Reflections on Le`ahi From a Trini

I am happy that I made that hike up to Le` ahi ( Diamond Head Crater) many years ago when I first came to Hawai`i. Now, because of nerve damage in my foot, I am unable to walk on mountainous places. I do remember enjoying the view from the top. It was spectacular! It inspired me to recite Psalm 121, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who hath made heaven and earth."

It also reminded me of the mountains in Trinidad and Tobago. The 3 mountains ranges called the Nothern Range, the Southern Range, and the Central Range prompted Columbus to refer to them as "The Trinity" from which Trinidad got its name.

The Hawaiian values that are relevant here are Mo`olelo and Ae wa because the similarities of Trinidad and Hawai`i--the flora, fauna, the warmth, the sunshine, blue skies, and the ocean give me great appreciation for the stories of each place and for my family roots.