Welcome to our new Local Stories page.
This month learn about the Hawaiian leis tradition!

October 2010

A Tale of Leis
The symbolism and tradition of Hawaiian wedding leis  

In Hawaii, it is traditional for the entire wedding party to wear a lei as a symbol of respect and support for the upcoming union. However, these are not your garden variety leis made of plumeria, which you may be accustomed to seeing in airports and hotels. 

Hawaiian wedding leis can be made of many different types of flowers -- each with its own oral history and tradition. In Maui, the Lakelani Rose is favored for important occasions. 

The most common style of Hawaiian wedding lei is called a 'maile lei'. The maile-style lei is open ended, in the shape of a horse-shoe. Traditionally, it was used by the Kahuna (Hawaiian priest) to bind the hands of the bride and groom to symbolize their commitment to each other.

Leis can be used in place of, or in conjunction with, flower bouquets and corsages. It is customary for the bride, groom and their respective families to exchange leis as a sentiment of love and support for each other.

Incorporating the use of leis into your ceremony is a great way to add an additional layer of symbolism and meaning to your Hawaiian wedding.

September 2010

Paragon Sailing Charters
Local Business Spotlight

This month's local business spotlight goes to one of the best water-related activities companies on the island. Paragon Sailing Charters has unequaled snorkeling, sailing and water adventures, available with reasonable rates and excellent service.

Receive a 15% discount when you book a Paragon adventure activity through Hawaii Bound!

What are you waiting for? Get out there and explore Hawaii's rich marine environment today!

August 2010

Ulalena - Myth and Magic on Maui
A Hawaiian exploration of the relationship between People, Nature and Mythology,
as told through song, music and dance.

One of the most original Hawaiian experiences is right here on Maui.  Many people who have visited Maui have gone to a luau, but once you attend the spectacular Ulalena show, you will have seen one of the best cultural events on all the Islands.

The word Ulalena has a unique origin here on Maui. Some say that the word refers to the winds that blow across Maui and how they are not like those that blow across the other Hawaiian Islands.  Others trace the word to a special way that the sunlight can reflect across the rain clouds on Maui and give the sense that the rain has a yellowish or golden tinge to it. 

Either meaning is apropos to the sheer spectacular experience you'll have while attending the Ulalena show at the Maui Theater in Lahaina.  There are several different types of packages available, from dinner and the night's entertainment to a VIP pass which includes a special private demonstration with drinks after the main show ends. Plus, kids go free to Ulalena all summer, which makes it an excellent time to attend!

Now, this uniquely Maui performance is not going to be playing forever, so you might want to see it while you have the chance.  Thankfully there is no better time than now to enjoy all that Maui offers with the help of Hawaii Bound.  With just a few clicks or a simple phone call Nija can help you find the perfect place for you to stay and even help you get tickets to this amazing, uniquely Hawaiian experience.

June 2010

Live Like a Local
Paia's Reef-Protected "Baby Beach"

Those that overlook the hidden treasures of Maui's North Shore beaches, do so at their own loss. As if the world-renowned windsurfing location, Ho'okipa Beach, weren't enough of a draw, there is a 3-mile stretch of white sands and secretive coves just outside of Maui's most charming beachside town, Paia. While Baldwin Beach gets a decent amount of attention, the far southern end of this gorgeous stretch of sand houses an area which is often totally overlooked by visitors to the island.

The locals refer to it simply as "Baby Beach." It is a reef-protected area where the water is always calm and is perfectly suited for beginning swimmers and kids to enjoy a worry-free day in the ocean. It is not uncommon to have this hidden gem to yourself, especially during the weekdays. Plus, the near-by red clay and large black lava rocks make an aesthetically appealing contrast to the soft sand and clear waters of the beach itself, and it is an excellent place to watch the sun sinking over the West Maui mountains. Even better, Hawaii Bound has several rentals within walking distance to this area, so contact us today if you're interested in staking a claim on this charming local favorite.

April 2010

Guide to Proteas on Maui:
Where to Find Them, How to Get Them and Other Bits of Interesting Lore
Author: Angie Jones

If you’ve seen the strange, creature-like appearance of Hawaii’s Protea flowers once while on vacation here, you’ll never forget the experience. And if you’re like most people, the sturdy stems, leathery leaves and feathery heads of these exotic flowers just begging to be touched and admired have given you an addiction to Hawaii’s tropical flowers which you’ll never lose. Here’s a brief guide on where to find Proteas on Maui, how to get them if you can’t resist taking some home and a few other interesting tidbits for your intellectual delight.

History, Symbolism and Bits of Lore About Proteas on Maui

Proteas are some of the most ancient plants on Earth, with ancestor remains dating back over 300 million years old! This special plant pioneered its way on Gondwanaland, long before the continent split into pieces. Today the plant family consists of over 1,500 different species with origins on both South Africa and Australia. Ninety of those species exist on Maui.

Proteas were discovered by Europeans in South Africa around the 17th century, but it was the father of modern taxonomy and ecology, Carolus Linnaeus, who gave them their well-suited name. He called them “Protea” after the Greek God Proteus, who could change his form at will, to reflect the startling array of appearances different species of Protea possess.  

Given its hardy constitution and incredible variety, it is not surprising that Proteas are used as symbols of diversity and courage. For those of you into astrology, it is also associated with the sign of Aquarius.

Where to Find Proteas on Maui While on Vacation

Proteas are lovers of windy areas on south facing slopes in tropical and subtropical climates. The cool winds and light rain of the area between the sugar cane fields and Haleakala crater, known as Upcountry Maui, is home to some of the most exquisite Protea farms on the planet. If touring tropical gardens is your idea of a great way to spend your vacation, you should seriously consider taking up residence in one of the many luxury vacation villas nearby!

How to Bring Proteas from Maui Back to Your Home
Whether you want to send a bit of Hawaii back to loved ones at home or simply need a comforting reminder of what it is to be here, shipping Proteas is easy. The plants are known for their hardy ability to stay fresh after being cut for up to 14 days. You’ll find a list of local Protea growers on Maui who will ship your order anywhere you’d like to send it below as well as a list of additional Protea resources.

And remember, when you rent a vacation home through Hawaii Bound, there will always be a bouquet of freshly cut tropical flowers waiting for you when you walk through the door. Let us know if you’d like a Protea!

Local Protea Farms:
http://www.upcountryprotea.com/
http://www.tropicalflowerdesign.com
http://www.proteasofhawaii.com/
http://www.mauifloral.com

Further Reading:
The Proteas of Southern Africa by J.P. Rourke.
South Africa's Proteaceae by Marie Vogts.
Sasol Proteas, a field guide to the Proteas of Southern Africa by Tony Rebelo.
The Protea Growers Handbook by Lewis Matthews.