With lessons in kindness, compassion, peace and responsibility, Hawaiian culture is an admirable thing. A sense of connection to the land and the things that inhabit it implores locals to live respectfully, caring for the environment and one another. All the while, centuries-old practices like chanting, music, hula and arts live on, honoring the islands’ past and shaping their future.
Hawaiians take their history and culture seriously, that’s why, as tourists, we must show respect by doing the same. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about Hawaiian traditions through cultural experiences. Here are five ideas to get you started.
Hula to Your Heart’s Content
Hula shows are popular in The Islands of Aloha, but why not take it one step further and fully immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with an authentic hula lesson? From Oahu to Maui, several local establishments take pride in sharing the art of hula with visitors far and wide.
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The Hawaii Hula Company is a great place to start for travelers who are ready to don a grass skirt and shake it to the music. This unique attraction makes things simple by bringing all of the hula necessities such as music, costumes and fresh flowers directly to you. Attendees will learn basic steps and hand motions as they work toward a complete hula routine accompanied by a Hawaiian song.
For even more hula magic, add a Lei-making workshop to your booking.
Take a Spin at the Kihei Canoe Club
Pioneered by early Polynesian explorers, the outrigger canoe holds a special place in Hawaiian culture. To natives, these canoes are more than simple boats, instead, they symbolize the struggles and triumphs that early peoples endured creating the Hawaii that we know and love today. In modern times, outrigger canoes are commonly used for fishing, traveling and recreation. There are also several canoe clubs, such as the Kihei Canoe Club, that operate in hopes of continuing local traditions and educating visitors about the outrigger canoe’s cultural significance.
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Travelers interested in hitting the water can sign up for the Kihei Canoe Club’s visitor paddle program where they’ll be escorted to an outer reef where sea turtles and whales are known to hang about. Pair this with a series of traditional Hawaiian chants and you’ll leave your adventure feeling more connected to the islands than ever before.
Partake in an Authentic Luau
Ready to party island-style? With great food, awesome entertainment and 5-star hospitality, an authentic Hawaiian luau includes all the necessary ingredients for an evening you’ll never forget.
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The tradition of mixing food, music, dancing and stories dates back to 1819 when the famed King Kamehameha II abolished a religious rule requiring men and women to eat in separate quarters. This newfound freedom resulted in a strong sense of community that is still felt today. While luaus can be experienced throughout the islands, the most authentic of the bunch have a strong focus on culture and sharing Hawaii’s stories and history.
In the past, Hawai’i Magazine has recommended Old Lahaina Luau, Paradise Cove and Alii Luau as their top three picks.
Visit an Ancient Temple
Peace, war, sacrifice, fishing, harvesting and surfing — ancient Hawaiians had a temple for just about every important aspect of early island life. However, one of the region’s most important temples is Ahu‘ena Heiau, a Big Island structure that dates back to the 1400s. In its heyday, Ahu‘ena Heiau acted as a sacred spiritual center where islanders performed sacrifices until 1813 when King Kamehameha I rebuilt the building and dedicated it to Lono, the Hawaiian god of peace and prosperity. Years later, Ahu’ena Heiau became the first capital of the Hawaiian unified kingdom during the last years of Kamehameha’s life.
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Today, local practitioners visit the temple to worship and present offerings to their gods. Ahu’ena Heiau has a certain air of sacredness around it and visitors can see the historic spot for themselves five days a week.
Relax with a Lomilomi Massage
If ultimate relaxation is on your island to-do list, don’t go home without indulging in a Lomilomi massage. A popular massage style that’s now found around the world, lomilomi is a century-old technique that incorporates long, gentle movements to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. Pair this with the picture-perfect backdrop of a white sand beach and turquoise waters and you’re in for the pampering session of a lifetime.
Interestingly, lomilomi is also very dear to Hawaiian culture as it’s said to connect one with the land (‘aina), their spirit guides (‘aumakua) and the breath of life (Aloha). What’s more, lomilomi is believed to be deeply healing and is thought to be beneficial for many ailments.
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