A Journal of Our Trip to Hawaii

The Band of Blue in Hawaii

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June 8 - June 16, 2004

J-Hawk Journal

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Please note:

In order to make download times shorter we have divided the J-Hawk Journal into two pages. This page covers June 12 to the end of the trip.

Click here to see the journal pages for May 4 through June 11.

Use the map on the left to link to articles on either page.

Did you miss the deadline for ordering Hawaii logo clothes? You're in luck! We'll be doing another production run soon after we get back from Hawaii. Check back at the Web site for ordering information.

Bill and Becky Miller have posted their photos online. You're welcome to check them out!

It's hard to believe that it all went so fast. It was a great trip, and we have lots of memories that will last a long time. Here are two last slide shows, one of the natural beauty of Hawaii and one of the faces of the Band of Blue. Enjoy!

Views of Hawaii's natural wonders.

Views of happy travelers on their trip to Hawaii.

These are large files, so please be patient while they download.

This is our last full day on the island, and we have two diverse but fun and interesting activities scheduled.

Diamond Head Crater Trail Hike "Diamond Head is a crater that has been extinct for 150,000 years. The crater is 3,520 feet in diameter with a 760-foot summit." -- or so it says in the guide books. Actually, we could see Diamond Head from the first day we arrived in Hawaii because it was just down the street from the hotel. That's it between the trees. There are mountains in sight just about everywhere you go since the island is crossed from coast to coast by two parallel ranges. Honolulu is surrounded by mountains.
	Once again we load into our nine buses for the trip. It's not far -- just down the beach -- but not something we can walk. We'll get quite enough of that when we get to the crater. Mr. Kibby listens as Mr. Strait talks to the happy travelers.
We're here. But now we start the hike.
	As we look up from the parking lot we see our objective. The ocean is beyond the crater wall ahead of us (we're inside the crater at this point), and Waikiki is to the right.
This is the view back toward the parking lot. If you look carefully you'll see the tunnel that goes through the crater wall. It's the entrance to the park. You also get a good sense of the roundness of the crater.
	These aren't seagulls perched on the crater's rocks. First, there are no seagulls in Hawaii. Really! No, these are the Band of Blue -- climbing, climbing, climbing!
Trails, stairs, tunnels, and ladders are all part of the ascent. Some heavy breathing was heard from the chaperones and followers.
	But it was worth the hike. What a view! The lighthouse is at the foot of the crater on the outer wall.
But this view is the real payoff. There's the park where we had pizza the first night and the party after the parade on Sunday. There's our hotel, and there's the beautiful Waikiki Beach. Enjoy the panoramic view from Diamond Head. NEW! Jefferson Loyalty sung from the top of Diamond Head!
	Shopping at Hilo Hatties As if we hadn't improved the Hawaiian economy enough, on our way back to the hotel we stopped at the #1 Hawaii store, Hilo (HEE-low) Hatties.
The shoppers pause to practice their mannequin techniques.
	"Hmm. Which shade of red would look better with my slacks?" Choices, choices!
Not everyone is excited about shopping.
	Germaine's Luau At 4:30 it's time to load the buses for Germaine's Luau, a 45-minute (15 "Hawaiian minutes") drive west from the hotel. This is about the only night to get dressed up, so we pull out our Hawaiian finery.
"Gee, what good taste you have!" Two of them even had on the same sandals.
	Germaine's Luau is a large collection of buildings: stage, store and soda stop, restrooms, and control booth, as well as dining areas and the buffet lines.
The Driskells check out the sand floor of the dining area.
	Mrs. Houk practices for the kissing that accompanies the presentation of a lei. We all got shell leis when we arrived at the luau. This would be our fourth: flowers when we landed in Hawaii, and shell leis at the Polynesian Cultural Center, Hilo Hatties, and now the luau.
The tables and benches extended almost to the ocean. The shore is about eight feet beyond the rope.
	As soon as everyone had eaten their pineapple appetizer and gotten something to drink, the guests were invited to watch the ceremonial opening of the earth oven where the evening's main course, a pig, was roasted in traditional Hawaiian style, seasoned only with sea salt.
There was a ton of food. In addition to the roast pork we had teriyaki beef, three kinds of salad (including pineapple cole slaw), fried chicken, sticky rice, long rice and chicken, poi, a jellied coconut dessert, and cake. The poi was gross.
	A Hawaiian band played through dinner, and the Mistress of Ceremonies sang and gave directions to the wait staff. The time passed quickly and the lines moved smoothly. Part of the entertainment was a hula contest among three young men, two of whom were J-Hawks. Watch Bryan demonstrate his prize-winning technique.
Adam and Teddy wait for the signal to get into the food lines by enjoying the beach.
	The lighthouse was the subject of many photos.
A surprise visitor to the luau was Jefferson grad Joel Shugart. Joel was active in the Band of Blue, swimming, music, and theatre as a student. He currently teaches third grade in Honolulu.
	Part of the entertainment was a mass hula for all the women. As a reward for their good performance they got a kiss from all the men. Watch the girls dance. Watch the boys kiss.
The stage show had colorful costumes and lively music. Each of the Polynesian peoples was represented in song and dance. Audience members -- both boys and girls -- are invited onstage to do a Tahitian hula.
	The evening came to an end too soon. We all tried to sing "Aloha Oi" but most of us didn't know the words. It's been a wonderful trip. In case we forgot to say it earlier, "Mahalo to everyone who made this great adventure possible." "Mahalo" means "thank you." Let's get back to the hotel and start packing.

