Magic Island Hawaii, located in Honolulu, is a mesmerizing oasis surrounded by breathtaking views and tranquil waters. This picturesque island is renowned for its magical charm and offers an unforgettable experience for locals and tourists alike. One of the most striking features of Magic Island Hawaii is its incredible coastline. With soft, sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, visitors are drawn to the island's inviting shores. Whether you want to bask in the warm Hawaiian sun, take a refreshing swim, or simply enjoy a leisurely walk along the water's edge, Magic Island offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In addition to its stunning beaches, Magic Island Hawaii also boasts a magnificent lagoon.
Old Coaly: The Mule Who Built Penn State
Sure, we’re all about the Nittany Lion here at Penn State. But before the stately Lion, we had Old Coaly, Penn State’s favorite mule, original mascot, and superstar construction worker.
The Lion Ambassador Source Book tells the story of Old Coaly’s journey to Penn State. Way back in 1857, Coaly made the trip from Kentucky to State College with his owner, Piersol Lytle. Lytle’s son, Andy, was a laborer working on Old Main and recruited the mule for help. Coaly spent long days at a stone quarry where Allen Street now is, carrying stones up to the construction site.
When construction ended after six years, the University decided to buy the mule they’d grown to love, paying $198 for its furry friend (the jury’s still out on whether or not that was the common price of mules in the 1800s). From there, Old Coaly became a symbol of Penn State pride. You could catch him around campus, snacking on grass or mowing the lawn. Back then, students were required to do manual labor as part of their tuition. Quickly, they became fast friends with the mule.
To the student body’s dismay, Coaly passed away of natural causes in 1893. His bones were immediately preserved and later put on display. When Penn State celebrated its 150th anniversary, Coaly’s bones were moved to the HUB, where they’re on display now. Let’s be honest, some of us (okay, I) thought they were dinosaur bones. But seriously, Old Coaly’s skeleton is there to remind students of his characteristics, ones that all Penn Staters should possess — strength, surefootedness, endurance, long service, and loyalty.
That’s not the only tribute to Coaly on campus — you can also spot a tribute to Coaly at Medlar Field, where a concession stand is called Coaly’s Corner. The College of Agriculture’s honorary society also bears the name of the legendary mule.
Yes, Coaly is in our memory, but some would say he’s even more present than that. A blog called Seeks Ghosts claims that Coaly’s ghost still roams campus. After Coaly’s bones were moved for the first time, students reported seeing a mule wandering around Watts Hall.
So, there you have it. The Nittany Lion is still No. 1 in our hearts, but Old Coaly is by far Penn State’s favorite mule. If Penn State were Pawnee, Old Coaly would be Lil Sebastian.
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Why your mascot sucks: Penn State University
The Mule arrived at State College in 1857 and assisted in construction, by hauling limestone blocks. Old Coaly was purchased for $190 once construction was completed.
He spent 30 years helping with landscaping and farming on campus from 1863-1893 and served as the school’s unofficial mascot of the school.
He was so loved by students, that Old Coaly’s skeleton is preserved and is still on display at the HUB-Robeson Center.
Eleven years later, the Nittany Lion began its tenure, serving as the official mascot at Penn State.
While most schools flip flop around and change their official mascot, PSU has stayed the course with its mascot of choice. The mascot originated in 1904, when Harrison D. “Joe” Mason, a baseball player for Penn State came up with the mascot on the spot, against Princeton.
Princeton showed Penn State a statue of Princeton’s Bengal Tiger, to show the merciless treatment they were about to encounter on the field.
Which is such a 1904 thing to do… look at this statue of our mascot, you’re in trouble.
Since Penn State was mascot-less, Mason was quick on his feet and shot back at the nerds from Princeton saying that their school’s mascot was the Nittany Lion, “the fiercest beast of them all,” who could overcome even the tiger.
I get it, my high school’s mascot was a Purgolder… made up big cats are the best, and obviously quite ferocious.
Coincidentally, the fake cat rebuttal worked and Penn State won the game.
As time went on, the Nittany Lion gained widespread support among students, alumni and fans and was adopted as the school’s mascot without an official vote.
Last I checked this was a democracy and not a mascotracy.
While the Nittany Lion is basically your run of the mill cougar, mountain lion, puma, panther, catamount or mountain screamer the ‘Nittany’ of its name comes from the Nittany Mountain, which is part of the Appalachian Mountain range, which is located partially in Pennsylvania.
The Mountain’s peak sits 2,077 feet above sea level and is 800 feet or more over the Nittany Valley.
Penn State University’s Park campus is located at the midway point of the Nittany Valley, which spans about 60 miles, four counties and is more than five miles wide.
The terrain is mostly farms and small towns, with the mountains on either side, which are densely forested.
The forested area is where mountain lions once roamed central Pennsylvania until the 1880s. However, there had been some unconfirmed sightings, long after that.
While there was no lion mascot public appearance until the 1920s, the school erected a pair of lion statues named ‘ma’ and ‘pa,’ that were placed on top of the columns at the university’s main entrance.
