Photo Essay: Pahūpahū

Pahūpahū, otherwise known as firecrackers, are a major cultural tradition in Hawaii. Originally brought in by the Chinese, the tradition was to ward off evil spirits during Chinese New Years. For years, opposing groups have tried to extinguish the use of fireworks and firecrackers in Hawaii, because of its obvious dangers. However, as controversial as these firecrackers are, they are apart of the culture....a timeless tradition.

Visitors who spend New Year's Eve, Chinese New Years, or the Fourth of July, in Hawaii, should be aware and well prepared for ALL NIGHT explosions and fascinating displays of light. These events are so wild, they almost seem lawless.

Growing up, I remember watching 100,000 firecrackers being strung on telephone poles on our street and watching daredevils hold strands of 15,000 firecrackers in their hands as they exploded! The sound was deafening and the smoke would be so thick, that gas masks were kept on hand. Today, nothing has changed....except for the larger number of fireworks being used! These celebrations start at sunset, and by the time the sun rises the next day, the streets would be ankle deep in red paper, boxes, wrappers, you name it. Everyone would come out with brooms and garbage bags, and clean until not a trace of rubbish could be found.

These fireworks displays take place all over Hawaii. From large organized events in Waikiki on Oahu, or Lahaina on Maui, to small neighborhoods all over the islands. You can find the explosive action wherever you look.