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A luau with Nanea and Luciana

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Nanea invited Luciana to join her for a traditional Luau. A l uau i s a traditional Hawaiian party or feast that is usually accompanied by entertainment. It may feature food such as poi, Kalua pig, poke, lomi salmon, opihi, haupia and beer, and entertainment such as traditional Hawaiian music and hula. The word  luau , in Hawaiian, refers to the young edible leaves of the taro plant. These leaves were traditionally used to wrap food that was placed in an imu (underground oven) for the feast. Some of Nanea's favorite things (seen on the table are) Three pieces of  kalua  meat that would have been slow-roasted in an imu, or underground oven, and served on the tray Two coconut drinks decorated with hibiscus flowers A bowl of  poi,  a uniquely Hawaiian pudding made from mashed taro root A bowl of rice and salmon with a lid that comes off for serving A ripe papaya and a bunch of mangoes After dinner there is a traditional show of...
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Nanea's Luau Set

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I was so excited to see two new summer things for Nanea.  Her new luau dress and a complete luau set. (Now when can we go the the American Girl store to get this??) Nanea loves going to the beach—so she’s delighted when her brother, David, chooses a beach  luau  for his birthday celebration. This 23-piece set comes with pretend Hawaiian treats to share at a special occasion:  A wooden luau table, made low to the ground so Nanea sits with her legs underneath Three pieces of  kalua  meat that would have been slow-roasted in an imu, or underground oven, and served on the tray Two coconut drinks decorated with hibiscus flowers A table runner made of faux banana leaves A bowl of  poi,  a uniquely Hawaiian pudding made from mashed taro root A bowl of rice and salmon with a lid that comes off for serving A slice of pie for dessert Two red lanterns to hang for decoration A ripe papaya and a bunch of mangoes Two plates with hibiscus flowe...
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Nanea in Lahaina, Maui

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Lahaina, Maui is the old whaling town and also the former capital of Hawaii. There are so many lovely beaches, resorts and. fun places to visit.  Here are some photos of Nanea in Lahaina!
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Disney Aulani Resort

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During our time in Oahu we got to go visit Disney's  Aulani  resort.  It was about an hour drive from Honolulu but the scenery along the way as so pretty!  We had dinner at the  ‘AMA‘AMA  restaurant.  It is named after the ‘AMA‘AMA, a local mullet fish—and it’s inspired by the fishing settlements along the leeward coast of O‘ahu that date back to the 12th century. We got the most wonderful and fantastic surprise. After telling the lovely young woman, who was our server all about Nanea, she brought us this surprise for dessert! Yummy! Nanea and I enjoyed it and also had ice cream! The beach was so beautiful and peaceful.  I love the way this looks. The pool is in front and then the ocean in the background. But it all looks like one big ocean!  Nanea said she should have brought her swim  suit. But we only had time to walk around and then have dinner and shop a little. This beautiful map of Oahu w...
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Merrie Monarch Festival

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While we were in Hawaii, in early April, the  Merrie Monarch Festival  was happening in Hilo on the Big Island The Merrie Monarch Festival   honors the legacy of King David Kalākaua, who inspired the perpetuation of Hawaiian traditions, native language and arts. The last 3 days of the festival was the International hula festival. We got to watch a lot of that on TV later in the evening. I would love to go next year! (Nanea, too!) There are lots of performances that you can watch on youtube. Here are some of my favorites from this year. There are SO MANY!!  MM1 MM2 MM3 MM4 MM5 The performance (and outfits) are all so beautiful and amazing. 
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Nanea's visit to the American Girl Doll salon

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After a long trip to Hawaii (and lots of time in the sun and at the beach) it was time to take Nanea to the American Girl doll salon for a complete hair styling. The ladies at the salon do such an amazing job.  Isn't she pretty?
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Kula Botanical Gardens

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Kula Botanical Gardens, in upcountry Maui, is one of the prettiest gardens I have ever visited.   Kula Botanical Garden is located on the slopes of Haleakala and encompasses 8 acres of colorful and unique plants, amazing rock formations, a covered bridge, waterfalls, koi pond, aviary and new attractions including the carved tiki exhibit. I dressed Nanea in one of her new dresses for the visit. We were visiting for a couple of hours enjoying the gardens, the view and the bit cooler weather.
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