Today consisted of two major components: snorkeling at Hanauma Bay and marching in the Pan Pacific Parade. We traveled to the bay by vans instead of buses -- it's a state park and very carefully monitored so that overuse doesn't destroy the fragile natural setting.

Hanauma Bay Mr. Houk always raved about this place and how great it was for snorkeling. Today's our day to see if he's right. The bay is a protected wildlife area, so we went in smaller groups than usual. It's about a twenty minute drive from our hotel.
	When we boarded the vans we were each given a five dollar bill -- not for food, as some of us hoped, but for park admission. We had to sign up for this activity in advance because of the limits the park holds on attendance.
The parking lot was on a high area overlooking the bay. Before we were allowed to go down we had to watch a movie about the bay and how to treat it with respect for its marine residents.
	You can see the colonies of life from the cliff.
Using a snorkel was new to most of us.
	This view shows why the bay is so rich in life: the bay is well protected from the rough ocean by its narrow mouth.
More ocean aliens appear as snorkels are donned.
	This has been fun -- and the fish were spectacular. But now it's time to head back to the hotel and get ready for the parade.
The Pan Pacific Parade The Pan Pacific Parade is the final event of the King Kamehameha Festival that's lasted all week. The festival, which celebrates and promotes cooperation among the peoples of the Pacific Ring, marked its twenty-fifth anniversary this year. The followers' hotel has a balcony overlooking the street, so they were ready, cameras in hand, for the show to start.
	Here's another view of the hotel balcony -- and two proud moms. The street behind them is the parade route, so we'll be able to see the Band of Blue just fine. Meanwhile, the band is 1 1/2 miles up the street getting ready. Check out their preparations for the parade.
There were too many friends and family to fit on the Mariott's viewing area, so many more stood or sat on the street. In the photos that follow you'll see that beyond the grass in the background is the Pacific Ocean and Waikiki Beach.
	If you want to see lots of marching units, be sure to watch the slide show of the parade. This float was typical in its beautiful ethnic costumes and riders. Lots of Honolulu community groups marched, many playing instruments from their native lands of China, Korea, and especially Japan. There were also excellent bands from high schools in North Dakota, Indiana, and Texas.
But we all thought the best band was the Band of Blue from Thomas Jefferson High School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa! Director of Bands, Andy Houk, leads the band with pride. The Band of Blue is directed by Thad Driskell.
	Retired Principal Bob Tesar marched with the band. Here he greets the many Jefferson fans in the cheering crowd.
The drumline always excites the crowd with their stirring cadences.
	The winds come next, accompanied by Mr. Bob Manson and Mrs. Mary Bunn.
The color guard closes out the Band of Blue's ranks with their graceful movement and colorful flags.
	With waves crashing in the background, the band marches another three blocks to the end of the parade. The parade started at 5:30, and Jefferson was returning to the hotel, just to the left of this picture, by 6:30. Not quite like the Tournament of Roses Parade that lasted three hours. Watch the Band of Blue's performance on this movie from the parade. Please be patient while it downloads. It's a *very large* file.
These four gentlemen can't help but beam with J-Hawk pride over a job well done by the award-winning Band of Blue. Someone forgot to wear his khaki pants.
	Meanwhile the band returns to the hotel in single file as the parade continues, just out of view on the right. Time to change into play clothes for a supper in the park and a movie on the beach. Band members talk about marching in the parade. A J-Hawk celebrates her birthday at the parade!
Some of us are all smiles and some of us are pretty tired, but we're all happy that the Band of Blue did well. Message to folks back home: Everywhere we go there are people who compliment the kids on their behavior, talent and attitude. You can be very proud of the way your band represents you to the world. Here are today's "Hi, Mom and Dad" greetings.
	Food! Roast beef, mashed potatoes, chicken something-or-other, salad and cake make a pretty good meal after the parade. Bed check at 10 p.m.! Here's the slide show of the Pan Pacific Parade and Hanauma Bay trip. Reminder: large file, long download time, worth the wait! By the way, the kids in the flowered shirts aren't ours -- they're another band at our hotel.

Today we split into two groups. The majority of us visited several sites on Oahu, while a smaller group went on a trip to the Big Island. We invite you to read the whole day's account, or you can skip to the Big Island trip section of the page.

