Mahealani Shellabarger

Lanikai Mahealani Shellabarger

LanikaiLanikai is a series of love stories presented in three parts. A Polynesian tapestry interwoven with a cast of characters that reveal the Hawaiian heart and spirit, it begins in 1959, the year Hawaii is admitted to the United States. Over the time period which spans more than twenty years, a unique glimpse of twentieth century Hawaiian culture is brought to life. Part I: "Kaikaina and Kaleinani" Kalei McClure, a pretty hapa haole girl and Kaikaina Cruz, the golden boy from Kalihi are brought together at a high school military ball. Their love is doomed to fail when misinterpreted betrayal and Kaikaina's driving ambition develop into insurmountable obstacles. For years, they are destined to part as they each experience painful heartaches and circumstances marked by tragedy. Part II. "Puamana" an undaunted, bold girl is transported to California by an unexpected marriage to a young man of wealth. His unfaithfulness drives her back to Hawaii where she eventually meets the true love of her life. Part III: "Na Keiki O Lanikai" (Children of Lanikai) brings in the second generation of the three sons of Kaikaina Cruz : Keoni, a replica of his father,successful, educated and warm hearted is torn between his haughty girlfriend and his reluctant attraction to a girl he rescues from an abusive family, Ke'o, toughened as a child by being bullied for his fair skinned appearance, is determined to associate with only Hawaiians until he meets an irresistible haole surfer girl who wins his unwilling heart. Eleu, the adopted son with his quick wit and winning personality, brings life into the Cruz home. In all three parts, the picturesque view of the Mokulua Islands, the cerulean blue waters and the sparkling white sands of Lanikai is the idyllic paradise setting for this romantic saga.

                Lanikai 
Lanikai, reflections blue
Turquoise, aquamarine, cerulean too;
Waters reflect these colors well
Where coral reefs and sea life dwell.
Sunrise stunning in its dawn;
Clouds pass by, but soon are gone
Sunshine falls on sparkling sand.
Palm trees sway upon the land.
Across the ocean, Island's view:
Of Flat Island, Mokulua and Mokumanu,
Where birds retreat and find their peace,
A sanctuary to increase.
Beyond horizon, deeper blue
The sunset bursts in radiant hue
It's colors, orange, pink and gold,
Over the waters, they unfold.
Sometimes the moon, so large, will rise
And light the night with glowing skies
The moonlit waters, just as bright,
Shine crystal throughout the night.
Hear the waves, listen well,
Above the crash of waves that swell,
"Aloha! E komo mai. E komo mai.
Aloha i ka aina e Lanikai.