With the warm summer winds blowing now is a perfect time to study the state of Hawaii! Here are several ideas to take your homeschooler on a "trip" to Hawaii this summer.

1. Cook up some Hawaiian Fun- The recipe for Haupia is a tasty and easy treat to cook up with your child. Serve it chilled on a warm summer day.

Make an easy Hawaiian Treat!

Haupia

Ingredients needed;

2 cups of coconut milk
1 cup of water
6 tbsps of sugar
6 tbsps of arrowroot or cornstarch

Directions:

1. Dissolve the sugar and the arrowroot in water.
2. Add the coconut milk and cook it on low heat, stirring constantly until it is thick and shiny, or about 20-25 minutes.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 8-inch square pan and let it cool at room temperature until it is firm.
4. When it is cool, serve the dessert right away or chill it in the fridge. Slice this unique dish into squares before plating.

Makes 9 servings

2. Read all about this island nation- Check out the following books:

- Hawaii (Rookie Read-About Geography) by Christine Taylor-Butler
- A is for Aloha: A Hawaii Alphabet (Discover America State By State. Alphabet Series) by U'ilani Goldsberry
- High Tide in Hawaii (Magic Tree House # 28) by Mary Pope Osborne
- Ready! Set! Hawaii! (Beacon Street Girls) by Annie Bryant
- Musubi Man: Hawaii's Gingerbread Man by Sandi Takayama

The books listed above are not only Hawaiian themed, but they are also great summer reading.

3. Listen to authentic Hawaiian music as you relax outdoors on a breezy summer day. A great cd is Mele O Hawaii: Songs Of Hawaii.

4. Check out Hidden Hawaii- National Parks Collection and see the amazing natural footage of the Hawaiian National Parks. You can have a virtual trip from home!

5. Throw a Luau party to culminate your "visit" to Hawaii. Gather coconut shells for drinks, party decor like Hawaiian lei's, and pineapple skewers. Here are some fun party props and ideas, along with the products referred to above for your funtastic journey!