Beginning on November 1, 2024, 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 Saturday April 26, 1941

Honolulu – Saturday April 26

Dear Daddy and Mother,

Another week flown by before it has begun, it seems – wish time would fly at a lesser speed. I’ve been so busy all week – did a hoop-la laundry job & will tackle evening clothes next week. Am
so tired right now, I feel I could sleep a month – the trip to Hilo will be a nice chance for a long cool rest, though.

Miss Wing came to tea yesterday – sends you her love. We had a nice afternoon, and lovely tea. Thursday night was the sukiyaki dinner – George Cummins went with me, and there were two other
young married couples & Miss Wing. The dinner was very good – a sort of Japanese chop suey – rice with onions tomato, bamboo shoots & mushroom hash with soya sauce. Green tea. We ate on the open lanai of this woman’s club between the Royal & Outriggers Club
on Waikiki. It was a lovely evening, as we were on the beach watching from twilight and sunset until dark when only the white of the breakers could be seen in the night.

The party disbanded about nine-thirty and George & I window shopped Waikiki – saw some lovely Coutou linen clothes & am going to price them – they’re what A. Susan uses all the time & so fresh
& crisp. From there we migrated to Lau Yee Chai & danced until “Aloha.” It was a very pleasant evening.

The rest of the week has been rather usual, though busy. I’ve been working awfully hard at my hula – and learned my first two dances yesterday at a private lesson – “B” (the Hawaiian girl who teaches)
slipped two lessons in on my original payment, free.

“A Love Song of Old Hawaii” is a lovely dance and (not bragging, “nor nuttin”) I do it rather well. The other is a faster piece, but cute.

However! Here I am chattering on & forgot to tell you all the most exciting, wonderful thing of all. Col. Thomas (who was Uncle Ed’s assistant) has been ordered to Ft. Robinson at Little Rock
– which means that dau. Mary Jane will be there, too. I am just thrilled to death because M. Jane is so attractive and fun – and it will be nice to have a “fran” among the Army at home. Isn’t that wonderful!!

Interruption – George C. just called for tennis this afternoon – I said yes – but feel so wobbly don’t know whether I can make it or not. Last night I was terribly ill right after dinner with
an upset stomach & haven’t been able to eat much since. I think it was the Japanese food I “et.” However, I rested a bit and went to the movies later with Dunlop.

I’ve had three dates with him this week, and felt a little guilty about it after what you said – but he always calls up so late that I never refuse other dates to go with him – and even if he
isn’t the essence of brilliance, it’s good to be seen about & always a chance of meeting new people. We’ve had dinner together at the Young Hotel Tuesday night – and Wednesday night went down to DeRussy after dinner at the Green lantern. Got mixed up with
that Finnigan navy crowd again — & it’s the last time for me – did meet an awfully nice couple – the Ogdens. He’s a photographer portraitist at the Rayal Haw. – and a beautiful tango dancer. It’ a much prettier dance than the rumba, I think – and as much
fun.

Max just called to say we’re going to see the “Thief of Baghdad” tonight – then going to DeRussy. Guess I’d better get an evening dress pressed & my wits collected & some lunch before George comes
– so will continue this tomorrow.

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