Aloha Oe

Travel Blog  •  Pam Mandel  •  06.29.09 | 2:49 PM ET

Photo by Nerd’s Eye View

I tried to write a closing post for Hawaii: Holoholo Wale five or six times but got stuck in a weepy, pathetic sort of sentimentalism, the kind of thing no one should have to read. With that epic fail on my hands, I turned to Hawaiian culture for inspiration.

Ah, Aloha Oe. The classic parting song written by Lili’uokalani, Hawaii’s last queen. It seemed a good way to go because after all, the song isn’t the big goodbye—it’s a temporary separation. But then, I started to imagine how the meaning behind Aloha Oe may have changed for the Queen during her lifetime—she was held prisoner in her own home and forced to abdicate her throne. It was the end of the Hawaiian monarchy, her country was no more. Oops. That’s not really the tone I was looking for. 

“Best keep it short and to the point,” I told myself. And so.

It’s been an honor. Aloha Oe. Until we meet again, you can find me at my personal blog, Nerd’s Eye View.

Tags: North America, United States, Hawaii, Shrinking Planet

Pam Mandel is a freelance writer and photographer from Seattle, Washington. Her work has appeared in a variety of print, radio, and web publications and she's contributed to two guidebooks, one on British Columbia and one on Hawaii. She plays the ukulele, has an internal beacon that is surprisingly capable of locating the best baked goods in town, almost any town, and speaks German with a Styrian accent. Learn more on her personal blog at Nerd's Eye View.


3 Comments for Aloha Oe

Chris 06.30.09 | 10:28 AM ET

My bookmark list is getting a lot longer with this WorldHum change. No more one-stop shopping!

Gail 06.30.09 | 3:10 PM ET

Well, poo.  I just found you and now you’re gone.  I’ll be seeing you on NEV, though.

Designer Sunglasses 07.07.09 | 12:36 AM ET

That was depressing, I was expecting a nice little article, instead I got your farewell!

I wish the best of luck to you, and I’ll try to stop by your personal blog. Hope all is well!

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