Lahaina History, Traditions, and What Remains

Lahaina History, Traditions, and What Remains

Aloha Family & Friends
In late August it was announced that 100% of Lahaina’s residential properties were certified as cleared, and now the focus has turned to the removal of the remaining commercial debris. All of which, thanks in good part to the Army Corps of Engineers, is significantly ahead of schedule.

This gave us a moment of pause; to take a step back and review not only what was gone, but what we still have. As so many of Lahaina’s landmarks were lost, it’s particularly heartening to see the fortunate few that made it. Lahainaluna High School, and particularly the LHS stadium are perfect examples.

If you’re not familiar with the history of Lahainaluna High School, it was established in 1831, giving it the distinction of being the oldest school west of the Rockies. It’s a traditional high school for West Maui students, but also offers a “boarding” dormitory for students from other parts of Maui and Hawaii. Have you ever seen the large Lahainaluna “L”, in the mountainside high above the town? Each year the boarders make the long trek to clean it, lay the limestone rock and ensure the proud symbol can be seen by all.

The LHS Stadium, however, has a different story to tell. Although a football team was established in 1925, the school did not have their own “real” stadium or even an official track for the cross-country team. The Lahainaluna High School Foundation worked hard to change that. Through hard work and many donations large and small, Phase One of the stadium was completed in 2010, and Phase Two in 2015. It may have taken nearly a century to make it happen, but it’s a source of joy and pride to all West Maui residents.

So what’s the best way to pay tribute to our institution that represents old and new, in this transitional time? Why, to attend an LHS football game, of course!

This month we volunteered as “ticket takers” for the LHS – Kamehameha game. It involved minimal work, a few laughs and lots of familiar faces. While the game itself was pretty great, the best part was watching the players, the students and the fans thoroughly enjoying themselves in the beautiful stadium they call home. And did we mention it’s open to the public???

Yes, we know Lahaina still has a long road ahead and a lot to figure out, but it’s nice to know that some of our most loved institutions, especially this one remains intact. Go Lunas!

Aloha, Greg & Leah

Whether you’re looking to use up the last of this season’s tomato harvest or just need a quick, easy dinner idea, this classic Beef Tomato recipe is sure to be a hit!

Beef Tomato

Instructions

1. To make the marinade, combine in a medium sized bowl shoyu, sugar, liquor, and cornstarch. Mix it well.
2. Add the beef to the bowl and combine. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes to an hour.
3. Make the gravy by combining broth, shoyu, salt, and cornstarch in a bowl. Set aside.
4. Over medium heat sauté briefly the garlic in an oiled pan or wok. Then add in the beef and let it cook for about two minutes or until the meat has been browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
5. Lightly oil the wok and add in the onions and stir fry it for about one minute. Then add in the green bell peppers, stir fry it for another minute then add in the celery to be stir fried for one more minute.
6. Add the beef back in and stir fry it for one minute. Lastly add in the gravy and let it simmer for about 5 minutes while stirring constantly until it has thickened.
7. Add in the tomatoes and lightly mix it in for just 30 seconds. Then garnish it with green onions.
8. Turn off the heat and serve over hot sticky rice and enjoy this onolicious Beef Tomato!

Enjoy!

A Hawaiian Recipe Version of Beef Tomato from Ono Hawaiian Recipes