Feb. 2010 E-Newsletter

David's Blog - My Oahu Golf Odyssey is Complete but My Favorite Remains the Same
Golf in Hawaii on a sunny February afternoon can truly be described as "Another Day in Paradise."

I've lived in Hawaii since 1998 and have played plenty of golf. This month I had the privilege of playing the last course I needed to complete my Oahu Golf Odyssey. Finally, I have played every course on the Island of Oahu.

With all the golf courses I've played, my favorite course still remains the same and is still my arch enemy. Koolau Golf Club is the toughest golf course in the United States of America. Heck, they even made it easier by reducing the slope rating from 163 to 152. The scorecard use to say, "Bring one ball for every stroke of handicap." My guess is they removed that statement because it scared too many people away.

Even though it's the most difficult, Koolau is also the most beautiful golf course on the planet. It boasts spectacular panoramic ocean vistas, a lush tropical rainforest, and mountains that shoot straight up to the heavens. No matter how good or bad you play, you will always catch yourself looking up and around in astonishment at its unsurpassed beauty.

Hopefully, one of these winter afternoons, I'll leave the course with a respectable score but, if not, who cares. I still know I'm playing golf in Hawaii in February while other people are freezing and shoveling snow.

So, if you're ever here in Hawaii looking for a playing partner and a challenge, don't hesitate to give me a call and I'll take you out for spectacular afternoon.

Aloha & A Hui Hoe,
David Adkins

The Missionaries
After 164 days at sea, seven missionary couples landed at Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii on March 30, 1820 aboard the Thaddeus from Boston. The Missionaries were mostly Congregationalists. When they arrived, they found that King Kamehameha II had ended the Kapu (taboo) system, and the conditions were favorable for this group of men and women to begin to teach and preach.

When the Missionaries arrived, the Hawaiian people did not have a written language, so they began the task of developing an alphabet for the Hawaiian Language to bring it into written form. With this new Hawaiian alphabet, they translated the Bible into Hawaiian, set up a printing house and began printing the Bible and other texts, so that they could teach the Hawaiian people to read. Within 20 years of the Missionaries' arrival, 85% of the Hawaiian people could read and write.

The Missionaries were also doctors, farmers, and builders, as well as printers, teachers and preachers. They became friends and trusted advisors to the Hawaiian Royalty and assisted them in being recognized as a sovereign Nation by other nations of the world, at a time when many foreign interests wanted to claim Hawaii for themselves.

Hotel: Ohana Waikiki Malia
Centrally located in the heart of Waikiki, the Ohana Waikiki Malia Hotel offers a budget-friendly hotel option for your groups. The hotel is putting the final touches on a $6.6 million renovation of the lobby, guest reception and Malia Tower guest rooms.

The hotel's Luana Tower offers rooms with kitchenettes and there is an International House of Pancakes on site. The hotel is a short walk to shopping and Waikiki Beach, and The Bus stops right in front of the hotel.

For price and convenience, your groups will enjoy their stay at the Ohana Waikiki Malia Hotel.

Activity : Kawaihao Church (also performance venue)
Since the dedication of Kawaiaha'o Church on July 21, 1842, it has been referred to as the Great Stone Church, The Church of the Ali'i (Hawaiian Royalty), The Westminster Abbey of the Pacific and The State Church of Hawai'i.

All references to the church make perfect sense as the church was originally constructed of large 1,000 pound coral stones, hence the name the Great Stone Church. The reference to Church of the Ali'i most likely comes from Hawaii's Royalty. Kamehameha III was the one who undertook building the church, and the last reigning Monarch, Queen Lili'uokalani, served as an organist. Westminster Abby of the Pacific is said to be based on the relationship Hawaii had with England; just take a look at the Union Jack in the Hawaiian Flag. Lastly, Hawaii was declared the 50th state of the United States of America in 1959, hence The State Church of Hawaii.

No matter what you call it, Kawaiaha'o Church has a remarkable history. Whether stopping by for a visit to take photos or attending services on Sunday morning, you are always guaranteed a historical treat, even if you don't belong to The United Church of Christ.

For Performing Choir Groups, the church also has a rich musical history. The first pastor led 24 singers in the 100th Psalm thus marking the birth of the Kawaiaha'o Choir. Today Nola A. Nahulu is Principal Director of the Church Choir and the Hawai'i Youth Opera Chorus, which is the largest and longest running community children's chorus in Hawaii.

Choir groups interested in performing in the church must submit a group photo and musical CD or video footage of a recent performance for approval.

Restaurant: Germaine's Luau
A short bus ride from Waikiki transports you back in time 100 years to the beachfront Germaine's Luau. Experience the Aloha and become part of the Ohana!

Truly a Must-Do and Must-See, a traditional Hawaiian Luau is a great way to immerse yourself in Hawaiian Culture. From the traditional foods to the music and entertainment, a Luau is a great, authentic experience .

And, of all the Luaus on Oahu, Germaine's Luau is the best for your group. Family-friendly and casual, your group will enjoy taking off their shoes and curling their toes in the sand under their seats, while they dig into the all-you-can-eat buffet with so many mouth-watering choices! And don't forget to try the Poi!