Hawaii – Just Get in the Car https://justgetinthecar.com Local finds and family adventures Fri, 15 May 2020 19:22:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://justgetinthecar.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Untitled-design-4-75x75.png Hawaii – Just Get in the Car https://justgetinthecar.com 32 32 Getting to know author and Hawaiian enthusiast, Katherine Kayne https://justgetinthecar.com/getting-to-know-author-and-hawaiian-enthusiast-katherine-kayne/ https://justgetinthecar.com/getting-to-know-author-and-hawaiian-enthusiast-katherine-kayne/#respond Fri, 15 May 2020 19:21:55 +0000 https://justgetinthecar.com/?p=1132

Recently, I had the opportunity to review Bound in Flame, a wonderful fiction piece written by Katherine Kayne. Read about that here! The story let me escape to Hawaii for a bit, and I thought Katherine would be a great person for our next Getting to know you post. Below, see what she has to say about the Hawaiian culture, history, and beauty she loves so much.

Bound in Flame is a Hawaiian adventure, romance, and story of a strong female character. What was your inspiration for this story? Have you ever seen a parade in Hawaii? They are the best! There is a tradition of women dressing to ride like the historic royalty. It is stunningly beautiful; the practice is called pa’u. The women use it as a way to celebrate their history. And what a history it is! The first time I saw the riders I began to research how women lived in the early 1900s. What I learned about these fierce women became the inspiration for Bound in Flame. Hawaiian ladies were expert horsewomen, businesswomen and astute politicians. Because the United States had unlawfully seized the Hawaiian Kingdom they chose to fight for what they believed in. And the right to vote too. I am writing a whole series based on these women called the Hawaiian Ladies’ Riding Society.

Riding Ladies
Riding Ladies
Riding Ladies

We visited Hawaii on our honeymoon – Maui and Kauai. We spent more time on Maui, but really loved the lushness of Kauai. Tell us about your favorite parts of Hawaii. We are in love with the Big Island. It is so big you can put Maui and Kauai and all the other islands (and then some) within its borders. Almost every climate zone in the world is represented. You want tropical rainforest? Check. High mountain desert? Check. And perhaps the most beautiful beach in all the islands? Check that box too with Hapuna Beach. We never tire of it because there is always something to do or see. One of my favorite things are the farmers’ markets. They are all over the island with three in upcountry Waimea alone. The produce is beyond amazing. Particularly the fresh papaya and the local boletus mushrooms called ali’i. You will want to cook even if you are on vacation.

I noticed on your Facebook page a post about Orchids. Are you a plant lover? What are your tips for indoor Orchid care, any secrets? I love orchids because they are so easy. Yes, there are secrets to indoor orchid care. Well actually one. Ice cubes. Orchids like cool wet toes. So every week, instead of watering, put a couple of ice cubes at the base of the plant. Easy, huh?

When you can’t get to Hawaii, what are some other places you enjoy visiting? (If you’d like to talk about your New Zealand trip, that’s great!) I just love islands of all kinds. Puget Sound – that is the body of water where Seattle’s harbor lies – is enormous. And full of islands! Since we winter on Hawaii Island we are fortunate to summer on one in Puget Sound. The farther south you go in the Sound the calmer the waters are, except when the tides are running. Wildlife is abundant. We spent last weekend watching sea lions having a herring party! Next week will finally be getting out kayaks out. I can’t wait. 
 

 If our readers are looking to plan a trip to Hawaii, what are your best pointers? What islands should they visit? Any particular places that you encourage people to seek out and explore? First of all recognize that Hawaii will be slow to re-open after the virus. The healthcare system is not designed to handle all the needs of Hawaii residents and lots of sick tourists too. The Governor has been very deliberate about his plans. Once Hawaii does re-open I suggest looking at renting a condominium. There are lots of choices and it gives you a more local experience. What to see? I have a HUGE list. It is always tempting to head to the beach and stay there. That said you will miss so much of the real Hawaii if you do. Whatever island you are on I would go see at least a couple of historic sites. Two of my favorites are Queen Emma’s Summer Palace on Oahu and Hulihe’e Place on Hawaii Island. These sites are both run by volunteers from the Daughters of Hawaii’i. They give an authentic picture of royal life.

Celebrating Bound in Flame
Hulihe'e Palace - Celebrating Bound in Flame

Thank you, Katherine! We loved learning more about your passion for Hawaiian culture, and islands in general! We will be on the lookout for the next adventure of the Hawaiian Ladies’ Riding Society! (And also, thank you for the tip on caring for Orchids!)

-Kristin

]]> https://justgetinthecar.com/getting-to-know-author-and-hawaiian-enthusiast-katherine-kayne/feed/ 0 Bound in Flame, a review https://justgetinthecar.com/bound-in-flame-a-review/ https://justgetinthecar.com/bound-in-flame-a-review/#respond Wed, 19 Feb 2020 15:56:54 +0000 https://justgetinthecar.com/?p=1039

When I received an email regarding writing a review for Bound in Flame , written by author Katherine Kayne, my immediate reaction was – I’m not a book reviewer! However, the Hawaiian setting, the heroine at the center of the story, and the intriguing history led me to accept the challenge.

Just Get in the Car is a travel blog – and Hawaii has always been a place of interest for us. We spent our honeymoon enjoying Maui and Kauai, and hope to return one day. Reading Bound in Flame – as all well written fiction does – encouraged me to learn more about the historical backdrop of the novel. I hadn’t ever given much thought to the history of Hawaii, but having read the compelling story of Letty, the heroine, I was encouraged to do some research.

Garden of Eden

The book centers on Leticia Lili’uokalani Lang, a young woman who defied the expectations of how proper women should behave with her strong will, and independent spirit. The story begins with Letty’s return home to Hawaii after spending some time in a boarding school, which was intended to tame her spirit. As you might guess, this was a fruitless endeavor, as strong spirits aren’t easily tamed. We learn right away that Letty is an animal lover and protector. She causes quite a spectacle when she jumps into the ocean to save a horse.

Of course, this brave (crazy?) act hints at the series of events that will unfold in the subsequent pages. While author Katherine Kayne does take some liberties, her appreciation for the history and culture of the Hawaiian people is evident. The book takes place shortly after the Hawaiian monarchy was dissolved, with the would-be Queen playing a strong supporting role in Letty’s story.

And with all historical fiction that has caught my interest, there is a compelling love story.

I was unsure whether this book would ultimately turn out to be “just” a romantic novel, but it proved to be much more than that. Touching on the strong connection between the Hawaiian people and their land, Letty’s force is something she must face and learn to manage in order to live her life to its fullest.

The novel is easy to read, interesting, left me intrigued to learn more about the early 20th century Hawaiian experience, and satisfied my desire for a good love story.

I highly recommend that you grab yourself a copy and escape to the islands for a bit.

Parrot Picture

-Kristin

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