A Hawaiian Hanukkah

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

09 Dec 2006 02:09 PM

When I first moved from Hawaii to the "mainland" (the continental United States) to attend college nearly 20 years ago I received a lot of attention from my fellow classmates (mainly because no one could believe I would willingly leave Hawaii for life in Wisconsin). I spent the better part of my first semester fielding questions including, "Do kids surf to school in Hawaii?" and "Does everyone live in grass shacks there?" Oh, and my personal favorite, "How long did it take you to drive from Hawaii?"

To set the record straight: no, we don't surf to school; we live in real houses; and until someone completes a bridge that connects the 50th state with the West Coast-I'll stick to flying. Another question I used to get was: "Do you celebrate Christmas in Hawaii?" Ah, yes, we do. And, as long as we are on the subject... some residents of the "Aloha State" celebrate Hanukkah too.

In fact, tens of thousand of visitors from around the world travel to Hawaii to celebrate Hanukkah in paradise (many of the Islands' resorts offer special kosher menus for Jewish visitors). The city of Honolulu hosts several Hanukkah related events, including the most popular, the public lamp-lighting ceremony in one of the city's largest parks.

Next weekend, Hawaii's Governor will be on hand to participate in the public menorah lighting at Waikiki Gateway Park. In addition to the traditional eight-candle, 18-foot menorah, members of the local Jewish community will also unveil a giant balloon menorah.

If you plan to spend Hanukkah in Hawaii you may want to check out these other Festival of Lights celebrations:

Chabad of Hawaii will host a Hanukkah party on December 17 at the Ala Moana Hotel, in the second-floor meeting rooms. It will feature a buffet dinner and music by a Hasidic band. Tickets are still available. Party entertainment will feature an olive press demonstration. Partygoers will be able to participate in making olive oil, the traditional fuel for lamps.

The Temple Emanu-El congregation will celebrate the holiday on December 22 at the synagogue off the Pali Highway. The Seudat Shabbat and Hanukkah observance will begin at 6 p.m. Reservations are required for the dinner, which will feature latkes, traditional potato pancakes. If you plan to attend this event you are asked to bring gift cards from fast food restaurants or movie theaters to benefit homeless families in the Family Promise program.

Related Articles:

Visiting Hawaii on a Budget

Hawaii: When To Visit

Hawaii--Visiting the Big Island's Best Waterfalls

Visiting the Island of Lanai

Hawaiian 101: "Was that Mauka or Makai?"

Adventure Travel--Swimming With Sharks

Adventure Travel--A Trip to the "Valley of the Kings"

Visiting the World's Largest Outdoor Shopping Center

America's Best Beach

Destination: Hawaii--A Great Family Beach

Splurging On a Second Honeymoon

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger