HIP 096 ʻŌhiʻa and Lehua, Orpheus and Eurydice: 2 love Stories

Hawaii Posts

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Aloha, and e komo mai… that’s welcome back to my dear listeners malahini, kama’aina, oka’aina and kana’ka mauoli and all my friends and freeloaders – wherever you might be in this wonderful world! Welcome to this week’s episode, where love is in the air as we approach Valentine’s Day. In our feature segment for this episode, I will share two love stories with you. One is from Greek tradition and another from Hawaiian tradition. The parallels are quite remarkable. And of course, we’ll be sharing the latest weather, surf, and night sky forecasts for our beautiful islands, sprinkled with some heartwarming events and a dash of romantic humor. Let’s open our hearts to this week’s love-filled episode together!

Olelo Hawaiian it’s your Hawaiian lesson for a Ohioan learning Hawaiian

This may qualify as credits towards your continuing education please consult your HR department for your state regulatory board if they don’t like it tell him to call me, Tommy Stokes

This week since love is in the air and Valentine is right around the corner. Oh, why don’t we discuss the most popular word in the Hawaiian language?

ALOHA: it’s often said that ALOHA can mean hello. I love you and goodbye, but that isn’t exactly correct. I’m going to refer to one of my favorite Kapunas my hero, the greatest water man of all time the original ambassador of ALOHA Duke Kahanamoku -he explained what ALOHA meant the best.

Duke’s Creed of Aloha

In Hawaii we greet friends, loved ones or strangers with Aloha, which means with love. Aloha is the key word to the universal spirit of real hospitality, which makes Hawari renowned as theworld’s center of understanding and fellowship.Try meeting or leaving people with aloha.You’ll be surprised by their reaction.

I believe it and it is my creed.

Aloha to you, Duke Pauoa Kahanamoku

Weather Summary

Cupid’s forecast for Honolulu this week brings a delightful mix of sunshine and gentle breezes—perfect for romantic beach strolls and sunset views. Here’s what to expect:

temps will range between 84-80 for the highs and 65-70

•Warmest Day: Wednesday, February 12, with a high of 84°F (29°C).

•Coolest Day: Sunday, February 9, dipping to a low of 65°F (18°C).

•Windiest Day: Thursday, February 13, with gentle breezes—ideal for flying those heart-shaped kites.

•Driest Day: Saturday, February 8, offering clear skies and sunshine.

•Wettest Day: Friday, February 14, with a chance of light showers—consider it nature’s way of adding a touch of romance.

Sunrise 7 am

Sunset 6:30 pm

Surf Report

Surfers, grab your boards and maybe your sweethearts! Here’s the wave forecast:

•North-Facing Shores: Moderate swells of 5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 meters) expected midweek, offering thrilling rides for experienced surfers.

•South-Facing Shores: Gentle waves around 2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters), perfect for beginners and those looking to share tandem rides.

•East-Facing Shores: Choppy conditions with 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) waves, courtesy of the trade winds.

•West-Facing Shores: Generally calm seas, with occasional sets reaching 3 feet (0.9 meters).

Dive Conditions: Excellent visibility on south and west shores; exercise caution on north and east shores due to surf and currents.

Marine Warnings: No advisories in effect at this time.

Upcoming Surf Competitions: No major events scheduled for this week.

Night Sky

Stargazers, prepare for a celestial show that might just steal your heart:

Moon Phase:

•February 8: Waxing Gibbous 88% illum 3p-4a

•February 12: Full Moon 7a-6pm

•February 14: Waning Crescent 96% illum but not visible at night

Planetary Visibility:

•Venus: Our evening star shines brightly in the western sky after sunset, setting around 9:30 PM HST.

•Mars: Visible in the evening sky, setting around 5am.

•Jupiter: Dominating the southern sky post-sunset, setting around 2:30 AM HST.

•Saturn: Low in the southwestern sky after sunset, setting by 8:30 PM HST.

Astronomical Highlight: On Valentine’s Day, February 14, the Waning Crescent Moon will share the pre-dawn sky with dazzling Venus—a celestial rendezvous perfect for early risers.

FEATURE:

A beautiful way to blend Hawaiian and Valentine’s Day traditions is by telling the story of Pele and ʻŌhiʻa—a legendary Hawaiian tale of love, jealousy, and transformation—and drawing parallels to Orpheus and Eurydice, a classic Greek love story of devotion and tragedy.

Hawaiian Love Story: Pele and ʻŌhiʻa

The legend tells of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes, who fell deeply in love with ʻŌhiʻa, a handsome warrior. However, ʻŌhiʻa had already pledged his heart to Lehua, a beautiful and kind woman.

Pele, known for her fiery temper, was furious at being rejected. In her wrath, she transformed ʻŌhiʻa into a twisted, gnarled tree. Lehua, heartbroken and inconsolable, pleaded with the gods to reunite them. Moved by her sorrow, the gods transformed Lehua into a delicate red blossom, forever attached to the ʻŌhiʻa tree. It is said that when you pluck a Lehua flower, rain will fall—a symbol of Lehua’s eternal tears mourning her lost love.

