Category: Living Life

  • Spinning a Yo-Yo, One Trick at a Time

    You might remember the yo-yo craze of the 1950s—kids rushing to grab the latest models and daring each other to master every spin, loop and flip. Amid the frenzy, young Richard Lee of Honolulu discovered a passion that would shape his life. He spent countless hours practicing at the Ben Franklin store in Kaimuki and…

  • Dinuguan (Pork Blood Stew)

    The “blood” in the name of this dish may sound unpleasant to some, but I assure you that dinuguan is well-loved among Hawai‘i locals, who have nicknamed it “chocolate meat.” It’s a traditional dish in Filipino culture, but each region of the Philippines has its own variations when it comes to spices and consistency. The…

  • Celebrating the Filipino Culture

    Since more than 1,500 years ago, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures. In the sixth article in this ongoing series on the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we will focus on the Filipino, how the people arrived in the Hawaiian…

  • Ready, Aim, Fun!

    Archery, the sport of kings, is finding its way into our city parks. The City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation has introduced archery into its programs. Many participants say they first shot a bow and arrow at a summer camp. Then they grew up and found other interests. With cartoons and…

  • How Pickleball Changed My Life

    We don’t always know what’s missing until it shows up in our lives. For these three women, that “something” was a game called “pickleball.” For Lori Tokutomi, the discovery came in her late 50s. “Someone mentioned it at a gym, so I just showed up,” she says. “They told me to get on the court,…

  • Gram’s Portuguese Bean Soup

    The Portuguese Bean Soup recipe my family has made for generations was never actually written down until my niece, Nadine, asked my mother for it. My mom, Vivian, would make a huge pot for parties or mainland visitors. The soup was prepped early in the morning and simmered on the stove well into the evening.…

  • Celebrating the Portuguese Culture

    Since more than 1,500 years ago, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures. In the fifth article in this ongoing series on the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we will focus on the Portuguese, how the people arrived in the Hawaiian…

  • Balance: Body, Mind & Spirit

    Easy Balance Exercises for Seniors, A Holistic Approach to Improve Stability, Prevent Falls and Maintain Independence for All Abilities was written by Lena Ihara, a Maui-born actor, retired teacher and wellness educator. Lena acknowledges that as we age, “movements that were once automatic begin to slow down and feel uncertain. We may lose balance but…

  • Tūtū, Take Me to the Library!

    We all love stories, no matter our age. But younger children are especially eager to listen to them! Taking the keiki in your life to a storytime program at your local library can be a wonderful bonding experience. They’ll enjoy hearing fun stories, singing songs and doing activities together. These activities help children build early…

  • Kobumaki: Okinawan Lau Lau

    Recipe by Joyce Shimabukuro, written by her grandniece, Cynthia Arnold This kobumaki recipe has been passed down and enjoyed through many generations of my Okinawan family — from my great-grandma Nagamine to my grand-aunty, Joyce Shimabukuro, age 98, and now to her daughter, my Aunty Lisa. But my dad, Cliff Goya, with help from my…

  • Celebrating the Okinawan Culture

    Since more than 1,500 years ago, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures. In the fourth article in this ongoing series on the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we focus on how the Okinawan people arrived in the Hawaiian Islands, their…

  • 125th Anniversary of Okinawans in Hawai‘i

    This year, the Hawaii United Okinawa Association (HUOA) proudly celebrates the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawai‘i — a milestone that not only marks our history, but also acknowledges the resilience, achievements and cultural legacy of our ancestors. Since the arrival of the first 26 Okinawan immigrants in 1900, the community has grown into…