Although the Big Island group had to be up early for their flight, the rest of us did our best to improve the economy of Hawaii. Many new surf boards appeared on the bus. When asked, "How do propose to get that on the plane?" the answers were very creative. We headed out of Honolulu the same way we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center, passing a Japanese shrine and cemetery on the way.
	We passed this state park yesterday, but today we were able to visit Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. It offers a beautiful view of the southeast coast of the island. The lookout isn't high when compared to the mountains of Hawaii, but it was very windy.
How many ways can you flavor a macadamia nut? Quite a few, as these J-Hawks found out at a Hawaiian foods stand along the road up the east coast of the island. There were also samples of coffee and macadamia nut caramel corn, as well as lots of other island products. "It's a sampler, not a buffet!" our bus driver reminded us.
	The first thing we did when we got to Sunset Beach was listen to the lifeguard's set of instructions. Although the ocean looked calm, it was still a potentially dangerous place. Everybody followed the rules and played it safe.
Getting buried in the sand can be fun, but this sand was coarser than what we're used to in Iowa. It was also very hard to walk on -- sucking you in like a pile of Jello.
	As you can see, there wasn't much surf, so the new surf boards saw little action. Occasionally a large wave would bear a little riding, especially right at the shore. It also had the effect of throwing swimmers onto the beach. At 5:00 p.m. we went across the street from the beach to get our supper of burgers, barbecued chicken, potato salad and some kind of baked thing -- banana bread, maybe?
After another swim period we cleaned up ourselves and the beach and headed on down the west coast of the island for Kalalua Point to watch the sun set.
	We were hoping for a pink and magenta show, but the clouds obscured the sun. It actually rained three times during our swim and supper, but not enough to stop the activities. Rains seem to come out of nowhere and last five minutes in Hawaii. And there's always a breeze.
We had been advised that this was a turtle breeding area, and as luck would have it, a big one swam up to the shore while we were there -- but headed out again when it saw us. You can't see the turtle in the picture, but he/she is just under the water. Here's a slide show with more happy Band of Blue members and followers in Hawaii.
	The Big Island Tour We had to get up very early for the trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. We traveled to the airport in two buses and to the Big Island in two jets. At least we didn't have to carry band instruments or luggage.
The plane trip made a good chance to nap, although if you napped you missed seeing the mountains of the Big Island as we approached -- Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, both over 13,000 feet high. We landed at the airport in Hilo.
	As we drive from the airport we get a good view of Mauna Kea, Hawaii's tallest mountain at 13,796 feet high . . .
. . . and the lowest point as we pass the ocean shore.
	Our first destination was Akaka Falls State Park. We walked through rain forest to get to the falls.
Everywhere you look in Hawaii there are flowers and trees that defy description. Plants that we keep in the house in Iowa, like philodendron, have leaves like dinner plates and vines like power lines.
	Kahuna Falls is 1,085 feet tall.
We then went to Akawa Falls.
	Hawaii's climate is widely varied, based on the geography. The windward side of the islands, where they face the wind, gets lots of rain and looks like jungle. The leeward side gets considerably less rain and can be desert-like. Interestingly enough, the pineapple only grows well on the leeward side of the islands.
After visiting the falls we returned to our buses and went to the shore at Punalu'u Beach Park. There we could see where lava had flowed into the water.
	As the waves wear the lava down, it turns into the famous black sand beaches. Be sure to watch our Big Island movie to hear Mrs. Vogel explain how the sand was made.
Our next stop was the one we had all been waiting for -- Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. We had a long hike ahead of us so first we stopped for lunch at Volcano House. We were able to see the Kilauea Caldera from the restaurant, but we still had to hike to get a better view. The steam escaping from these fissures announced the presence of the volcano's awesome power.
	We were lucky that Jefferson science teacher, Sue Vogel, was our guide. She has visited the park several times and knew all the facts. This is a view of the caldera from Crater Rim Trail, a path that allows visitors to hike the circumference of the crater. We hiked out to Jagger Museum -- about three miles. The buses were there to take us to our next stop.
The steam vents are one of the features of the trail.
	Mrs. Vogel reviews the history and geology of the volcano. This video shows more views of the volcano -- and Mrs. Vogel's sense of humor.
Hmmm. Will we see any magma? Our new feature on the Journal page is called "Hi, Mom and Dad." Check out the greetings from the Big Island group.
	The hikers pose for a group photo on Crater Rim Trail.
We're approaching the lowest point of the trail as we near Halema'Uma'U Crater. The smell of sulphur was very strong.
	You get a very good sense of being inside the crater because the next level is 400 feet below us. You can see the edge of our level in the foreground, then comes a change of color -- the floor of the caldera below us.
The men pose to show they met Pele and are at peace with her. No one was sacrificed to the goddess today. Mr. Strait comments on potential victims.
	Thurston Lava Tube required the use of flashlights. These "tunnels" used to be the pipeline through which the lava flowed from the caldera. Some of the tubes are thirty miles long and run all the way to the ocean.
The leading grower of macadamia nuts in the world is Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Co. We stopped here to sample the nuts and purchase treats -- not unlike the group back on Oahu.
	Mr. Houk went bananas over macadamia nut ice cream. The store closed late because so many J-Hawks followed his culinary advice. Does he own stock in a nut company?
The road from the nut company back to the highway reminded some of us of a rollercoaster ride. Mr. Strait brings out the nut in everyone here.
	Back at the airport we start to come down from our great day at the volcano. We'll have these memories for the rest of our lives. Here's a slide show of our trip to the Big Island.
To see our activities before June 12, visit the first J-Hawk Journal page.