REWIND: Planet Hawaii, Signs of the Islands on Earth (DC, 2008)

Tucked into a corner of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian was the only exhibit piece devoted to the native Hawaiians (well, at least during this December 2008 visit). I asked someone at the information desk if there were other pieces about the indigenous population of the USA's 50th state and was told that exhibits are rotated and it's possible there are other artifacts not on display.

So here it is, a photo of the Native Hawaiian Canoe (pictured above) albeit one that was constructed in 2003. The canoe is made of koa, hau and wili-wili woods. The hull measures 18 feet and the outrigger is 8 feet 5 inches.

Opened in September 2004, the museum is the 16th museum of the Smithsonian Institution and was built on the last open space available on the National Mall. The five-story 250,000-square foot museum building has an unusual architecture compared to other Smithsonian museums. The curvilinear structure of textured golden-colored limestone evokes natural rock formations and is set in a 4.25-acre site with wetlands and boulders. The centerpiece of the interior is a 120-foot-high atrium.

The museum is located 4th & Independence Ave, SW in Washington, DC. Hours 10am-5:30pm daily. Admission is free. Cafe & gift shop is on site. More info at www.nmai.si.edu.

Above & below: the musuem's atrium ceiling hovers
above the ground floor.

REWIND: Planet Hawaii, Signs of the Islands on Earth (DC, 2008)

Hibiscus

The southeast corner of the United States Botanic Garden Conservatory is devoted to the Hawaii exhibit. It features the rare and endangered species of the country's 50th state.

Among the endangered plants is the Hawaii state flower: the hibiscus. Threats such as development, overgrazing by livestock and feral animals and competition from invasive weeds have reduced the number of plants surviving in the wild. Currently there are less than 60 plants in 8 populations on the islands of Lana'i, Maui and the Big Island.

The conservatory emphasizes the value of plants to society. The present building opened in 1933. (note: all photos Dec 2008)

Above & below: plants in the Hawaii exhibit.

This is not from Hawaii. I just thought this cactus looked interesting.

Facade and main entrance of conservatory (Dec 2008)

Planet Hawaii: Sounds of the Islands on Earth

At the 2010 Christmas in Washington event, Matthew Morrison ("Glee") will sing "Mele Kalikimaka". The event, to be filmed at the National Building Museum, is an annual benefit with proceeds this year going to the Children's National Medical Center.

Christmas in Washington began in 1981 and the 2010 celebration will also feature Ellen DeGeneres as host and artists Mariah Carey, Annie Lennox and Maxwell. The event will be televised Dec 17, 2010 on TNT.

"Mele Kalikimaka" is the Hawaiian language greeting for "Merry Christmas". 

December 18, 2010 update: Here is a video of Morrison's performance.

Planet Hawaii: Signs of the Islands on Earth

On the way to airport, I encountered another sign of Hawaii in the Universe. This time it was one of the Los Angeles locations of Ono Hawaiian BBQ. Unfortunately I was on a shuttle to the airport and had no opportunity to experience if the cuisine is authentic.

The eatery's website states Ono Hawaiian BBQ is dedicated to bringing you the best Hawaiian dining experience by serving a delicious selection of "plate lunch" which the site calls the de facto meal choice in Hawaii. Looking at their online menu, it does serve Spam Musubi which is the de facto protein of Hawaii.

More info about the menu and other locations at onohawaiianbbq.com. Click here for their menu.

Planet Hawaii: Signs of the Islands on Earth

It's always a kick to leave the Hawaiian Islands for a vacation and encounter signs of Hawaii in another city. This time I find the eatery Hawaiian B.B.Q at the Grand Central Market.  The cooks try to emulate some of the local Hawaiian cuisine by offering rice, noodles with fresh meats and fish that are marinated and fried. Prices are reasonable from $2 to $5.25 for a two-item combo.

Here are some pics of the restaurant with a couple of photos from review site yelp.com.

Above: Tilapia plate. Below: Two-item plate.
(Photos: Yelp.com/LynnetteT.)