Stronger spirits dwell in nature, the natural world, and interactions with humans. Stones, rocks and sand are taken from the islands by visitors. Bad luck starts in the lives of these people. Eventually those same stones, rocks and sand are returned to the islands via special courier, next-day air or regular mail. The remaining small percentage of returned parcels end up at hotels, restaurants, downhill bike tour operators and everywhere in between.
All boxes contain a letter with details of bad luck from the absurd to the sorrowful.
Some even contain maps so detailed and precise where the rock was laying that pirate treasure maps are mere kindergarten crayon sketches in comparison. Maui businessman Gary Kern operates tAhe Lahaina Mail Depot and offers postage services to visitors and mail boxes for locals. Kern receives numerous packages of sand, rocks and lava sent anonymously throughout the year. Senders usually attach letters telling of bad luck and misfortune with the intention of having Kern return the taken items. I usually take the sand or rocks down to Canoe Beach where some Hawaiian friends and I return them to their original resting places.