Hawaii Memories

Remembering My Mother in Hawaii

From 1960 to 1963, we lived in Hawaii, right after it became a state. Those years were magical. Hawaii was still authentic, wide open, and full of natural beauty. My mom and I learned the Hula, ran around barefoot or in go-aheads aka flip-flops, went to Luau's and gathered with friends. This video clip shows a glimpse of those years—Hawaii in its innocence, and my mom loving life there. It also includes me at age four dancing the hula with my grass skirt that was too small.

My mom found ways to make life more fun and better for people. She loved parties and getting people together. While we were there, she started an unofficial, inter-racial couples club so people could gather, feel included. At that time, mixed marriages like my parents, were still frowned upon, but my mom wanted everyone to feel welcome. That’s just who she was—caring, creative, and ahead of her time.

Inter-racial club friends

Mom and one of her best friends, Vernel

Moving like we did made life very interesting. My mom and dad made sure I experienced as much as possible—no matter where we lived, they wanted me to have the things they didn't have when they were young. Here are a few more photos of our time in Hawaii.

Aloha, Mom. 🌺

Hawaii Memories