Last week I wrote about how pidgin originally developed in Asian ports as a way to converse with European traders. In Hawaii it developed as a way for different nationalities to converse with plantation co-workers. Read more
In the 1500s, Europeans began sending ships to distant Asian ports for things like spices, tea, silk, cotton, diamonds, pearls and ivory. These traders developed a language so that they could understand each other. Read more
Brodie valued being both straightforward and appreciative, and his actions showed it. Let’s find out about one of Hawaii’s legendary entrepreneurs. Read more
The Barefoot Bar was one of the most popular places in town. “You couldn’t get in unless you knew someone,” recalls Miyuki Hruby, who started working with Spencecliff in 1944. “There was always a big line.” Read more
The oldest school on Oahu, founded in 1833, was on that site until 10 years ago. Today it’s occupied by a middle school and a park. Where is it? That’s what we’ll explore today. Read more
Every now and then I find myself with several short stories that are not large enough to take up a full column on their own. Read more
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Reader Melvin Masuda wrote to me recently. “Long ago, the ‘Dick Tracy’ comic strip featured then-Honolulu Police Chief Dan Liu. Read more
I wrote about kimchi last month, and many readers told me their stories that involved that spicy, fermented cabbage. Read more
I recently wrote about President Obama’s father, Barack Obama Sr., and his three years in Hawaii. Several readers told me they met members of the Obama ohana in Hawaii. Read more
McKinley is a high school, not even a square mile in size. How could its swimmers have that much impact? Read more
This week I have stories about three species of animals. No, this isn’t a “Wild Kingdom” television episode. These animals are tame. This week we’ll look into the Budweiser Clydesdales in Hawaii, a mynah bird named Little Doc and a poodle named Gigi. Read more
Every year at this time, I present my Rearview Mirror Annual Awards to honor those who made, preserved or shared Hawaii history. Read more
Last week I looked back at the more interesting stories I covered in 2023. Read more
I often look for a story about World War II for the first week in December to honor those who fought and died for our freedom. Read more
I think it’s important to take notice and congratulate the companies, schools and nonprofit organizations that have managed to stick around and continue to serve the community for 50 or more years. Read more
What are the most fondly Oahu remembered restaurants that are, sadly, no longer with us? I asked readers to vote for their top 10. Over 150 of you did. Read more
While this column often focuses on one story, sometimes I find myself with several short stories that are unrelated, that I think readers will enjoy. Read more
Glenn Kaya and GEM had a huge impact on business in the islands. They pioneered discounting, membership stores and being open seven days a week. Read more
I love finding stories that connect dots that are seemingly unrelated. This week’s column begins with the Pioneer Inn, which tragically burned down in Lahaina last month. Read more
Two of the worst hurricanes to hit Hawaii in recent times have come in September and November. Their names were Iniki and Iwa. Read more
In July I wrote about Tosh Kaneshiro, owner of the Columbia Inn on Kapiolani Boulevard near South Street. Read more
