Culture

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.

 

Video: The Culture of Hawaiʻi

Ea Mai Hawaiinuiakea

Hear a Hawaiian Chant

Retrieved from Fornander Collection of Hawaiian Antiquities and Folk-lore, Vol. IV, Ea Mai Hawaiinuiakea speaks of the genealogy of our Hawaiian Islands and our royalty beginning with Haloa, the first man of Hawaiʻi. Genealogy chants are important in Hawaiʻi because they’re a reflection of one’s background. Identity allows one to better understand their kuleana (responsibility) to their place and people because they understand that they have a role to play in the continuing of this genealogy, this story of Hawaiʻi.

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Stories of the Hawaiian Islands

Ocean sunset with waves crashing against rocks in the foreground

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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An aerial view of Pearl Harbor, featuring a historic battleship docked near lush greenery and calm blue waters.

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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Glowing lava erupts from a volcanic crater, lighting up the dark sky with vibrant orange hues against dramatic storm clouds.

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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King Kamehameha Statue
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Help Save The ʻŌhiʻa Trees

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Explore Hawaiian Culture and History

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View the Digital Hawaiian Islands Official Visitors’ Guide

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Experience the Hawaiian Islands

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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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