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!