-Micah Layne, THD Representative
Daily 49er (02/06/06)
The Hawaiian islands are one of the most popular vacation spots in the world, but they are also the most misunderstood in terms of its people, customs, and basic way of life. For average Americans, Hawaii is nothing more than a trip to brag about as they come back to the mainland with an orange glow that looks like they got into a fight with a tanning bed. Too often, I hear people talk about their trip to Hawaii and how they snorkeled, sailed, surfed and engaged in other stereotypical activities associated with the islands.
As a native Hawaiian, I sometimes feel like they wasted their entire trip. There is much more to Hawaii than the beaches, hotels, and golf courses. I can tell you what growing up in Hawaii is really like and what the islands have to offer.
I was born in Wailuku, on the island of Maui, as one of the many children of Hawaii who are proud of their culture. It is a culture rich in family ties, food, a unique linguistic blend of the Hawaiian and Pidgin English, a relaxed work ethic, and more food. The most amazing thing about the Hawaiian islands, and probably the most overlooked detail, is the loving nature of the people. We are all family under the sun.
I can remember strolling from house to house freely moving without any sense of intrusion, personal boundary, or offense. It was an amazing thing for me to be welcome in so many places as a brother, a cousin, and friend without having to share the same last name. We all lived happily knowing that we all cared about each other and that if any trouble came into our lives, we were supported by the people we loved.
We were all children regardless of age. Hawaii is one of the few places on earth where an 80 year old man can be just as playful and active as the children around him. I can say with confidence that Hawaii has the power to rejuvenate the soul. The islands are a great source of peace and home to a great people.
Living in Hawaii in the early part of my life greatly influenced my way of thinking and relating to the world. I can remember that all of my teachers were of Japanese descent. It was Mr. Kobayashi, our principal, that had the power to hush one thousand children with the raising of his right hand. It was Mrs. Fugimoto who taught us to sit at our school desks with our hands folded. It was the “Mean Auntie ( AN-TEE)” that scared the living hell out of us in the cafeteria by slamming a steel chair on the ground or table whenever we got too loud in our conversations. I can still remember how dead the room would get.
As a result of my school teachings and experiences in Hawaii, I had a very tough time adjusting to attending a school in the Los Angeles School District. I moved to California to get a better education. It is common knowledge that Hawaii is a great place to surf, but little attention is given to our destitute in education.
To give you some idea, the kids who spoke Ebonics made fun of my English. I can’t remember too much about what I said, but I sure do remember all the laughs every time I opened my mouth.
I was barred from basketball, kickball and everything that involved playing with other kids. I could have taken the low road and kicked everyone’s ass, considering the fact that my father also happens to be a grandmaster in the Martial Arts, but I decided to do something that would guarantee success and ultimately bragging rights.
I studied harder that anyone, I participated more than everyone, and I rose to the tops of the class wherever I went to school.
Some children assimilate into the culture. I started a war against it, picking up the flute and the world of classical music. My initial goal was to be strong in the face of rejection, but I soon found that my ability to learn quickly and adjust to my surroundings gave me an advantage that nobody else could fight against.
It is funny how the carefree Hawaiian boy turned into a stressed-out Californian. I often think about going back, but realize that the Hawaii I knew is lost in time. More and more mainlanders vacation there taking what they want out of the islands without respect of knowledge of the people who actually live there. All I ask is that instead of going through the motions when visiting Hawaii, take time to explore the areas that aren’t on the tourist maps. Talk to the elderly about what they remember about the old days. Most importantly, have fun knowing that you are respecting the islands that give so much to its visitors.