Mahalo for Reading

When you ask a vendor for the Kama’aina rate it Hana, (or anywhere else in Hawaii I presume) you are asking if there’s any type of discount for locals. It’s common here and at Hana Fresh, an adorable fruit stand down the road, there’s always special Kama’aina rates. However, a week ago, when a slightly paler Chelsea and I asked for a Kama’aina rate from some local fisherman selling their freshly caught ahi, we were laughed at. We walked away, slightly embarrassed, our faces probably a little redder than when we arrived… 

It’s a strange feeling, living and working here, and not trying to be too much like a tourist. Receiving Kama’aina at Hana Fresh isn’t too bad anymore, I think they might be beginning to recognize us; but it’s always safe to say that it’s for Krista at Hana Tropicals. Once however, when I reached for the two dollar lettuce bag, (special price for us Kama’aina-ers) instead of the five dollar bag, a kind woman informed me that it was just for locals. She must have just learned the hard way… When I looked up at her, with an expression clearly stating I had it under control, she quickly added “Oh but you probably already know that! Sorry!” I started to feel a little local, and it felt good.

A local I will never be however, but it’s kind of fun and awkward at the same time, to play one. But I have no shame acting like a tourist, that’s for sure! Hawaii is just too exciting, too exotic and different from any other place that I’ve traveled too; I just have to take pictures of everyplace I go.

Whenever we go out somewhere for a couple hours, to the beach or into town, Chelsea’s always like, “Hannah! (or Margie as she now calls me….if you know Chelsea, you’d understand…) What should I be bringing!?!” I always leave, like a tourist, with anything I might need, camera without a doubt, in tow.

Learning the beautiful Hawaiian language has become a great step in this local/tourist limbo I’m stuck in for the next two and a half months. Here’s the short list of what I’ve grasped so far:

Mahalo - Thank You

‘Aina - The Land

‘Ohana- Family

Kupuna- an Elder (so of course very wise, and should be listened too!)

Pule-Prayer

Aloha of course, the phrase we all know isn’t just used here for hello or goodbye; it’s a way of life. It’s love, it’s kindness, affection, compassion and so much more. When you truly recognize the Aloha spirit and way of life, and realize what it means to Hawaii and the native people who have lived here, worked this land, celebrated it’s traditions, is perhaps when you are truly Kama’aina.

Last night, all the workers of Hana Tropicals shared a lovely dinner of fresh ahi, at Ian and Krista’s. We held hands as Ian lead us in a Pule before eating in their outdoor kitchen, with gorgeous views of both the mountains and the ocean, Aloha spirit felt amongst us all.

Aloha, and mahlo for reading :)