Culture
Scroll to Continue
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.
MorePuʻuloa’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.
MoreThe 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.
MoreEa Mai Hawaiinuiakea
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.
MoreHeritage Sites
Hawaiʻi’s heritage sites help us understand the historical, cultural and environmental forces that shaped society on these islands.
MoreTraditions 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.
MoreHawaiian 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.
MoreExplore Hawaiian Culture and History
No trip to Hawaii is complete without witnessing Kauai’s sacred Napali Coast. This stunning stretch of [...]
Kauai Bound is a locally owned snorkel, golf, underwater camera, and beach rental and retail shop [...]
Makana Charters is the only Na Pali tour company offering personalized or private morning and afternoon [...]
Come early and stroll the Plantation's tropical grounds as you enjoy the late afternoon sun or walk [...]
The Kauai Museum is the cultural Sanctuary for the art and artifacts of Native Hawaiians and it nurtures [...]
Kauai Sea Tours offers catamaran snorkel, sunset dinner cruises and raft adventures explore the world [...]
Departing daily from the calm, leeward waters of Kauai's Southwest side, Captain J's take the [...]
Enchanting Nāpali Coast Boat Tours No visit to Kauai is complete without an adventure on the Nāpali [...]
National Geographic Winner! Pioneer outdoor adventure company. Water front location at the Wailua [...]
Since 1980, Captain Andy's has taken guests on their famously friendly Kauai boat tours along the [...]
It's a celebration of life on Kauai at Smith's Tropical Paradise Garden Luau. Enjoy the local [...]
ALOHA! And welcome aboard any one, or all three, of our Conductor Narrated Authentic Train Tours of [...]
Help Save The ʻŌhiʻa Trees
View the Digital Hawaiian Islands Official Visitors’ Guide
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.
More