Chapter 20
Thanksgiving week the boarders, as well as the rest of the school, had the week off. After all cleaning activities were done the boarders were dismissed from the dorms for the duration of the break. Some went back to their homes on other islands. Others stayed at homes of relatives or friends on Maui.
But even though school was out, anticipation for the big championship game that coming Friday was riding high all over the west side of Maui and much of the island itself. It would truly be a historic event if the Lunas could somehow pull off the upset. Lahainaluna would be facing a tough foe in the highly favored ‘Iolani Raiders from Oahu. Not only were the Raiders heavily favored, but they had won six of the last seven state championships, including the last five in a row. The Lunas were trying to win their very first football title in school history. On Thanksgiving night, the students and people of Lahaina, and the island of Maui as well, would send the boys’ football team on a great send-off for their journey to Oahu and perhaps history.
But before then, Kaila and Peter had an entire week to take advantage of and spend lots of quality time together. And take advantage they did. Vince did not seem to mind Peter taking off each day with Kaila on her scooter. Peter did stick around as much as he could beforehand, helping Vince with his small chores around the yard and his parent’s house. He did not want to be a rude guest to them. So he did do his share in helping Vince before Kaila came by to pick him up each day.
As planned, the two ventured out all around the island and not just on the west side. She showed him the middle portion or the valley of the isle. They went to the campus of Hawaii Maui College and the nearby natural wonder called the ‘Iao Needle. They hiked together around its lush and dense rainforest valley and even had a picnic on the grounds during midday.
They spent time on the south beaches of Wailea and Makena. And they hiked the short trail that meandered over the high-rising cliff that rested between Little Beach and Big Beach, with its expansive views of the South Maui coastline as well as Molokini and Kahoolawe.
She explained the significance of each location as it pertained to Hawaiian culture and to recent history. Molokini was a half-moon shaped volcanic crater that rose above the ocean surface hundreds of feet. It rested in the channel between Maui and Kahoolawe. Tour boats would take divers and snorkelers out to the crater each day to dive and swim around the lush underwater reef that was teeming with tropical fish and vegetation all around the small island.
Peter was fascinated with her vast knowledge of the area and though he knew of many of these locations, he had no idea there were so many other interesting facts about them as well. For instance, he knew that Kahoolawe was uninhabited and was used by the military during World War II as a practice targeting range. However he did not know about the concentrated effort currently underway to rehabilitate the island’s fragile ecosystem and plant-life. Years of bombing left the island devastated and nearly barren. Its particular location, along with the island of Lanai, left both islands very dry most of the year. So that made efforts to spawn new growth even harder for volunteers dedicated to preserving the island. A small group of volunteers, given special permission by the state, would travel by boat to help recover old, unexploded ordnance or used shell casings all around the island. They would also take delicate care of what little vegetation remained and try to encourage the plant life to spread in areas wherever possible.
As they ventured higher upon the slopes of Haleakala, the tallest and most prominent peak on Maui, their vantage point of these islands became more incredible. In fact the view from the western side of the volcano, or Upcountry, was nothing less than spectacular. One could see the lush green slopes all around the vast mountain and all the way down to the valley floor where the majority of the businesses, towns and neighborhoods were. Further out towards the south you could see all four of the nearby islands, Kahoolawe, Molokini Crater, Lanai, and Molokai, with the impressive West Maui coastline in the foreground.
They stopped along the lazy country road and sat in some nearby grass to rest. They sat next to one another, taking in the incredible view. The slopes of the Upcountry were quaint, and basic farmland, but amazing at the same time with the stunning view of the valley below.
Peter shook his head in amazement and said, “Unbelievable. Been here since August and I had no idea there were places like this on Maui. This is amazing.”
“Isn’t it though?” Kaila said warmly. “Each island is so unique. But this one I just love. After growing up on Oahu and then I came here, I was just stunned by all this. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Peter nodded approvingly. “I definitely agree with that. I don’t either.” He hugged her closely and kissed the side of her head. “I grew up with big fancy views on the Big Island, but this… this is something. It’s like you can see half the state from here. It’s incredible.”
Kaila piped up, “They say on really clear days on the Hana side, you can see the Big Island way off in the distance. I’d like to drive you over there on the Hana Highway, but my scooter wouldn’t make it. I’d really love to take you all the way to the top of Haleakala, but again, my scooter would just die.”
“Yeah, I heard the Hana Highway is really windy and steep in some places. Bet it’s cool though. And here in the Upcountry too. How high is the volcano anyway?”
