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Joyce Hauoli Carter Shares her Experiences in Hawaii with BuyA Timeshare.com October 23, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : Timeshare Resource , 1 comment so far

Written by Joyce Hau‘oli Carter. Joyce has years of expertise in Hawaiian culture and travels to Hawaii, and we are looking forward to more about the islands from this renowned author.

Hawaiian in her Heart

If you’ve ever been to Hawai‘i; if you’ve never been to Hawai’i, or if you’ve only been there in dreams, you probably think that these mid-Pacific islands constitute a modern-day paradise— and they do.

To many, a vacation “Paradise” means a heavenly place made up of the three Ss—sun, sand and surf—and these islands fit that description in every way, a place of excitement and fun. One can travel there to enjoy the beautiful climate, vistas, beaches, water sports, and culinary delights. However, Hawai‘i is so much more. Hawai‘i is a spiritual paradise, a haven, a place where if it calls to you, you must return to rejuvenate the soul.

Hawai‘i is aloha, an all encompassing term that means not only hello and good-bye; it also means forgiveness, understanding, mercy, compassion, and love. The people of Hawai‘i live according to the spirit of aloha.

And so if you want to experience aloha, you must meet the people and steep yourself in the culture and traditions of the islands. You can do this by seeking out the local people when visiting churches, libraries, small entertainment venues, shops, and open-air markets. All you have to do is show a genuine interest, and they will take you to their hearts. So if you visit in body, or even if you visit in spirit, instead of just opening your pocketbooks, open your hearts to the real Hawai‘i, to the heart of the islands, and you will take home with you the spirit that is aloha.

I did and I accepted the joy that was shared. I know; I studied. I experienced, and I accepted aloha as a way of life. And then I wrote about it…

About the Islands

I first visited the island of ‘Oahu and Waikiki as a young woman who enjoyed the three Ss but little else. When I returned, it was to the island of Maui. Wiser and more mature, I realized that for me, the lure of the islands was not only their beauty, but even more so it was their intriguing history, unique culture, ancient traditions, and unmistakable spirituality.

Maui became my second home, but I have visited most of the islands, steeping myself in their origins and history. I began giving talks in my community and those around me, sharing the wonder of Hawai’i with the people.

Historically, it is believed that the Hawaiian Islands were first settled by natives from the South Pacific who traveled thousands of miles across the ocean in outrigger canoes. Hawai‘i was barren, and these people had to bring all the necessities of life with them. As they developed, each island was ruled by a king until Kamehameha the Great united them under his rule. Captain Cook discovered them in the late 1700s. The missionaries from the U.S. Mainland arrived in 1790. Along with them came people from China, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and many other countries to work in the fields, bringing with them their rich cultural practices. Lili’uokalani was queen when the United States took over the islands in an illegal but bloodless coup in 1893, and these islands rich in sugar cane and pineapple became a territory. In 1959 they became our 50th state.

Geologically, the islands were formed over a hot spot in the earth’s crust deep below the Pacific Ocean. The magma boiled forth, building up until it reached the surface and the lava formed land. As the lava cooled, each island began sustaining life. Moving on tectonic plates, they traveled away from the hot spot, a new island forming in its place. There are 132 points of land in the Hawaiian Island chain, some just tiny atolls. Of the eight major islands, only seven are now peopled. I have visited six.

Joyce Hauoli Carter Brings More Hawaii to BuyA Timeshare.com October 23, 2009

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It is next to impossible to describe the islands in a few words, for each has its own special charm. I can offer you a taste of each one, moving from northwest to southeast, and from oldest to youngest geologically.

Ni’ihau is the oldest, a small private island known as the Forbidden Island on which only people of pure Hawaiian descent are allowed to live.

Kaua‘i is the seventh oldest island called the Garden Isle. It is best known for its Wailea Canyon, Napili Coast sea cliffs, the Fern Grotto, and the resort areas of Princeville and Poipu.

O‘ahu, the sixth oldest and best known island known as The Gathering Place is home to the 50th state’s capitol, Honolulu on the leeward (western) side of the island. Most people visit there to experience Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, the Aloha Tower, and Diamond Head. To the north, surfers head for the Pipeline. Very few people travel over the pali (mountain) to the windward (eastern), quieter side where the small towns of Kailua and Kaneohe and their protected white sand beaches can be found.

Moloka‘i, the fifth oldest island, is known as the Friendly Isle. There is only one main town on the island, Keonkakai, but the island is known for the colony given over to people suffering from Hanson’s Disease, formally known as Leprosy. People still live there, and visitors can visit the peninsula on mule back or by helicopter.

