Hawaii Island, Papua New Guinea

Today we alit at the charming island of Hawaii.  The official spelling of the name appears to be Huawae, although I have noticed it as “Hawai” in one listing.  But the welcome sign the locals put up for us was “Hawaii” so that’s the spelling for me!

We were, reportedly, the first cruise ship visitors to come to the island.  For first time hosts, the islanders did a great job.  There was an energetic welcome with some people in traditional garb performing a welcome chant/dance as we landed, accompanied by the powerful hollowed-out drums called garamut.  And the disarmingly shy school children in uniforms were all there to welcome us as well. 

The women’s church choir and the cultural dance were delightful and not over-long.  We all appreciated the customized “Welcome tourists” chant added to the cultural dance.  This was followed by a change to eat beach-side, where the hosts set out a spread of food that put our “luxury” ship dining room to shame.  (No exaggeration, that.) 

The village dwellings were spread far apart.  I was told that most clans or family groups lived in their own neighborhoods, with plenty of lush space in between. 

Local school children were all available to be our guides.  We were free to roam where we wanted, but a young garamut drummer decided to be my personal guide and took me along to the local school.  A delightful walk and certainly an interesting thing to see, but then my guide quickly bid goodbye and joined a football game, so I think he had an ulterior motive to take me to the school.  😆