Island Life: Growing Up in Hawaii

Embracing the Natural Beauty

Growing up in Hawaii offers a unique experience. The islands boast stunning landscapes. Children often spend their days exploring beaches, mountains, and forests. This connection to nature shapes their lives.

Parents encourage outdoor activities. Kids learn to swim, surf, and hike from a young age. These skills become second nature. The environment fosters a deep respect for nature. 

My mom always encouraged me to spend my free time outdoors. When Dad was busy in the hospital on weekends, Mom took my little sister Jessie and me to the beach. We'd play in the sand and swim in the lagoon. 

Jessica and I loved riding our bikes after school. Dad would accompany us. We rode our bikes around Diamond Head and Kapiolani Park. Early Sunday mornings, Dad would walk with me to the park where we would find a bench to sit on and watch the sunrise together.   

Rich Cultural Heritage

Hawaii has a diverse cultural heritage. Families celebrate traditions from various backgrounds. Hawaiian, Japanese, Filipino, and other cultures blend together. This creates a rich tapestry of customs and festivals.

Children grow up learning about different traditions. They participate in hula dancing, luaus, and other cultural events. Schools also teach the Hawaiian language. This helps preserve the island's heritage.

One memory I remember from school is lunch hour. My classmates, peers, teachers and I walked to the multi-purpose room. Everyday before eating, we recited a traditional Hawaiian prayer in Hawaiian, the Ho'oponopono, a practice to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. We repeated the phrases: I'm sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, and I love you. 

Community and Family Values

Community and family values are central to life in Hawaii. People often live in close-knit communities. Neighbors know each other well. They support one another in times of need.

Families spend a lot of time together. They share meals, celebrate milestones, and enjoy outdoor activities. This fosters strong bonds and a sense of belonging.

Unlike traditional mainland families, my dad finished work around the same time school ended. I always preferred Dad picking Jessie and me up, as he was very jolly, entertaining, and easy going. Initially, he started picking us up Tuesday afternoons which gradually turned into almost everyday. The only day he couldn't pick us up was Thursday as that was when he had private office hours. 

When we arrived home, the sky was the limit. We'd study, go swimming, lift weights, ride our bikes, play video games, drink whiskey...just kidding! Just checking to see who's paying attention.  

Island Education

Education in Hawaii has its unique aspects. Schools incorporate local culture into their curriculum. Students learn about the islands' history and environment. This helps them appreciate their heritage.

Extracurricular activities often focus on outdoor skills. Schools offer programs in surfing, canoeing, and environmental science. This hands-on learning approach benefits students. Although I didn't surf, I loved music.

I played the trumpet in the middle school band, just like my dad did when he was a kid. He highly recommended the brass instrument as it was easy to learn and versatile. My band teacher, previously a lead trumpet player in the Honolulu Symphony assigned me to practice for thirty minutes every day after school. Yep, you guessed it: Dad and I practiced together. After working on the assigned music, we'd find duets to play together. Also, if I played the first trumpet part on a piece of music, I'd ask for the second trumpet part as well. 

Challenges of Island Life

Living in Hawaii has its challenges. The cost of living is high. Many goods are imported, making them expensive. Families must budget carefully to manage expenses.

Isolation is another challenge. The islands are far from the mainland. Travel can be costly and time-consuming. This can make it difficult to visit family or attend events on the mainland.

As I learned to fly, I couldn't wait to visit new places. Before moving to the mainland, I had only been to four additional states: California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. I felt a bit out of place meeting others from different backgrounds as I couldn't always reate to their experiences. 

A Unique Childhood

Despite the challenges, growing up in Hawaii is a unique experience. The natural beauty, cultural heritage, and strong community bonds shape children’s lives. They develop a deep appreciation for their surroundings.

Island life teaches valuable lessons. Children learn to respect nature, embrace diversity, and value community. These lessons stay with them throughout their lives.

Conclusion

Growing up in Hawaii offers a blend of beauty, culture, and community. Children experience a unique upbringing that shapes their values and outlook on life. The islands provide a nurturing environment that fosters growth and appreciation for the world around them.