Disney's Polynesian Resort

The influences of the islands span much further than the islands themselves.  In Orlando, Florida, there is Disney's Polynesian Resort.  The resort first opened it's doors in 1971.  They have a themed dinner "Ohana" which I remember attending when I was little.  ("Ohana" means family, by the way, and family means that no one is left behind.)  During the dinner, I remember there being an activity to the tune "The Tiki Room" which was enjoyable and the overall experience was tremendous.  On a later Disney World Trip, I was taken to their Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show.  While this several years ago as well, I remember that the fire torches were a really fascinating aspect of the show and it was the first time I had ever seen hula dancers.  I have to say Disney does an excellent job of taking the South Pacific way of life and bringing it closer to home.  Below is a little slideshow I put together of their resort.

     

Mele Kalikimaka

As Santa Claus starts surfing to town tonight, Pacific Dreamland wishes everyone a 

(Video by username sandroxmas)

Bing Crosby's Mele Kalikimaka Lyrics

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day 
That's the island greeting that we send to you from the land where palm trees sway
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say Merry Christmas to you

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day
That's the island greeting that we send to you from the land where palm trees sway 
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright 
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night 
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say Merry Christmas to you 

Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright 
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night 
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say Merry Christmas to you 

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day
That's the island greeting that we send to you from the land where palm trees sway
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night 
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way to say Merry Christmas
A very Merry Christmas, a very, very, Merry, Merry Christmas to you

Perseverence

Ekolu's new album is available today on itunes.

Interesting fact: The name Perseverance came from when Ekolu spoke to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (singer of Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World) at his performance in Maui Zoo at 14 years old.  IZ told Ekolu to go home and look up the word "perseverance" because he knew the word was for Ekolu.  Today, we see and here perseverance in action from them.  I believe we all could take a valuable lesson away from this.

Visit Team Ekolu's page for more details of their story and music.

Island 98.5

Two years ago, I first stumbled across a reggae station by the name of island 98.5.  This station is based in Honolulu, Hawaii and first aired in 1988.  Fun fact: the first song I heard on this station that brought my attention to this genre was Ups and Downs by Ho'okoa.  

Listen live here:

Ocean Serenity

It is that time again... let's all have another round at marveling at the beauty of the islands. This Ocean Serenity clip is a collection found of Bora Bora night pictures put to music that really matches the mystique of the island.

Site Updates: New Look

You may have noticed that things look slightly different here.  The boarders have been eliminated and the background is now entirely Bora Bora for your viewing pleasure.

Mulligans of Paradise

Dashing through the snow, on a pair of broken skiis....  Who's idea is winter anyways?  

I think it is high tide for another "Mulligans of Paradise". 

The course, Le-Panina, is the only course in Samoa that is a part of the PGA tour (as of 2009).  It has a par of 72 and is full of beautiful views which can be seen in this clip. Enjoy!

Perseverance

We are now a week away from Ekolu's release of Perseverance.  The excitement is growing...
I have even found a remix of their "Provide for You" track which is on the album.  This video was posted by username Keldin Calairo and is a fantastic remix of this tune.

Ooh la Aloha Friday

"Won't you come over love, so I can show you love."  

If you are wondering where this line comes from, it is a line from Anuhea. Anuhea is a guitarist and songwriter from Maui.  In 2006, this beautiful lady attended the Miss Maui Pageant.  

Well, I think this picture has just brought an all new meaning to Pacific Dreamland's 

slogan:  "Anything tropical is fair game." 

On that note...

Below is one of her hit songs "Come Over Love"

Sounds of the Islands

Today brings some exciting news from the Maui reggae band Ekolu.  They have announced that there will be a new album release from them in time for Christmas.

Perseverance is launching on Christmas Eve and I am super excited to hear what they have in store for this album.  A single from this album has already been released by the title of "Provide for You" which is an excellent island groove.  If you are in eyesight of this message and enjoy island music like me, you can preorder their album at their site "Ekolu Music" 

Pearl Harbor

Seventy-two years from today was the infamous bombing of Pearl Harbor on the island of Honolulu. This surprise attack was lead by Japanese soldiers and consisted of 21 ships and about 200 planes.  The bombing of the U.S. military base resulted in 2,300 casualties which have been remembered through the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial since its opening in 1962.  

Tour information can be found here

The Pacific Crown Jewel

Did you know?

Bora Bora is claimed to be first inhabited by Polynesian settlers in the ninth century.

The settlers first named this island Vauvau.

