Missionaries on Hawai’i

We sat in our favorite bar at Huggo’s On The Rock at the beach in Kona, this time not under a palm tree but under colorful, colorful giant umbrellas. Our table was filled with pupus by Ahia Natchos and we sipped our refreshing cocktails by Verginge Magarita and a Mai Tai. Surrounded by Hawaiian music and the sound of the glittering wave-rich ocean with the setting sun, the soul was the purest land of plenty and a blessing.

It was a relaxed, soothing atmosphere and as we talked, we both looked out into the distant sea. The sleeping sun slowly leaves Hawaii and sinks behind the horizon, where it will soon be saying good morning in Japan. When looking at the sunset, the eyes do not miss the mighty white ocean giant, a metallic impetus that lies at anchor in the bay all day long. If you look closely, you will see little diligent red and white boats tuggern between pier and the freshly painted metal colossus back and forth. From the two chimneys a horrible black, russian smoke rises in the beautiful evening mood. As it seems, it’s time to bring the day trippers back on board, drop the anchor and sting towards the sunset in the sea to the next island.

Somewhat distracted, we, Shana and I, resumed our conversation about tomorrow’s project. Tomorrow we were planning a drive to Hilo to first investigate Hawaiian history in the archive and secondly to do our favorite activity and visit old bookstores and antiquarian bookshops.
Early in the morning we left Kona, drove through the town to the big highway intersection which we crossed and drove to the opposite residential area to the upper old road, the 190ziger where trees, bushes and flowers on the street trellis with beautiful views over the island. Narrow, the winding road leads us through some jungle and green lava fields until we came to the turnoff to Mauna Kea. Here it is striking that the road from the last visit was widened and renewed with fresh black surface, because this road leads across the Big Island and is a main connection between East and West. It leads us towards Mauna Kea,

the holiest mountain of Hawaii, this one started the prehistoric history of the Hawaiians, and to Hilo, but also next to the US Military Camp. and the rainforest over. Once you have reached the summit of the volcanic hills, the landscape suddenly changes and the black road leads down through the lush green Hilo Forest Reserve. After a strenuous car ride of just under 2 hours, the first houses appear

from Hilo and suddenly the traffic increases. You arrived in the biggest city on Big Island.
With the friendly voice of the Navis, we made our way to the Lyman Museum & Mission House to find another puzzle for Hawaiian history. We were now standing in front of the very old, white mission house. But still had to wait for the guide, which was in an hour. Thus, we spent the waiting time in the museum, where we showed a variety of different colored, shiny shells and their shapes. The history of the formation of the islands was shown to us in the simplest way. The hour waiting time flew by and ran comfortably with our tickets back over to the mission house.

Lyman Mission House – Hilo ©Foto Gérard Koch

Finally we were allowed to enter the ancient house. The first thing you notice right away is that the interior was refurbished as it was then when the house was moved and renovated. The friendly guide in the house, tells with passion and with a verbosity in an adventurous, colorful version of the story of missionaries and David und Sarah Lyman in Hilo. No one wanted to miss what Pat Engelhard, the guide, told us about this wonderful building. As we move from one room to the next, I quietly spoke to my wife Shana that this story must be recorded.
This is so rich in information, such a historical knowledge, what has to be carried out, so that many people learn about it and not for the few visitors on site. I would like to record an interview with Mrs. Pat Engelhard after the tour. It also happened that after the guided tour, my wife went to see Ms. Pat and asked if she would be willing to share that story about the missionaries who arrived in Hawaii and retell about David Lymans in front of the camera. Her short answer: „Yes, but let me rest first because I do not feel very special and come back in 1 ½ hours. Meeting point main entrance Museum. “
Thankfully and with great joy in the face, we said goodbye for later.

Shana and I strolled down Haili Street into the city. We crossed the path of the old first Christian mission on the east side of the island Hawaii built Waiākea-missions station,
known today as Haili Church. Continuing to walk into the city, we looked for a particular restaurant to shorten the midday and waiting time with delicious Hawaiian food. Because today’s day at Hilo was all about history, it also had to be the Kaikodo Building, built in 1908, where a classy restaurant has recently been set up.

After the tasty dish, we went back to the museum to draw up the meeting with Pat Engelhard. She led us into the meeting room of the museum, which is besieged with hundreds of books. Only the knowledge of what is on this wall, makes an impression. While I’m doing the technical setup of the camera and microphone, Shana has in the meantime introduced Pat in my interview concept. What I have recorded, I would like to take you now to this rousing, gripping conversation.

This day was a busy, surprises, successful, positive day that Shana and I decided to stay a while in Hilo for a fruity, colorful cocktail. It would be a pity to take the long drive back to Kona. All of today’s experience must first sit down in the mind and mind. I’d rather spend some time in Hilo and antique shops and old bookstores were destined to look up. We went through the Front Street, actually the Kamehameha Avn. Somewhat offset in a side street we found an old junk shop. His treasures were varied and great. Unfortunately, I had a too small suitcase to take all the books with me. Even at home, my apartment is too small for it.
A great Mahalo nui to Pat Engelhard for this great story.
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The History of Hilo

Hilo was settled very early and has a rich history. About the name Hilo there are a lot of oral legends handed down later. Hilo was also a big trading center before the missionaries. Hilo grew to become a thriving city until 1946 and 1960 each hit a high-risk killer tsunami wave Hilo. In the first Katatstophe found 159 people death, the second 537 buildings were destroyed, torn away and again found people’s death. Today, Hilo is one of the busiest cities next to Honolulu on the Hawaiian Islands. Every spring, thousands of Hawaiians, Hula Halau groups and other visitors from all over the world arrive in Hilo for the grandiose Merrie Monarch Festival. Something culturally more beautiful than this festival is hard to beat.