High Tide in Hawaii

the water.
    â€œWow,” said Annie. “We’re on the top of a volcano.”
    â€œYeah,” said Jack. He read on:
    The volcanic rock crumbled and turned to soil. Over millions of years, wind and birds dropped seeds on the islands. Plants and trees began to grow, and birds and insects made their homes.
    â€œCool,” said Jack. He took out his notebook and pencil and wrote:

    He read some more:
    About two thousand years ago, people first came to Hawaii. They came in canoes from other islands in the Pacific. They rowed for thousands of miles across the ocean, guided only by the wind and stars.
    â€œHey, listen,” said Annie.
    Jack put down the book and listened. Sounds of music and laughter floated on the breeze.
    â€œThere must be a party in that village,” said Annie. “Let’s go.”
    â€œWhat about building that ship?” asked Jack.
    â€œWe’ll figure that out later,” said Annie. “Let’s meet some people at the party. Maybe they can help us.”
    She started down the ladder.
    Jack heard a whoop of laughter in the distance.
The party does sound fun,
he thought. He packed up his things and followed Annie down to the ground.
    The sun was low in the sky. They walked through the meadow toward the village. Everything was bathed in a golden red glow.
    â€œOh, man,” breathed Jack.
    There was beauty everywhere: purple flowers shaped like bells, white flowers that looked like stars, tall, feathery ferns, green spiky plants, big orange-and-black butterflies, and tiny yellow birds.
    When they got close to the village, they saw an open area filled with people. Jack and Annie slipped behind a palm tree. They peeked out at the party.
    There were about fifty people, including grown-ups, teenagers, and little kids. They were all barefoot and wore wreaths of flowers around their necks.
    A woman was chanting. Her words rose and fell like waves. She chanted about a volcano goddess named Pele.
    While she chanted, other people played music. Some blew on pipes that looked like flutes. Others shook gourds that sounded like baby rattles. Some hit sticks together to make clicking sounds.
    Most of the villagers were dancing to the music. They stepped from side to side. They swayed their hips and waved their hands.
    â€œThey’re doing the hula,” whispered Annie. She smiled and waved her hands, too.
    â€œDon’t get carried away,” whispered Jack.
    He took out their book and found a picture of Hawaiians dancing. He read:
    The early Hawaiians had no written language. They told stories with hula dancing. The hula is a blend of dancing and chanting poetry.
    Jack pulled out his notebook. He started a list about early Hawaii:

    Suddenly Jack heard loud laughter and clapping. He looked up. Annie was gone!
    Jack peeked out from behind the tree. Annie was doing the hula with the dancers! But no one seemed surprised. Everyone just smiled at her as they kept dancing.
    A girl caught sight of Jack. She looked about Annie’s age. She had long, shiny black hair and a big, friendly smile.
    â€œCome do the hula!” she called to him.
    â€œNo way,” Jack breathed.
    He slipped behind the tree again. But the girl danced over to him and took his hand.
    â€œJoin us!” she said.
    â€œNo thanks,” said Jack.
    The girl didn’t let go. She pulled Jack into the open. The music got louder. The dancers and musicians nodded and smiled at Jack.

    Jack stood still. He didn’t know how to do
any
kind of dance, let alone the hula! He stared at the ground, clutching his backpack and notebook until the music and dancing ended.
    The Hawaiians gathered around Jack and Annie. They all had friendly, open faces.
    â€œWho are you?” the young girl asked.
    â€œI’m Annie,” said Annie. “This is my brother, Jack.”
    â€œI’m Kama,” the girl said. “This is my brother, Boka.” She pointed to a boy in the crowd who looked about Jack’s age.
    The boy stepped forward. He grinned a big grin just like his sister’s. He pulled off his wreath of red fluffy flowers. He put it around Annie’s neck.
    â€œA
lei
to welcome you,” Boka said.
    Kama then pulled off her lei and put it around Jack’s neck.
    â€œ
Aloha,
Jack and Annie!” everyone said.

 

    â€œAloha,”
said Jack and Annie.
    â€œWhere did you come from?” a pretty woman asked.
    â€œFrog—” Annie started.
    But