Vauvau was conquered in the late 1800's by French settlers and became known as "Pora Pora". Pora means "first born" in their language.

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941,  The United States took an interest in "Pora Pora" and built an airstrip and established a military base there to keep war supplies.  

There is a cannon on the island that is an artifact of the war days on this island.  

The name Pora Pora was so frequently butchered and said as "Bora Bora" that it became the name that we know the island by today.  

The military base was eventually abandoned due to lack of activity and the base and airstrip became the airport.  It's location is presently called Motu Mute (a motu is a tiny island just of the coast of the main island of Bora Bora).

Since then it is described as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world. 

"The Pacific Crown Jewel"

Children's Hospital John S. Knight Christmas Tree Festival

By now, it is my hope that you should see that this is not your ordinary daydreaming of tropical destinations site. Today's topic is the annual Children's Hospital Christmas Tree Festival that has been carried out during the week leading up to Thanksgiving for 32 years now.

I have visited this festival every year since I was born and remember the earlier days of this festival where there were the trees on display in Quaker Square and it was a family tradition to eat in the train restaurant (followed by delicious oatmeal cookies at the snack shop shown in third picture below.)

Quaker Square area

The restaurant

Dessert time!

In 2008, Quaker Square was sold to Akron University... it was great while it lasted. 

A little side note on how the history of how the festival began.... It all started with a tree of baby pictures. 

So there is a quick walk down memory lane. Now, it's time to answer the question "What in great green palm trees is this doing here?"  Well, on an almost yearly basis there is a Hawaiian themed tree that appears.  This year, this said tree appears in a photo below....

Lastly, I have created a video collection of the trees we have donated over the years...

Taste of the Pacific (Thanksgiving)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Below is a list of some Thanksgiving treats that are popular in Hawaii:

Steamed Mahi Mahi Laulau

Guava-Lime Coolers

Macadamia Nut Stuffing

Pineapple Upside Down Biscuits

Ocean Serenity (Hawaii)

The "Ocean Serenity" series is back for more. This time it is a clip focusing on Hawaii Attractions including Waikiki, Na Pali Coast, Volcanoes National Park, Road to Hana, Akaka Falls, Aloha Tower, and no Hawaii Serenity video is complete without hula dancers.  Some of these have already been posted here while others will be featured in later posts.  The song used here is the beautiful tune Honestly by Ekolu.  Enjoy the show!

"Hawaii Serenity"

Aloha Friday: Na Pali Coast

There is an attraction on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai that raises interest 4000 feet above sea level. The Na Pali Coast is a sixteen mile stretch of mountainous land that spans from Ke'e Beach to Polihale State Park. 

The Na Pali Coast is only accessible via helicopter, The Kalalau Trail, or by sea.  The Norwegian Pride of America sails by this landmark on the last day of their Hawaiian seven night inter-island voyages.  Below is a video posted of this stunning piece of land shot from the Pride of America.

Sounds of the Islands

"My heart does the tango with every little move you make..."

It is time for a little ukulele groove by


Their tune "Drop Baby Drop" was released in 2004.  Notice how it remixes a few lines from "Who Loves You Pretty Baby" by Franki Valley. Below is the song in action.

LYRICS

My heart does the tango,
with every little move you make
I love you like a mango,
`cause we can make it everyday

I want you to drop baby, drop baby, drop,
got to drop all your love on me,
Drop baby, drop baby, drop, 

drop `cause I'm hungry

drop baby, drop baby, drop,
got to drop all your love on me,
drop baby, drop baby, drop.
drop 'cause I'm hungry

My nights would be so lonely, (lonely)
if ever you should choose to go (to go)
I`d live just like a zombie, (zombie)
with very little love to show

I want you to drop baby, drop baby, drop,
drop all your love on me
Drop baby, drop baby, drop, 

drop `cause I'm hungry

drop baby, drop baby, drop,
drop all your love on me
drop baby, drop baby, drop,
drop 'cause I'm hungry

----------------------Instrumental---------------------------

Who loves you pretty baby,
who`s gonna help you through the night
Who loves you pretty mama,
who`s always there to make it right
who loves you(who loves you pretty baby)
who's gonna love you mama, baby drop


My heart does the tango, (tango)
with every little move you make(you make)
I love you like a mango,(mango)
`cause we can make it everyday

I want you to drop baby, drop baby, drop,
drop all your love on me
Drop baby, drop baby, drop, 

drop `cause I'm hungry

drop baby. drop baby, drop,
drop all your love on me,
drop baby, drop baby, drop,
drop 'cause I'm hungry
drop baby drop baby drop...

