Under cloak of darkness, one loses all inhibitions. Thieves purloin, lovers gambol, and me, I'm quoting Shakespeare to no one in particular. "Thou speakest aright; I am that merry wanderer of the night," I announce. One of my fellow hikers turns a bright flashlight toward my face. "Puck," I explain. The beam quickly clicks off, the young woman scurries away. I think I've been misheard. ("Puck -- with a P!")
By Scott Vogel
svogel@starbulletin.comI tell myself that my flight into purple eloquence is forgivable. After all, we are a merry band of 20 ensconced in a fairy world, a dark wood in which apparently anything -- mystery, enchantment, sexual dalliance -- is possible. Doubting Thomases are invited to see for themselves during the next incarnation of Hawaii's own midsummer night's dream, also known as the Summer Garden Nightwalks series, tomorrow evening at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden in Kaneohe.
I think I see Demetrius in rain gear, Hermia with a flashlight, Lysander packing insect repellent and Helena in dependable walking shoes as we trek into the gloaming. On just one night a month, Ho'omaluhia guides lead walk participants into a forest at the base of the Koolaus, down an innocuous pathway as the sun begins to slip behind the palms. After a few twisting switchbacks, around the time the younger children become cranky and beg to be picked up, the mood turns from festive to reflective as we pass tobacco plants and a mango grove, plumeria and rubber trees.But it's when the sun has completely set and flashlights are clicked on that the real fun begins. It's then that an errant light beam will frequently catch young lovers in the act of being, well, young lovers, spurred on by the scent of clove and nutmeg trees. And before you scoff that you're immune to Cupid's arrow, ask yourself this: Have I ever stood under a cinnamon tree on a cool August evening against a backdrop of mountain shadows and a sky jammed with a million stars?
(OK, we can't promise that the August evening will be cool, and in any case you might find yourself distracted by headlights slithering along H-3 in the distance. But one thing's for sure: It'll be one of your more unique romantic evenings. And it's cheaper than anything the pharmaceutical companies and Bob Dole can cook up.)
Still, we don't mean to imply that the hike has nothing to offer the nonamorous set. After all, Ho'omaluhia means "place of peace and tranquillity," and an evening stroll among the heliconia, aroids and Hawaiian bamboo of this enchanting place carries rewards for even the solitary walker. But it's the lovers who will benefit most. Trudging through the darkness surrounded by strangers is an oddly comforting, if bizarre, experience. Some are amateur botanists ("We have that tree in our yard"), others are dilettantes perpetually in search of a novel evening out, while a third group comprises the aforementioned paramours, most of whom appear to be in the final stages of initial courtship. In other words, each has progressed beyond first impressions and mutual fascinations -- it's now clearly time to take things to a new level.
It may sound unfair to reduce a botanical garden tour to a matchmaking (or solidifying) enterprise, but think about it. Everyone knows of a good venue for a first date; and on the other end of the spectrum, books and magazines teem with suggestions for places to propose marriage. But what about the pair trapped somewhere in the middle, commitment on the horizon but still firmly out of reach?The surest antidote to relationship inertia is a summer night walk like tomorrow's, during which few will be able to resist romantic commingling. And if they can -- if fragrant plumeria and gentle sea breezes and a gorgeous moon inspire nary a kiss or a handhold -- then dump them. I'm serious, dump them right now!
What: Summer Garden Night walks at Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden Night strolling
Where: 45-680 Luluku Rd., Kaneohe
When: 6:30 to 9 p.m. tomorrow and Sept. 1.
Phone: 233-7323
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