When you think of sun power and weddings, you have to think of Hawaii. In addition to being one of the worlds best honeymoon spots, Hawaii has many sacred places where celebrations of the sun still take place, and where vows of lifetime commitment take on an additional spiritual air. On the morning of the solstice itself, people travel to Makapuu Point, the easternmost point on the island of Oahu. Here there is a red stone which represents Ku, a Polynesian God associated with the sun. This morning the sun rises in direct alignment with the stone, and the first rays of dawn are said to be able to heal the sick and improve male virility. There is a ruin of an ancient temple, or Heiau, where Ku was worshipped on the big island of Hawaii in the northern village of Kohala. Also on the big island are the famous rainbow falls, located deep within the tropical rain forest west of the city of Hilo. When the first rays of the summer sun creep over the surrounding mango trees, a brilliant rainbow is created in the mist of the falls, giving the spot its name and making it a prime location for Hawaiian weddings.
It can be difficult to find tropical locations here in the Pacific Northwest, but there are locations her where the Hawaiian atmosphere is evoked. One spot that is ideal for sun worship is waterfall garden at the corner of Washington street and Main street in downtown Seattle. Here you will find the ideal urban oasis with a tropical garden surrounding a 22 foot cascade of water, a tranquil corner amidst the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Even more tranquil, albeit more remote, is the Hon rain forest on the Olympic peninsula. While it's not tropical, the abundance of moisture and lush greenery can easily lead you to believe that the volcanic craters of Maui lie just beyond the next mossy grove.
There are hundreds of sites on-line where you may explore the islands of Hawaii, one of the best being the National Geographic pages at www.nationalgeographic.com/modules/Hawaii. This site offers some of the world renowned photography that National Geographic is famous for, as well as numerous links to other Hawaiian sites. Another great site for information on special excursions to Hawaii is the well within page at www.nccn.net/~within/welcome.html. This group offers special trips to sacred sites around the world, including a journey to Kauai in March of 1998. Happy traveling!
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