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Hawaiian Arts & Culture: The Expression of Aloha
The oldest of Hawaiian chants describe the Hawaiian Islands, the spirits that inhabit them, the forces of nature that shaped them and all the living things upon them as inextricably connected. This sense of connection is the foundation of Hawaiian culture: understanding that we all have a mandate to mālama, to care for our environment and for one another.
Today, Hawaiian culture may hold many of the answers sought in a rapidly changing world. The spirit of aloha – being in the presence of and sharing the essence of life – teaches us lessons of peace, kindness, compassion and responsibility to future generations. These lessons are expressed through chant, music, hula, arts and cultural practices, and through the warm, genuine greetings that are a hallmark of Hawaiian hospitality.
Stories of the Hawaiian Islands
Ea Mai Hawaiinuiakea
Chants chronicle the people, places and events that make Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi. Ea Mai Hawaiinuiakea is a genealogy chant that speaks of the birth of the islands and the descendents of Haloa, the first Hawaiian.
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Puʻuloa’s Keeper
Environmental stewardship practiced by Hawaiians led to a reciprocal, beneficial relationship with forces of nature – like legendary sharks who protected the people of Puʻuloa, also known as Pearl Harbor.
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The Race of the Goddesses
The extremes of nature in Hawaiʻi are often understood as the forces of gods and goddesses. In the case of the island of Hawaiʻi, volcanic fire is the domain of Pele, and the snow upon the island’s summits the domain of Poliʻahu.
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Hawaiʻi Rooted
Explore Hawaiian Culture and History
Hawaiian Language
‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiian language, is the key to unlocking systems of knowledge and understanding unique to Hawaiʻi. You can be part of its revival.
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Heritage Sites
Hawaiʻi’s heritage sites help us understand the historical, cultural and environmental forces that shaped society on these islands.
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Traditions and Customs
The traditions and customs of Hawaiʻi have roots in native traditions, and influences from the many cultures who came from afar to call Hawaiʻi home.
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Hawaiian Film
Hawaiʻi’s status as an unparalleled destination with fascinating cultures and natural beauty beyond compare hasn’t been missed by the TV and film industries. Since the early days of cinema in the early 1900s, over 100 feature films have been shot in Hawaiʻi.
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Explore Hawaiian Culture and History
Our small group guided tours provide free pickup at Waikiki hotels or Honolulu Pier and take you across [...]
Our award-winning tour company is passionately committed to providing you with immersive and [...]
Where WWII ended with the Surrender of the Japanese Forces. With over six decades of life at sea and [...]
The Daughters of Hawai‘i was founded in 1903 by seven progressive women ahead of their time. Born in [...]
Occupies WWII hangars that bear the scars of the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack. Located on historic [...]
The Sunset Luau overlooks the ancient fishponds of 'Anaeho'omalu Bay - As the sun sets over [...]
The Polynesian Cultural Center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays. Closed Sundays [...]
Join our ʻOhana for an exciting evening under the stars as we take you on a voyage across Ka Moana (the [...]
Founded in 1995 as the original nature adventure company on Oahu, we offer the finest Circle Island [...]
It's a celebration of life on Kauai at Smith's Tropical Paradise Garden Luau. Enjoy the local [...]
Experience the most authentic Hawaiian luau on Oʻahu at the Polynesian Cultural Center’s Ali‘i [...]
The background sound of the ocean surf against a soulful steel guitar. A welcome lei and Mai Tai. Tables [...]
Help Save The ʻŌhiʻa Trees
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Experience the Hawaiian Islands
From adventures and sightseeing to golf and relaxation, there are lots of ways to experience the Hawaiian Islands. Find more activities and experiences.
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