We've honestly been lucky enough in Hawaii to be shielded from much of the COVID pandemic, however, when they re-opened transportation and constantly let visitors in and out of the islands, our numbers began to spike again. Finally, our Governor issued another stay-at-home order, which is great for protecting the people of Hawaii, but rough on those of us who were meant to be outdoors.
It was a hard day being cooped up in the house again. Running and walking are my only means of escape, but I find myself increasingly overwhelmed by the ability to lie on the warm sand after a day of swimming in the crisp blue ocean. While swimming is not an issue, lingering is strictly forbidden, but we locals can spend all day at the beach, swimming, sunbathing, eating and drinking while listening to island music, and jumping back into the ocean sporadically.
While writing this, I guess what I'm discovering that I truly miss is the connection with family and friends as we kanikapila (play music and sing) around bonfires, laughing as we reminisce about our funniest memories together. I'm laughing as I remember my mother, my aunties and my uncles unpacking the cars, prepping the fire pit and lathering us up in sunblock so my siblings, cousins and I could take a dip in the ocean. I can still hear the crackling of the fire as the sun descended and the night sky welcomed an onslaught of stars that lit up the heavens! I recall my mother and her siblings cracking jokes about their younger years and all the trouble they got themselves into in their kolohe (naughty) days.
These are moments I long for during this prolonged locked up period. This is the longest we've ever gone without gathering together to celebrate life as ohana (family). I miss this, but find myself smiling because I'm lucky enough to have this...family...memories...and love with the most incredible people I have ever had the privilege of calling my own!
Mahalo Ke Akua (Thank you God) for my Ohana (Family)!
A Hui Hou Kākou (until we meet again), Island Girl
