The beauty of Aloha in the Heart of Hawaii
As Hawaii welcomed back travelers this month, we were finally able to run our class in Oahu, the island known as the heart of Hawaii. 23 happy au pairs took part in our very first 72-hour Exploring Photography and Oahu: The Heart of Hawaii course on November 9-14. For five days, they were not only learning how to improve their photography skills, but also experiencing many aspects of Hawaiian life including culture, history, marine life, agriculture, volcanoes, landscape and surfing.
A highlight of the class was a visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center where we got to learn about the different Polynesian islands and their cultures. The Polynesian culture did for sure inspire everyone. Perhaps the meaning behind the word Aloha is what stuck with everyone the most. It’s the Hawaiian word for hello and goodbye, but it means so much more than just that. We learned that it also means love, affection, peace and compassion. For native Hawaiians, the word is used to define a force that holds together existence, a breath of life.
Another favorite activity was learning how to surf. Surfing in Hawaii is a culture, an art, a science, and a way of life. With the advantages of Hawaii’s shoreline topography, warm ocean waters, and abundant waves, the indigenous people of the Hawaiian Islands developed and refined the sport that has become a thriving international phenomenon today.
We learned a lot in a short time. We learned about the language the culture, we tried different foods, and we meet really nice people, Hawaiian and nice au pairs as well. – Elaine from Germany
Our next Hawaii class will take place on May 13 – 18, 2022 and registration is already open. Remember to book early, as spots are limited and fill up quickly!