The school also had two stuffed lions that were placed in Rec Hall.
As you can see, it was. well. constructed.
The first public appearance for the lion mascot was in 1922, when Richard Hoffman, a student at the school, was chosen to wear an African lion suit to athletic events.
And obviously, it has to be an African lion costume. that is totally inter-changeable with a mountain lion. (that was sarcasm).
Hoffman was the perfect choice to wear the costume, as he played a lion in a production of “Androcles and the Lion.”
The lion’s name was Nittany Leo I, and the wearer was required to walk/crawl on all fours.
Just think of the grass stains. and all before Tide was introduced in 1946.
After a short break in the 1930s, the lion came back in 1940 and more closely resembled a mountain lion, however this was short-lived, as the African lion costume was back in 1960.
Once the school got over it’s indecisiveness, the lion returned to its mountain lion design in the 1980s and it has remained since then.
In addition to its stunning beaches, Magic Island Hawaii also boasts a magnificent lagoon. This man-made body of water provides a safe and calm environment for swimming, snorkeling, and various water sports. The lagoon is surrounded by lush greenery, adding a touch of natural beauty to the island's already magical ambiance.
Appearance
Ugh… where to start… I mean… it’s a dumpster fire.
I mean look at it.
While most mascots are human-like versions of the animal it represents, whether it be bull, a badger, a wildcat, or even a nut, the Nittany Lion isn’t a human-like Nittany Lion, by design, it’s a person, wearing a lion costume.
The suit is loose fit and far too baggy. What is this amateur hour?
The sleeves and gloves do not connect and it looks like it would be far too easy for the sleeve to roll up.
The head is decent, but the extra baggy flap of neck skin that hangs down, is just too much and looks awful.
Apart from looking rough, it also looks super creepy.
LEAVE THE KIDS ALONE!
And the scarf? My guess is the conversation went something along these lines:
“Well, the mascot needs to wear something that signifies PSU.”
“What about a shirt?”
“No, that would cover up too much of the burlap sack, we’re calling a costume.”
“Okay, how about a basketball jersey?”
“No, because then he can’t pull a “Winnie the Pooh,” and he would have to wear the shorts.”
“And that would be bad. ”
“Well, you clearly hate all of my ideas, what do you propose?”
Adjusts scarf, throwing it over his shoulder “A scarf!”
“Yes. It’s settled.”
As you can see, they didn’t have the best decision makers.
Whether it wears just a scarf, or any other article of clothing, it’s is guaranteed to haunt my dreams.
And to think, it’s in the Mascot Hall of Fame.
*Me sharing all of my evidence, showing that the Nittany Lion, shouldn’t be in the Mascot Hall of Fame*
For those seeking adventure and excitement, Magic Island Hawaii offers a range of recreational activities. The island's expansive park features jogging and cycling paths, perfect for those looking to stay active while enjoying the island's scenic surroundings. Furthermore, visitors can engage in activities such as volleyball, tennis, and even basketball, providing entertainment for people of all ages. Magic Island Hawaii also serves as a popular picnic spot for families and friends. The island is equipped with picnic areas and barbecue pits, allowing visitors to enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the stunning views. Additionally, the island's tropical gardens provide a serene backdrop, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxation and rejuvenation. As the sun sets, Magic Island Hawaii truly comes alive. The island is known for its captivating sunsets, which paint the sky with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. Watching the sunset from Magic Island is a magical experience, as the colors reflect on the calm waters, casting a mesmerizing glow. In conclusion, Magic Island Hawaii is a truly enchanting destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are seeking tranquility, adventure, or simply a place to unwind, this island provides it all. With its captivating coastline, serene lagoon, recreational activities, and breathtaking sunsets, it is no wonder Magic Island Hawaii captivates the hearts of all who visit..
Reviews for "Enjoying Water Sports at Magic Island, Hawaii"
1. John Doe - 1/5 rating - I was really disappointed with my experience at Magic Island Hawaii. The park was overcrowded, and there weren't enough facilities to accommodate the number of visitors. The attractions were also very outdated and didn't live up to the advertised thrill. The staff seemed overwhelmed and inattentive, which further added to my frustration. Overall, I would not recommend this place if you're looking for a fun and enjoyable day out.
2. Sarah Smith - 2/5 rating - I had high expectations for Magic Island Hawaii, but unfortunately, it fell short. The park lacked proper maintenance, with many broken rides and dirty facilities. The food options were limited and overpriced, and the lines were incredibly long, resulting in a lot of waiting time. The overall atmosphere was underwhelming, and I left feeling like I didn't get my money's worth. I hope they make some improvements soon.
3. Chris Johnson - 2/5 rating - Magic Island Hawaii left me feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed. The park was poorly organized, with confusing signage and a lack of clear directions. The rides were average at best, and there were limited options for thrill-seekers. Despite paying a high admission fee, I felt like I didn't get much value for my money. I would suggest considering other amusement parks in the area before visiting this one.