Aloha and Mahalo for reading! Sign up for the Hawaii site newsletter, Talk Story.

In case you don't know any Hawaiian pidgin, "talk story" means getting to know someone, catching up, and enjoying conversation. "Talk story" can mean sitting around on a lazy Sunday, talking about life with old friends. It can also mean meeting someone for the first time on the bus and having small talk. Whatever the context, it is informal and friendly. That's how I would like this newsletter and the Hawaii forum to be.

As the editor of the Hawaii site, I will do my best to update Talk Story frequently. The newsletter will feature references to my articles, forum topics, Hawaii news, related links, and more. Don't worry, I will not spam you, nor will I send your addresses out to those who will! The point of both my site and this newsletter is to offer free insight on these tiny rocks in the middle of the Pacific.

My goal is also to offer visitors to Hawaii a reference for must-do activities and a little cultural background for this wonderful state. I aim to include locals and ex-locals in the forum, and write about topics that also are interesting and important to them. I look forward to engaging all of you in future posts!

Talk Story will often reference the general topics on the Hawaii BellaOnline site. These can be found on the left-hand side of the page and include Book Reviews, Crafts, History, Honolulu/Waikiki, Kauai, Maui, Oahu, Big Island, Pearl Harbor, Product Reviews, and Recipes. You can click on these to find new and old posts on Hawaii. The newest content is always featured on the homepage of the site. If what you're looking for is not featured, be sure to check out the archives!

As well as reading Talk Story, you can stay connected to the BellaOnline community through the site forum. It is a great way to voice your opinions, offer suggestions, and ask for recommendations, and simply "talk story" with other Hawaii fans.

If you'd like to sign up for the newsletter, all you have to do is scroll to the bottom of this page and enter your email address. You will start receiving updates automatically. You may unsubscribe at any time by following the provided link at the bottom of the newsletters.

I love hearing from you and will happily respond to all comments. You can contact me at the bottom of this newsletter.

Mahalo and happy reading!

Annie Billups, Hawaii Editor