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Continue reading →: Understanding the Ahupua’a SystemWhen I first started learning about Hawaiʻi’s traditional land systems, one word kept appearing everywhere: ahupuaʻa. The word itself carries a story. It comes from ahu, meaning a stone altar or marker, and puaʻa, meaning pig. In ancient Hawaiʻi, these stone markers were often placed along land boundaries, sometimes with…
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Continue reading →: Maunalua Ahupuaʻa: From Traditional Fishponds to Urban CoastlineWhen most people think about Hawaiʻi, they imagine beautiful beaches and clear blue water. Maunalua Bay in Hawaiʻi Kai looks exactly like that at first glance – a calm bay surrounded by homes, mountains, and a peaceful shoreline. But standing in the water during our beach laboratory sessions, I started…
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Continue reading →: Hawai’i looks Rich?There is a paradox at the heart of Hawai’i economy. On the surface, the islands look prosperous: luxury shopping centers, million-dollar condos, record tourism numbers, a steady influx of federal money, and some of the highest average incomes in the United States. But beneath this visible wealth lies a structural…
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Continue reading →: Beyond Bloodlines: Navigating the Complexities of Vietnamese PronounsThe Vietnamese language, with its rich tapestry of personal pronouns, reflects the intricate social and cultural norms of its people. The terms “anh,” “chị,” “em,” “cô,” “dì,” “chú,” “bác,” “cậu,” and “mợ” are not just words—they are titles of respect and kinship that are used both inside the family and…
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Continue reading →: The Power of Pronouns in Vietnamese: Beyond LinguisticsVietnamese personal pronouns, known as “đại từ nhân xưng,” are arguably the most critical and complex part of the language. Their importance extends far beyond simple grammar; they are the primary tool for expressing attitude, respect, and social hierarchy, which are fundamental to Vietnamese culture. Unlike languages with fixed pronouns…
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Continue reading →: “Tiên trách kỷ, hậu trách nhân”: A Pillar of Self-ReflectionThe Vietnamese proverb, “Tiên trách kỷ, hậu trách nhân,” which translates to “First blame yourself, then blame others,” is a powerful philosophical statement that holds a profound place in Vietnamese culture. It is not a call for self-deprecation but rather an encouragement for personal responsibility and self-reflection. This maxim is…
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Continue reading →: “Tiên học lễ, hậu học văn”The Vietnamese saying, “Tiên học lễ, hậu học văn” (First learn manners, then learn knowledge), is a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture and education. It’s not just a phrase; it’s a philosophical principle that shapes the values, behavior, and societal structure of the nation. This maxim underscores the belief that a…
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Continue reading →: Befriending Solitude, Nurturing Peace with GratitudeOn October 20, 2022, I woke up to rain and the first biting cold of the season. Years ago, as a carefree student, I would run outside in just a thin shirt to welcome the wind. Now, after some health struggles, I find myself layering clothes, sipping a hot cup…
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Continue reading →: Happiness ISN’T Out ThereI wrote this on November 10, 2022 when I was a teacher in Vietnam “Happiness doesn’t come from outside. Happiness comes from within. As usual, no matter how busy the day gets, I always carve out a little time for myself to reflect: What did I accomplish? What’s still unfinished?…
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Continue reading →: It all Begins with A DreamThis is a post from my personal blog in 2022, specifically written on October 18, 2022.It was originally in Vietnamese, but now I’ve translated it into English to share with my friends here in Hawaii. “Today Facebook reminded me of this day 10 years ago when my university friend and…
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I’m Heidi 🌺
A Vietnamese girl living in Hawaii, blending aloha vibes with my love for learning, teaching, and sharing life’s little details. Proudly made in Vietnam with Aloha spirit
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Heidi Ahihi 