like to specifically visit. Visit/research online tourist/city web sites and engage with the the site and children, as to what is relevant or of interest to them for later visits.
This might generate incentives for them (and perhaps all) to look foward to. This may reduce any chance of them trying to wander off (or pester you), without your knowledge, to try find a nearby venue to the hotel, for their satisfaction/entertainment. Then parents can arrange for visits for their children, or ideally for the whole family to their chosen attractions or venues.
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Does anyone out there recommend the Four Seasons Maui for teenagers or should we go next door to the Grand Wailea?
There are lots of ways to have fun without cost. Fun without cost is something that many of us used to have when we were children – times when laughter was easy, we didn't worry about personal loans or what many other people thought. Even going to the movies has become an expensive proposition, but there are ways to have fun without spending money. Like cooking food in dinner to be share with the family together instead of eating in the restaurant. Also, going to beach together. Cheap and affordable beaches can be your destination for a summer vacation.
I didn't really like the Poble Espanol because it was pretty touristy but the kids kind of liked it. DOn't miss Parc Guell, it's the best of all the Gaudi attractions for children as it's outside and a real park with crazy architecture and elements. Kids like the cable car ride to Montjuic too – be sure to get an ice cream at when you unload – you can get a cone that loads three scoops across on a super wide cone.
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