PALZ Newsletter: October
Aloha! E komo mai (pronounced ah-low-hah, eh koh-moh-my), PALZ friends! That means, “Hello! Welcome!”
If you haven’t guessed already our destination for this month is the beautiful state of Hawaii. Hawaii, the only state that’s an island chain, joined the U.S. as the 50th state in 1959. Did you know that it was once a kingdom with ruling kings and queens?
Exciting news! The PALZ team has been invited to a luau (loo-ow) in Honolulu. We’ve never been to a luau. I had the team investigate what happens at a luau and you’re invited too!
So…. E hele kakou! (Ay haylay KAH kow). That means, “Come along!”
Activities
Miss Kitty’s Intel
Wow! I have discovered some amazing facts about the history of the Hawaiian people and the luau!
Hundreds of years ago groups of Polynesian explorers set out in canoe-like boats to look for a new place to live. They sailed thousands of miles and landed on the islands of Hawaii. They brought plants and animals, like coconuts, taro plants, and pigs, to help them survive.
They also brought their religion. During a feast women weren’t allowed to eat with the men nor could they eat certain foods. Imagine not being able to eat with your dad, brothers, granddad or uncles.
King Kamehameha II changed this rule by sitting down to eat with some women and the religious feast became known as a luau!
Food, music and dance are an important part of the traditional Hawaiian luau. Hula dancers tell stories using their hands. Musicians play instruments made from dried gourds and bamboo as well as the ukulele.
Mr. Lucky's Laughs
Did you know one of the desserts served at a luau is haupia (how-pee-eh) or coconut pudding? Mr. Lucky found several coconut jokes just for you!
Q: Why is the coconut like a safe?
A: Because it’s hard to crack open!
Q: What did the boy coconut say to the girl coconut?
A: I could fall for you!
Smilla’s Adventures
Aloha, PALZ Friends! The four of us are heading to the luau, but we found some road blocks. Can you help us get through this maze to the luau?
Whew! We made it! Here are some things you may see at a luau:
Blowing into a conch shell signals the start of the luau. Guests are invited into the luau and presented with a lei or a necklace of flowers. The flowers are so pretty and smell so wonderful!
Oh, and we should remember to say, “Mahalo nui loa” (pronounced mah-ha-low noo-ee low-ah). That means, “Thank you very much!”
During the luau, guests are served Hawaiian dishes such as kalua pig, chicken, lomi lomi salmon, lau lau, sweet potatoes, and poi.
I know our whole team can’t wait to taste all of this food and experience the Hawaiian hospitality of the luau. Maybe Mr. Lucky will learn the hula!
There are lots of places to enjoy a Hawaiian luau on the island of Oahu. Here are a few:
The Hale Koa Hotel, Waikiki, Honolulu
The Polynesian Cultural Center, La’ie,
Toa Luau, Waimea Valley
Paradise Cove, Kapolei
Well, aloha! A hui hou (pronounced ah hui how)! That means, "Goodbye! Until we meet again!“