Tiki Masks

One thing everyone has probably heard about in the Polynesian way of life is the Tiki masks.

What do these well recognized masks represent?

These masks actually represent the four gods in Polynesian culture which are:

Kane (Sunlight)

Ku (War)

Lono (Peace)

Kanaloa (Ocean)

Now you know....

The Tiki Bar

No tropical island is complete without a plethora of tropical drinks.  There is a famous drink called the

 "Mai Tai" which is particularly famous in the Polynesian Islands.  Believe it or not, the story has it that this drink first gained it's popularity in California in the 1940's.  The name "Mai Tai" is Tahitian for "very good".  The recipe for this "Mai Tai" tasting beverage is the following:

• 2 ounces aged rum
• 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice, juiced lime half reserved
• 1/2 ounce orange curaçao
• 1/4 ounce Rich Simple Syrup
• 1/4 ounce orgeat
• 1 cup crushed ice
• 1 mint sprig, for garnish
  
  Source
  
  Now we all can enjoy a piece of this scene.
  
  
  

Sounds of The Islands

In the midst of the madness, there is nothing better than the charm of some island music.  Today, I introduce another island reggae band which formed on the island of Maui back in 1994.

The song I am featuring today is easily one of my favorites of all time.  This song is quite simply magnificently beautiful.  Without further ado, I present their hit song "Honestly"...

LYRICS

I love you, I need you,
To hold me every night.
And when you're feeling lonely,
Girl I'll be by your side.

I'll tell you that I love you so,
I'll hold you and never let you go.
Girl tell me your love belongs to me,
And I love you honestly.

I want you to know that,
I'm always here for you.
Through your bad times, your saddest times
I'll help you see it through.

I'll comfort you when you're alone,
I'll give you love like you never know.
Girl tell me your love belongs to me,
And I love you honestly.

There will be times,
When life will seem unfair,
But you can run to me
'Cause u know girl I will be there.

I'll comfort you when you're alone,
I'll give you love like you never know.
Girl tell me your love belongs to me,
And I love you honestly.

This island song is just as stunning or possibly more when heard live.  I have posted a video below of Ekolu performing live at Aloha Tower.

Fijian Islands - Viti Levu

Welcome to my first destination post.  After some dispute as to what would be the best way to cover this, I have decided that I will be picking out a few highlights and showcasing them with pictures.  As said in my signature "Pacific Dreamland" post, my aim is to one day actually be able to go to these islands and cover fully what makes them tick.  With that, I introduce some attractions of the Fijian Island of Viti Levu.

Natadola Championship Golf Course

Navua River Canyon

Colo-I-Suva Forest Park

Natadola Beach

Indonesian Islands Shout-out

I have noticed today how this site is drawing some viewers from the Indonesian Islands which has delighted me.  This post is a shout-out to all of you from Indonesia.   

Aloha Friday

Have you ever heard of Aloha Friday?  In my blog, I will be holding true to "Aloha Fridays" by posting about the Hawaiian Islands.

What is Aloha?

It is used commonly as a salutation, but to Hawaiians and an island junkie like myself the simple answer would be a way of life.  Below is probably my favorite interpretation of Hawaii's "Aloha Spirit"

A: ala meaning watchful, alertness

L: lokahi meaning working with unity
O: oia'i'o meaning truthful honesty
H: ha'aha'a meaning humility
A: ahonui meaning patient perseverance

(found here)

Something to ponder for the next time you say

Sounds of the Islands

What is the first thing that comes to mind when the word reggae is mentioned?  A whole millisecond later the answer Bob Marley would follow.  Well, Get up, Stand Up and start Jammin' with Three Little Birds to some tunes from the Pacific side, Buffalo Soldier!  There is an excellent reggae band, which began in Oahu, by the name of 

that will be in the spotlight here sporadically.  Today's island tune will surely leave you "chillin' with the radio on."  The groove of the day is none other than "Travlah".  Enjoy!