Happy Camper for Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Did you see that parol sandwiched between the two upright big Christmas trees at the Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club?

Now that the presents have all been undone, there is still a small window to go out and view the many holiday offerings (did you see the Aloha Christmas at the Sheraton Kaua‘i at Coconut Beach — mahalo, General Julian Cable Threadway and Chef Michael Blacksteen on providing more than 30 holiday meals for the first responders on that part of the island!).

Waiohai‘s Ben De Gusman said the parol at the Po‘ipu resort is made of recycled plastic drinking water bottles for the circle representing the aura of the Star of Bethlehem (is this the same as Hokule‘a at the Episcopal Church of West Kaua‘i?), and the star is made of traditional bamboo covered not with paper, but more durable plastic for weatherproofing.

Now, how about the Holy Cross Church? Did Ben and his fellow parishioners make a bunch (yes, all recyclables like the ones they made for one of the Lights on Rice holiday parade) that used to hang from the church’s ceilings?

Parol is a centuries-old part of the Filipino Christmas celebration representing hope and joy. It comes around with Christmas, which is celebrated just ahead of Rizal Day (this year’s event takes place on Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Rizal statue on the lawn of the historic County Building).

And, the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i and Toys for Tots started undoing the 20-plus year tradition of decorating the Outrigger Kaua‘i Beach Resort and Spa’s work headed by housekeeping’s Robert Ancheta … is the Aloha tree benefiting the Maui Fund still up?

There is still time to check out the Royal Holiday at the Royal Sonesta Kaua‘i Resort, and the Festival of Lights still glow each night through New Year’s.