“Just over 10,000 feet,” Kaila answered. “Not near as tall as the one where you live. What’s it called?”
“Mauna Kea,” Peter said. “You can ski up there, ha ha.” Kaila chuckled at him. “Ski in the morning, then head down to the beach for a mai tai at sunset.”
“Now you’re talking!” Kaila exclaimed. She stretched her arms out and breathed a heavy sigh. “This is the best Thanksgiving break ever.” Peter leaned over and kissed her. She knew what his response would be to that and she did not mind at all. “Now, you are going to come over for pie tomorrow right? Tell Vince he’s welcome too.”
“Absolutely,” Peter said. “Wouldn’t miss it. And Vince wouldn’t miss an opportunity for another piece of pie any old day. Then we can watch the send-off for the team later on.”
“Yeah,” Kaila said, remembering. “I almost forgot! That’s going to be exciting.” She stared out towards the ocean and started thinking about her writing assignment. “They are almost here.”
“Who is?”
“The whales,” she said matter-of-factly. “Pretty soon they will start showing up all around Maui. But mostly on our side. We’ll see them all the time.”
“Yeah, that’s cool,” Peter agreed. “You don’t see them too much where I live. Should be neat. Have you ever gone out to see them on a whale-watch tour?”
“I wish,” Kaila retorted. “Are you kidding? Costs way too much. But oh would I love to...” She trailed off as she gazed out to sea once again. After a moment she shook off the daydreaming from her mind and got to her feet. “We better start heading back down. It gets cool up here after sundown and I don’t have a jacket.”
They stood with their arms around one another for a while longer watching the incredible sunset. She hugged him tightly and then skipped over to her scooter and tossed him his helmet. “Hop on, partner! Let’s ride!”
“All right!” Peter called out. “Let’s ride this hog!” They rode all the way down the long and lazy road, all the while with the amazing sunset in view.
All during the next day, Peter and Kaila sent each other instant messages online, wishing each other Happy Thanksgiving and making plans for later in the day. Peter sat in the den at Vince’s house and read another note from Kaila on his phone.
Don’t forget. We’ll watch the send-off parade near my house. Lahainaluna Road near the lei stand.
He tapped away on his phone to fire off a response.
Oh I won’t forget babe! Missing you today.
His phone bleeped quickly with her reply.
I miss you too. When are you coming?
Just waiting on Vince and we
’ll be over.
OK
Vince came wandering into the den. “Who’s winning the game?” he asked, staring at the TV.
Peter had not even been paying attention to the football on TV. He just shook his head and answered, “I don’t know. Who’s playing?”
“Man you’ve got it bad, don’t you?” Vince said bluntly. “You got your head way up in the clouds.”
Peter chuckled and said, “Whatever man. We’re just instant messaging.”
“It’s true. I bet you don’t even know the TV is on, ha ha!” Vince propped his feet up on the sofa. “Instant messaging? I thought you two just texted.”
Peter shrugged his shoulders. “Sometimes we text, sometimes we IM. Same thing. Just whatever we feel like using. You still coming with me over to her aunt and uncle’s right? Then the send-off?”
“Sure,” Vince answered. “As long as pie is involved. The other guys from the dorm will be there too on the street.”
“OK, cool.”
They sat for a while longer watching the football game on TV before they headed over to Kaila’s aunt and uncle’s house. When they arrived there were several of Kaila’s relatives there as well, along with Kari and Leilani. Vince was always happy to see Leilani since he had a longstanding crush on her. In his mind there were several “goddesses of the island” and Leilani ranked near the top. He frowned though when he saw that Koni Boy was there too.
Kaila gave both Peter and Vince a hug as they walked up the driveway. Everyone was outside sitting on lawn chairs and picnic tables. All sorts of food and beverages were spread on the tables and music was playing through a window from inside the house.
“Hey guys! Glad you made it!” she said happily. “Peter, you remember my Uncle Kahauolupea?”
Peter reached out and shook the large man’s hand and said, “Aloha, sir. Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for having us.”
Vince did the same, saying, “Aloha. I’m Vince. Nice to meet you, Mr. Alapai.”
“Likewise,” he said. “Aloha! Call me Lupe. Welcome. Help yourselves to some food. My wife Nani is seated over there.”
“Thank you!” Peter said. He gestured towards Lupe’s wife. “Hello Mrs. Alapai.” She gestured politely, but said nothing. She was even more quiet and observant than her husband was. Peter was not sure if she liked him or not.
“Hey, why did you stop instant messaging me earlier?” Kaila asked Peter.