Maui, the fourth oldest island. For me, Maui no ka oi. Maui is the best. It is my second home and until recently I visited there as often as I could, sometimes three or four times a year. Maui has a little bit of what all the islands have to offer: It is called the Valley Isle because of the lush and fertile area formed by the combined lava flows from Mauna Kahalawai, an extinct volcano now known as the West Maui Mountains, and Mauna Haleakala, a dormant volcano known for its moon-like crater. Also well known is the ‘Iao Needle, Valley, and River. The Road to Hana is famous for its many one-lane bridges, hairpin turns, waterfalls, and lovely vistas. Famous, too, is the whaling town of Lahaina and the resort areas of Ka’anapali and Wailea.

Lana‘i is called the Pineapple Isle and was once part of Maui. This tiny island is known for its Garden of the Gods, Five Needles lava formations, and Lanai City.

Kaho‘olawe, The Target Island, was formerly known as Kanaloa. Once supporting a small colony of people, the territory allowed it to be used by the U.S. for target practice and is no longer habitable. Now returned to the Hawaiian people, a great effort is being made to bring the island back to life.

Finally, the newest island and largest island is that of Hawai‘i, known as the Big Island to avoid confusing the island and the archipelago. Three still active volcanoes formed the island, and a vent from one called Kilauea is the most well known. Volcanoes National Park is a favored spot to visit as are the Parker Ranch, Akaka Falls, Valley of the Kings, and the towns of Kailua-Kona on the west coast and Hilo on the east.

Now that you have participated in this taste of Hawai‘i, it’s up to you to stop saying you have always wanted to visit Hawai‘i. Save your pennies – well, maybe dollars – and GO!

There are cruises and packages and guided tours available to visitors, but I recommend that you find a good tour book and choose one island as your home base. You can always fly to others. Rent a condo so that you can eat either in or out. Rent a car, buy a good map, and set out on your own. It’s an island; you can’t get lost! This way you don’t have to rely on someone else’s idea of what you should see and do. Sunning at the beach or pool, water sports, land sports, sight-seeing, shopping, restaurant hopping, or relaxing—Hawai‘i has it all…

Inspired by Hawaii, In The Presence of Angels PART 1 October 23, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : Timeshare Resource , 2comments

In the year 2000, I met an island woman—a teacher, writer, poet, musician, and spiritual guide who took me under her wing. She led me to Kukuipuka Heiau, an ancient place of worship. No matter who you are, where you come from, or what your religious beliefs may or may not be, this temple welcomes you, placing its stamp of healing, peace, and love upon you, and sending you home with a bit of it in your heart to share with others. Kukuipuka means doorway to the Light. I walked through it and my family followed. Our lives were forever changed.

I am an ordinary woman leading an ordinary life who, since the year 2000, has been surrounded by extraordinary events. In the past two years I have authored and published two non fiction books about these experiences…

About the Book
IN THE PRESENCE OF ANGELS
A Return to Faith Through a Hawaiian Doorway
…was published in March 2008.

Join the author on a journey of discovery, not of ancient treasures or new planets in the heavens, but of reawakening faith and of self. Learn how people can live in harmony with one another, accomplishing this task by modeling unity, cultivating peace, and building a bridge of love and understanding with the people of the world, one heart at a time. Accompany her as she walks beside her spiritual advisor Lei‘ohu Ryder through the gate of an ancient Hawaiian place of worship known as Kukuipuka Heiau and into the world of angels. Our loved ones on the other side wish to be recognized, to connect with us.

Within these pages, you will find not dictates and formal instructions, but information, suggestions, and examples from her personal experiences that show how we can all participate in this amazing connection.

The angels are with us, and they are waiting…
And the angels say,
“Things are not always what they seem.
Look beyond what the eyes can see.
Listen beyond what the ears can hear.
Speak with the spirit. Taste the richness of life.
Touch with the heart.”

This book will show you how—one step at a time.
Excerpt from In The Presence of Angels

Except for my presence, the bay was empty. I realized that swimming without anyone else around was probably unsafe, but I felt no fear whatsoever. The ocean water was pleasantly cool and gentle against my skin, and I knew I was being held safely in the hands of the ancestors, the angels of Hawai‘i.
I turned to Kahalawai. The early light of sunrise and the Spirit Light over the mountain were breathtaking. The colors continued to heighten until each ridge glowed gloriously in the Light of the Creator. At last the sun peeked over the rim of Haleakala, illuminating one area in a single ray of burnished gold that reached far down the slopes of its counterpart to the northwest. I believed it could only be spotlighting Kukuipuka Heiau, the Hawaiian place of worship I had come to visit, and later I found out that, indeed, it had been so.
A juvenile humpback whale, alone also, began breeching in the choppy waters of the channel between the coast of Maui and the island of Lana‘i. It sprang from the water again and again in its own dance of praise to the rising of the sun. I had always felt a deep connection to these huge mammals, and the presence of this young animal that seemed to perform only for me thrilled me to my soul. Then it, too, disappeared. Overcome with awe and joy, tears flowed down my cheeks, and the salt blended with that of the sea.
I knew I had to swim to shore. Although I had drifted far from the coastline, I let the waves carry me in. The current dropped me at the very spot where my footprints—higher now on the sand—confirmed I had entered the water. I had yet to feel the sun’s rays on my body, but as I stood there on the virgin sand, it burst forth and bathed me in its warmth.
When I returned to the condo, I realized I had been gone for well over an hour. My husband Al asked about my experience, but no words came, for no words could describe what I was feeling inside and the connection I had made with my Creator. My heart was full to overflowing, and the day had just begun.

