by KawikaChann

Created on: May 05, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

There are two types of people that I run into all over the world, when it comes to a question of where I'm from, they have a) either been there on some special occasion, or b) have never been to Hawaii, but have always wanted to go there. Of course, there are places in the U.S. that I've been to that still think we live in grass shacks - most of the time I'll educate them.

But let me tell you of my home. I live in Hawaii, a chain of eight very beautiful islands, all very unique from each other - two of which you can't even visit. On the island of Oahu, Honolulu is it's capital. It has birthed shows such as Magnum P.I., Hawaii 5-0, and of course, the famed location of the series Bay Watch. However, today, grab your swim suits - men, please, no speedos, we use shorts here - and a whole-lotta maximum SPF sun block, because we're headed out to the country. Islanders, or kama'aina (kah-mah-eye-nah), as well as visitors, or malihini (mah-lee-hee-nee), both refer to this area of the island as the North Shore. Home of the big surf, and the most coveted surf grounds in the world such as Haleiwa (hah-lay-ee-vah), Sunset, Pipeline, and Waimea (wye-may-ah) Bay, to name a few.

From the airport, we'll take the H-1 (the first free-way made here), towards the end of the H-2 (the 2nd freeway made - and yes,there is an H-3, but that leads to the windward side). You'll exit onto Kamehameha (kah-meh-hah-meh-hah)highway, or as we call it, Kam highway, which will lead you into an old town named Wahiawa (wah-heh-wah). This is just about the center of the island, and a safe point to be in case of a tsunami threat. In old days past, baseball games were held at Fred Wright park, where Hawaiians from all over the island would walk a day or twos journey just to be there at first pitch. You'll cross a bridge to get into Wahiawa, and cross another to get out, due to the Wilson Lake, which is actually a river that snakes in and out of Wahiawa. Kam highway will cut right through the middle of Wahiawa. Along the highway, you'll see many of the familiar fast food eateries, and some of the local restaurants, namely, and most popular among kama'aina; Zippys restaurant.

Upon leaving Wahiawa, look to your left where you will view the Waianae range that spans across the leeward side of the island. Upon closer inspection, the mountain will take the shape of a pregnant woman laying on her back, from head to toe. Not more than a mile away from you, just below the view of the mountain, is a hei'au

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