Beginning on November 1, which is the date of my mother’s first letter from her Hawaii trip 84 years ago, I am serializing day by day, the book, Cecilia King’s Extraordinary Senior Trip, which you can obtain from Amazon in either Kindle or paperback.

I hope you enjoy the upcoming nine-months in Hawaii 1940-41. You can order the entire book from Amazon in either paperback or Kindle format, click here.

Honolulu Monday, March 28, 1941

Dear Daddy and Mother,

I’m bankrupt. Just plain & simple. BROKE to the last Indian head copper. Thank goodness March is turning tail in a day or two & April allowance will be coming up. The last drastic move to behead my reserve funds was the hula decision. Aunt Susan has been after me all winter to start lessons but afraid that you all wouldn’t approve, so didn’t insist. For $12.00 I can take two lessons a week until I leave (up to six months) and she & Uncle Ed are both delighted that I’ve decided to take. The dance is rated about the same as ballet or fencing, in giving grace. Is excellent exercise. So if I can get everything out of it I should – it ought to be enough to sooth my conscience for the “gift” money spent for it.

We’re planning to go to the Japanese Counsel reception next month – A. Susan says it will be quite an experience for me to see all the representatives of Japanese royalty berobed in their native splendor and bowing and bleating. The Army gave a parade for him a few days ago so this is to be a return courtesy. Rather ironic, I think, when both governments are nibbling bits chewed from the other’s throat.

We are definitely feeling the war hysteria over here now, a great change since November. Words, troop movements, armament, preparations are all under tight secrecy. Posts, previously open, are guarded strictly – and even those stationed there enter & leave only with passes.

Everything is at a higher tension. Yet no absolute acts of war – haven’t even mentioned sending families home, so guess it can be much worse before any actual action or fear of fighting soon. It may never even touch here.

Not much news of the day. I spent all morning pressing my new organdy dress to wear to Mandy’s party tonight. Max just got in from the field & called to say hello -- & what time he’d be by tonight.

Last night Bob (Dunlop) was OD but got someone to hold his saber while he went to donner – while he ate I sipped tea – at Pauls – then we rode down Ali Wai and Waikiki – then home. We’re Having curry Wednesday night & he’s having dinner here, then will go over to the Pavilion Club.