Hibiscus Painted Photo on Canvas-My Trip to Hilo-The Many properties of Hibiscus

click this link to go see this blown up larger in my Etsy store
This was an original black and white photo that I printed out onto canvas and painted over with acrylics. I did this and one other very large painted photo of tulips on this large canvas that went through my printer. I still have a huge box of this canvas and have sworn yet another project to go back to and complete and that is my series of painted flowers on canvas. This is an image I took while living in Hawaii many years ago, actually Kaimuki which is next to Kahalla and only a bike ride of a mile to downtown Honolulu. I semi enjoyed living in this city, the nights were warm, sunsets wonderful and the food..incredible. I did have a daughter in 4th grade and itwas tough because even though she was social there was very little of the after school visiting for kids allowed. Sara was the only non asian child at her school so the kids loved her and she was like a toy to them, but the parents were not keen on allowing kids to play after school. She did have 3 good friends and they were chinese, hawaiian and a mixed hawaiian white girl named Holly. The other kids couldn't play, the parents were afraid of us. It was a good experience living there a year and I came to love the lore of the island and other things but would never move back.

My dearest friend lives in Hilo, now that is an island of a different nature. She is a teacher, her daughter attends the Catholic school(the public one was so horrible she had to take her out)and she is an organic gardener and photographer there and has many wonderful friends. She belongs to a goat milk coop and manages to get more than enough wonderful culture there and enjoys the life. I will go visit her there someday. I made a trip to Hilo about 6 years ago and stayed at the Mauna Lea. NOw if any of you ever go to Hawaii you have to go there. I still remember that oldest of all hotels and voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The soft and lulling hawaiin singing and music every night echoing into your room at dinner time. The teak floors and giant koi pond that runs the entire length of the hotel. It is in my estimate, paradise on earth for a tourist. IT is family oriented but also quiet at night. I took over 300 photos there on that island and my favorite spot was the orchid gardens in Hilo that you would miss if you are not careful as there are no markers on the road to tell you. It is a 5 acre path that winds to the sea and is overfilled with every orchid in the world. Your camera will be worn out when you leave. Another wonderful not to be missed spot is the museum that runs throughout the halls of the Hilton there which has artifacts from every polynesian island around the world and some of the best hand crafted things from almost pre historic age. Go see it!!
So this hibiscus is my memory along with all the other photos that are stored somwhwere on cd's of a trip that will never be forgotten. The best thing about Hawaii is that because the Island is so small you can circumnavigate in one day and see alot in a week. YOu should plan on having lots of time to just float in the warm waters doing nothing other than to absorb the sun and the sea and the call of Aloha!
Here are a few facts about the wonderful and multi faceted flower of hibiscus.
Many species are grown for their showy flowers or used as landscape shrubs. Hibiscus is also a primary ingredient in many herbal teas.

One species of Hibiscus, known as Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), is extensively used in paper making. Another, roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is used as a vegetable and to make herbal teas and jams (especially in the Caribbean).

In Mexico, the drink is known as agua de Jamaica and is quite popular for its color, tanginess and mild flavor; once sugar is added, it tastes somewhat like cranberry juice. Dieters or persons with kidney problems often take it without adding sugar for its beneficial properties and as a natural diuretic. It is made by boiling the dehydrated flowers in water; once it is boiled, it is allowed to cool and drunk with ice.[1]

In Egypt and Sudan, roselle petals are used to make a tea named after the plant karkade.

Hibiscus species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Chionodes hibiscella, Hypercompe hambletoni, the Nutmeg moth, and the Turnip Moth.

The Hibiscus is used as an offering to Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha in Hindu worship. The Gumamela or Hibiscus rosa sinensis linn flower has antifungal, emmenagogue, emollient and refrigerant effect.[240]

The bark of the hibiscus contains strong fibers. They can be obtained by letting the stripped bark sit in the sea in order to let the organic material rot away. In Polynesia these fibers (fau, pūrau) are used for making grass skirts. They have also been known to be used to make wigs.

Hibiscus, especially white hibiscus, is considered to have medicinal properties in the Indian traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda. Roots make various concoctions believed to cure various ailments.

The natives of southern India use the Red hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) for hair care purposes. The red flower and leaves, extracts of which can be applied on hair to tackle hair-fall and dandruff on the scalp. It is used to make hair-protective oils. A simple application involves soaking the leaves and flowers in water and using a wet grinder to make a thick paste, and used as a natural shampoo. its petals are used to cure fever while its roots are used to cure cough.

In the Philippines, the gumamela (local name for hibiscus) is used by children as part of a bubble-making pastime. The flowers and leaves are crushed until the sticky juices come out. Hollow papaya stalks are then dipped into this and used as straws for blowing bubbles.

Dried hibiscus is edible, and is often a delicacy in Mexico.

The hibiscus flower is traditionally worn by Hawaiian women. A single flower is tucked behind the ear. Which ear is used indicates the wearer's availability for marriage.