Read Part II

Inspired by Hawaii, In the Presence of Angels PART 2 October 23, 2009

Posted by Bryan Connelly in : Timeshare Resource , 1 comment so far

Read Part I
About the Author
Joyce Hau‘oli Carter of Massachusetts was a supervisor of music and literacy coordinator for adult ESL and citizenship volunteer training programs. In retirement, this mother and grandmother writes, paints, teaches music, gives talks about, and travels to the islands and her Hawaiian family. She has written two books—In the Presence of Angels and There Is No Veil. She is currently working on a children’s book titled Hawaiian Myths and Mysteries.

Reviews
About Ms. Carter’s first book, award-winning author SUZANNE STREMPEK SHEA says:

“In the Presence of Angels is exactly where you’ll be when you travel with Joyce Hau’oli Carter from Massachusetts to Maui and through the story of a faith lost and found – and then furthered by some unexpected presences. Wherever you are on your own faith journey, you’ll be fascinated by the story of Carter and her angel guides, and you just might want to try to connect with those waiting to make themselves known. Mahalo nui loa - island-sized thanks – to this author for being so open as to not only hear the comforting and inspiring messages she was being told, but to share them with her readers.”

Excerpt from a professional review
Richard R. Blake says:

“Joyce has a gift for choosing word pictures that beautifully portray the glorious sunsets, the first glimmer of dawn, the mysterious dark peaks of the twin volcanoes of Maui. Her descriptions of the sacred and holy symbols of the Hawaiian ancient culture and tradition engage the reader as Joyce explains how she observers the proper protocol while she absorbs the essence of the Island’s rich culture.
“I found myself engaged in Carter’s writing, eagerly reading of each new level of understanding, as she took another step of faith through her chosen Hawaiian doorway. Superb writing (and) eloquent descriptions (that) will touch your heartstrings.”

Reviews by people who are featured in the book:
“In the Presence of Angels raises the consciousness of our world. Telling others how we all gathered to experience the deeper journey of our expansion as family will be a great benefit to many. When the heart opens others will be moved, and all is blessed.” Lei‘ohu Ryder
“We wish you to know that we are happy that your visits at the Sunray Peace Village manifested a wonderful journey of awakening. May all beings share in the experience of finding joy within.” Venerable Dhyani Ywahoo and Elders, Sunray Peace Village
“In the Presence of Angels gave me companionship, inspiration and validation. May other readers also receive encouragement to bear our gifts of peacemaking, joy, and courage for the benefit of all.” Kate Albrecht
“The thoughts of peace and love the book shares with the world enhances the Light from within that connects with the Light of the Creator.” Bohike Marie Crooke, Taino

How to Order
Although neither book yet appears on bookstore shelves, readers can purchase In the Presence of Angels through most online book sites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and others. If readers want to purchase before that happens or wish to purchase both books at a special price may do so by contacting the author at info@angelbook.net, entering “personalized book order” in the subject line or
contact me at Joyce E. Carter, P.O. Box 214,
Wilbraham, MA 01095.Fill out the order form and mail to the address above………

Order Form————————————————————————————————————-

Book Title: ____In the Presence of Angels ____There Is No Veil ____ Both Books

Name:_______________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address:________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip:________________________________________________________________________________

Email Address:________________________________________________________________________________

Autographed: Yes____No____Inscribed to:_________________________________________________________

Price Information

Angels: $12.95 Veil: Special Offer $13.95 Both Books:: Special Price $25.00
Tax: (MA residents), $ .81 Tax: (MA Residents), $ .87 Tax: (MA Residents), $1.56
Shipping: $4.95 Shipping: $4.95 Shipping: $6.95

Shipping, $2.50: each additional book mailed to same address

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-10-23 October 23, 2009

Posted by Jason Dobbins in : Timeshare Resource , add a comment

Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-10-23 October 23, 2009

Posted by Jason Dobbins in : Timeshare Resource , add a comment