“Oh,” he answered. “Sorry, I meant to tell you. It kicked me out. I couldn’t get logged back in right away. I got some email saying my password needed to be changed.”
“Oh, I see. I wonder why?” Kaila said.
“Beats me.”
Nani continued to observe the scene in her yard. She frowned even more at Koni Boy laughing and carrying on amongst a small group of people including Leilani. He broke away from them when he noticed Peter and Vince. Nani watched him closely as he casually walked up to them.
“Hey guys, what’s happening?” Koni Boy said very coolly. “It’s the big man himself.” He gave Peter a slap on the shoulder and abruptly turned around and went back to his group conversation.
“Whatever,” Peter grunted under his breath.
Vince leaned over and asked Peter, “What’s that douchebag doing here?”
“You know him too, huh?” Peter answered. “He’s with Leilani I guess. He’s a moron.”
Vince shook his head in disgust. “Geez man, she could do a zillion times better than that jerk. Now I’ve lost my appetite.”
“Ha ha,” Peter laughed. “Give it five minutes.”
They went over to the refreshment table with Kaila and helped themselves to some sodas and fresh pumpkin pie. They sat together at one of the picnic tables in the front yard.
Vince sunk his teeth into a big bite of pie. “Mmmm, best second dessert I’ve had all day.”
Kaila laughed as she took a bite too. “Ha ha, yeah I love Nani’s pies.” Her aunt came walking over to the table. “Delicious, Aunt Nani!”
“Thank you,” Nani said cordially.
Peter stood to introduce himself. “I’m Peter Lane, thank you for having us. This is great pie.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you like it. Enjoy yourselves.” She was definitely a woman of few words as well, yet polite and hospitable. She went back to her lawn chair.
Peter sat back down and asked Kaila, “Hey, did you talk to your mom today?”
“Yeah,” Kaila answered. “Right before you got here. She’s fine but I get the feeling she is by herself. I wish she could be here. Did you call your parents?”
Peter took a swig of soda. “Yeah. Mom was cooking. My dad said they watched the game last week. Said they’ll watch the championship tomorrow too.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Kinda weird not being there.”
Kaila stared at her plate for a moment. “Yeah, I know.”
As the sun began to go down, people started to gather on Lahainaluna Road a couple blocks away for the send-off parade. The kids helped Kaila’s aunt and uncle clear the food and tables from the front yard and even helped in the kitchen before they headed that way too.
Koni Boy came up to Peter and Kaila and put his arms around both of them, saying, “Headed down there, guys? By the lei stand, right? Ha ha, see you there.”
Perplexed, Peter looked at Kaila and asked, “How’d he know that? Man, that guy bugs me.”
Kaila shook her head. “I dunno. I guess Leilani told him. Let’s get down there. The coach buses are already at the school.”
They walked down the already crowded road. Students, parents, former alumni and many others lined the street, holding banners and signs. Some had red banners that read ‘Go Lunas!’ on them and others had large handwritten signs wishing them good luck and others saying ‘Take State!’ They made it down to the part of the road where there was a portable stand selling lei’s on certain occasions like graduation day. It held a good vantage point to watch the parade coming down the mountain. The sun was down and the crowd grew more eager in anticipation of the team to pass by on their way to the Kahului airport. It was truly a festive atmosphere. The crowd began to cheer when they heard the initial sounding of the police siren way up the hill.
“Wow, this is really cool!” Peter exclaimed. Suddenly he heard a voice behind him.
“Hey Peter, how’s it hangin’ dude?” Peter whipped around to find Jeff standing right behind him. He looked at him crazily. Why in the world would he be here? he thought. Why would he care? Peter just ignored him though as the first flashing lights appeared on the crest of the hill.
The crowd roared as the first police car passed, followed by a fire engine flashing its lights and blaring its horn. People cheered and shouted loudly as the buses approached carrying the team. Horns honked and sirens were on full blast as two more police cruisers passed. Then the crowd cheered even more wildly as the buses finally passed by. Peter, Kaila, Vince and everyone else around them screamed at the top of their lungs, cheering them on as the team went by in shiny, silver coaches. “Go Lunas!!” they all screamed and kept cheering like crazy. It was a tremendous display of school pride and revelry. Peter could not believe he was present to witness such a fun and rare event on the island.
As the last police escort passed by, the entire street let out one last cheer in celebration. As people got back into their cars to leave, the horn honking and cheering continued all around the area and around Lahaina. The school and the town were ready for the big event. The team was on its way with a grand send-off to the airport for the short flight to Oahu where they would try to make school history the following day.