 

Ocean Serenity

Believe it or not, this is Pacific Dreamland's 50th post.  Looking back at the recurring themes, "The Pacific Crown Jewel", "Sounds of the Islands" and "Island Remixes", "Mulligans of Paradise", "Going Coconuts" to name a few.  I am amazed of the creativity that has gone into creating this site.

With that, do you remember "Ocean Serenity"? Well, who couldn't use some more marveling at the beauty of sunsets?  Below is a compilation of Bora Bora sunsets which I hope to see in person one day soon. 

Going Coconuts

A while ago, I created a post about the uses of the coconut.  As it turns out, this is my most viewed post as of today.  Back by popular demand is "Going Coconuts". Today, we are answering the question "what's for dessert?"

Key Lime Cheesecake

1) 15 shortbread cookies crushed1 cup flaked coconut toasted


 2) tablespoons butter melted

FILLING:

3) 3 packages (8 ounces each) PHILADELPHIA® 1/3 Less Fat
Cream Cheese



4) Spread 3/4 cup sugar

5) 3/4 cup cream of coconut

6) 3 tablespoons 2% milk

7) 3/4 teaspoon rum extract



8) 3 eggs lightly beaten

TOPPING:

9) 1/2 fresh pineapple peeled and cored

10) 3 tablespoons apple jellyEdible blossoms, optional

Directions

Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan.


In a small bowl, combine cookie crumbs and coconut; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325° for 8-10 minutes or until set and lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack.


In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the cream of coconut, milk and extract. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over crust. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1 in. of hot water to larger pan.


Bake at 325° for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.


Thinly slice pineapple; arrange on cheesecake. Warm apple jelly; brush over pineapple. Refrigerate until chilled. Just before serving, garnish with blossoms if desired. Yield: 12 servings.

"If you like Pina Coladas and getting caught in the rain..."

This recipe and more can be found here.

Mulligans of Paradise

"What a day for a daydream...."

Now here's a scene I am all "FORE"!

There is a course in Fiji called Natadola Bay.  Below is a video that describes this featured "Mulligans of Paradise" course.  The line said in the video, "An even-par score card should be cherished as much as the scenery here" is an absolute classic.  This course is full of majestic opportunities to decorate coral reefs with white pellets with 15 out of the 18 holes viewing the Pacific Ocean.  An 18 hole round here is listed at $238 (actual rate may vary). 

Visit course website here for more information
Direct link to a Hole by Hole layout of this course

The Trophy Polo

Before I was into islands, I collected golf balls from the places I visited (Are you starting to see a connection as to why there is a whole section featuring tropical golf courses here called "Mulligans of Paradise"?).  Beginning with the Carnival Freedom cruise, which was mentioned in the previous post, a ritual developed of collecting polo shirts from each island I set foot on.  The following polo I would consider to be the future Pacific Dreamland trophy.

and for even more fun... "The Trophy Golf Ball"

Song Parody

Today, I am once again stretching the limits of this site's motto "Anything tropical is fair game". Two years back, before I really knew much of anything about the Pacific Islands, I wrote the following parody in anticipation for an upcoming cruise on the Carnival Freedom in 2012. Before I get to the parody, however, you must know the song and the original lyrics since it is a rather obscure tune for this day and age.

"Forever and Ever"
Demis Roussos

ORIGINAL LYRICS

Ever and ever, forever and ever you'll be the one 
That shines in me like the morning sun. 
Ever and ever, forever and ever you'll be my spring, 
My rainbow's end and the song I sing. 

Take me far beyond imagination. 
You're my dream come true, my consolation. 

Ever and ever, forever and ever you'll be my dream, 
My symphony, my own lover's theme. 
Ever and ever, forever and ever my destiny 
Will follow you eternally. 

Take me far beyond imagination. 
You're my dream come true, my consolation. 

Ever and ever, forever and ever you'll be the one 
That shines in me like the morning sun. 
Ever and ever, forever and ever my destiny 
Will follow you eternally

ON BOARD THE FREEDOM PARODY LYRICS

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom I'll be the one

Snapping kodak shots of the morning sun.

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom the steel drums ring,

and four full plates from the buffet, I bring...

Take me far beyond imagination.

Sailing the vast ocean is my fascination!

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom it is a dream,

The solution to my math proofs it seems.