Greek Love Story Parallel: Orpheus and Eurydice

In Greek mythology, Orpheus, a gifted musician, fell deeply in love with Eurydice. Tragically, she was bitten by a snake and died on their wedding day. Overcome with grief, Orpheus journeyed to the underworld, where he played his lyre so beautifully that Hades and Persephone agreed to let Eurydice return—on one condition: he could not look back at her until they reached the surface.

As they neared the light of the living world, Orpheus, overwhelmed with love and doubt, turned back too soon—and Eurydice vanished forever.

How They Connect

Both stories explore themes of devotion, loss, and the unbreakable bond of love. Like ʻŌhiʻa and Lehua, Orpheus and Eurydice were separated by fate, with their love immortalized in nature—the ʻŌhiʻa tree and the Lehua blossom, just as Orpheus’ sorrow was forever carried through his music.

You can tie this into Valentine’s Day by highlighting how love transcends time, cultures, and even life itself. Whether it’s the Hawaiian belief that true love finds a way, even in transformation, or the Greek idea that love can defy death, these legends remind us that love, once given, never truly fades.

Would you like help crafting this into a compelling segment for your podcast?

Top 10 Valentine’s Events and Concerts

Looking to add some extra sparkle to your Valentine’s week? Here are the top events and concerts happening across the Hawaiian Islands from February 8 to February 14, 2025:

1. Heart-y Party

•Date: February 8, 2025

•Location: Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, Honolulu, Oʻahu

•Details: Dress up with your little Valentine and enjoy themed activities, a sweet treat, and a visit to the Discovery Center.

•More Info: Hawaii Parent Media

2.Valentine’s Market

•Date: February 8, 2025

•Location: Aloha Home Market, Kailua, Oʻahu

•Details: Explore a vibrant pop-up market showcasing Hawaii’s finest artisans, furniture makers, jewelry designers, and more.

•More Info: Hawaii Parent Media

3.Valentine’s Day Pacific Star Dinner Cruise

•Date: February 14, 2025

•Location: Aboard the Star of Honolulu, departing from Aloha Tower, Honolulu, Oʻahu

•Details: Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise featuring a Pacific Rim dinner buffet, live entertainment, and breathtaking views of the Waikiki coastline.

•More Info: Star of Honolulu

4.UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell with Special Guest Anuhea

•Date: February 14, 2025

•Location: Neal S. Blaisdell Arena, Honolulu, Oʻahu

•Details: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with reggae legends UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, along with special guest Anuhea.

•More Info: TMR Events

5.Jake Shimabukuro Valentine’s Day Concert

•Date: February 14, 2025

•Location: Hilo Palace Theater, Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island

•Details: Experience an intimate evening with ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro as he performs romantic melodies.

•More Info: Hilo Palace Theater

6.Valentine’s Comedy Show with Augie T & Kaleo Pilanca

•Date: February 14, 2025

•Location: Koʻolau Ballrooms, Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu

•Details: Enjoy a night of laughter with local comedians Augie T and Kaleo Pilanca.

•More Info: Eventbrite

7.John Cruz Valentine’s Day Concert

•Date: February 14, 2025

•Location: Blue Note Hawaii, Honolulu, Oʻahu

•Details: Award-winning singer-songwriter John Cruz will perform two special Valentine’s Day shows at 6:30 PM and 9:00 PM.

•More Info: Blue Note Hawaii

8.Valentine’s Day at Hoku’s

•Date: February 13–15, 2025

•Location: The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu, Oʻahu

•Details: Indulge in a romantic dinner with a special Valentine’s menu at Hoku’s, featuring exquisite dishes in an elegant setting.

•More Info: Waikiki Beach Stays

9.Valentine’s Dinner Buffet at 100 Sails

•Date: February 13–16, 2025

•Location: Prince Waikiki, Honolulu, Oʻahu

•Details: Enjoy a lavish buffet featuring a variety of delectable dishes, perfect for a romantic evening.

•More Info: Waikiki Beach Stays

10.Valentine’s Weekend Dinner at Azure

•Date: February 14–16, 2025

•Location: The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Honolulu, Oʻahu

•Details: Experience a romantic dinner at Azure, featuring a special Valentine’s menu with ocean views.

surf contest: saturday feb. 8 is the last day for the Volcom Pipeline pro…. This may be the last event ever held by Volcom Quicksilver or Roxy because as of three days ago, they filed for bankruptcy. I have insiders in the industry and they tell me there isn’t a single surf company that is solvent meaning they are all running a massive debt. And if they were relying on money from the USA ID, they might be in a lot of trouble.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD!!!!

Closer-

Aloha ā kēia pule aʻe (Farewell until next week) 1 min

Have Fun, Do Good, Be a Positive Force

Be alert Paradise can lul you into a false sense of security

Stay on the trail, Stop walking to take a picture or a selfie

When in doubt don’t go out, Never turn your back on the sea

Mahalo to the lifeguards, first responders, armed service members and those who volunteer

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Until next week Aloha, Aw-right

Links:

Local TV NEWS

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https://www.pbshawaii.org

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Local NEWS SITES

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