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom creating memories
that will follow me eternally. 

Take me far beyond imagination.
Sailing the vast ocean is my fascination!

On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom give me D.O.D's, wacky contests, and more food please.
On board the Freedom, On board the Freedom creating memories,
that will follow me eternally.

Island Remixes

We have arrived at the final post of this week of island remixes where famous hits of the past and island rhythms unite.  In closing of this week's special tribute to famous artists, I can think of no better song to feature than one by the Everly Brothers.  Dreaming is the visualization of something that is just out of reach.  It is a mentality that, sadly, never makes it past the daydreaming stage for most before being labeled as something derogatory such as "crazy".  This song goes out to all of the dreamers out there trying to make a difference.  Without further ado, here's "All I Have to do is Dream" by Everly Brothers.

LYRICS

Dream, dream, dream, dream

Dream, dream, dream, dream

When I want you in my arms

When I want you and all your charms

Whenever I want you, all I have to do is

Dream, dream, dream, dream

When I feel blue in the night

And I need you to hold me tight

Whenever I want you, all I have to do is Dream

I can make you mine, taste your lips of wine

Anytime night or day

Only trouble is, gee whiz

Im dreamin my life away

I need you so that I could die

I love you so and that is why

Whenever I want you, all I have to do is 

Dream, dream, dream, dream

I can make you mine, taste your lips of wine

Anytime night or day

Only trouble is, gee whiz

Im dreamin my life away

I need you so that I could die

I love you so and that is why

Whenever I want you, all I have to do is

Dream, dream, dream, dream

Dream, dream, dream, dream

ISLAND REMIX TIME!

Introducing another Polynesian reggae artist Pati.  Pati is known by the nickname "The Polynesian Prince".  The album that made him famous is by the name of "Nesian" which was released in 2001.  

From this album, is the Everly Brothers remix "All I Have to do is Dream".

Island Remixes

Name that classic:

"It's late in the evening, she's wondering what clothes to wear..."

You guessed it... this would be none other than "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton.  Eric Clapton is the only artist to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times. The first as a solo guitarist, then playing with Yardbirds, and the third time with Cream. The song "Wonderful Tonight" was written while Clapton was waiting to attend a Buddy Holly party (which explains the opening lines.... it must have been a long wait!)

LYRICS

It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear. 

She puts on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair. 
And then she asks me, "Do I look all right?" 
And I say, "Yes, you look wonderful tonight." 

We go to a party and everyone turns to see 
This beautiful lady that's walking around with me. 
And then she asks me, "Do you feel all right?" 
And I say, "Yes, I feel wonderful tonight." 

I feel wonderful because I see 
The love light in your eyes. 

And the wonder of it all 
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you. 
It's time to go home now and I've got an aching head, 
So I give her the car keys and she helps me to bed. 

And then I tell her, as I turn out the light, 
I say, "My darling, you were wonderful tonight. 
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight."

On that note it's.....

ISLAND REMIX TIME

I don't actually have any information about this song other than that it exists and you can listen to it below.

credit for the remix goes to username Ratu Seru

Island Remixes

"Lonely...I'm Mr. Lonely, I have nobody for my own..."

Island Remixes week continues with a feature of Bobby Vinton's hit Mr. Lonely. Bobby Vinton is most well known for his Blue Velvet cover originally by Tony Bennett in 1951.  The inspiration of the Mr. Lonely (written in 1964) is Vinton's service as a chaplin in the army. 

The classic live:

LYRICS

Lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely

I have nobody for my own

I am so lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely

Wish I had someone to call on the phone

Now I'm a soldier, a lonely soldier

Away from home through no wish of my own

That's why I'm lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely

I wish that I could go back home

Letters, never a letter

I get no letters in the mail

I've been forgotten, yes, forgotten

Oh how I wonder, how is it I failed

Now I'm a soldier, a lonely soldier

Away from home through no wish of my own

That's why I'm lonely, I'm Mr. Lonely
I wish that I could go back home

The loneliness continues with Akon's version of this song.....

ISLAND REMIX TIME!

Introducing the Polynesian reggae artist Norm. Norm has released five albums which are The Best of Norm, I Belong 2 U, Stay With Me, Unforgettable Dream, and Just the Norm. His most recent album was released in 2004(?). Below is Norm's interpretation of Mr. Lonely and you may notice that only the chorus resembles Bobby Vinton's classic. This song does not have any quality videos that I could find....so I made one myself.