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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.
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
Every day at 2:20 pm, guests gather around Hawai'i's only water performance venue - the magnificent PCC [...]
We focus on regional and global cuisine while creating impactful flavors. Hawaii is a haven for fresh [...]
Dine in the most beautiful location at Kapalua Resort, directly on the ocean, and view tropical sunsets [...]
Tour the historic World War II submarine USS Bowfin and visit our submarine museum and waterfront [...]
Occupies WWII hangars that bear the scars of the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack. Located on historic [...]
The open-air Don the Beachcomber signature restaurant located at the Royal Kona Resort features a prime [...]
Explore marine mysteries while diving over 100 feet below the sea with Atlantis Submarines Waikiki. See [...]
HāLani - meaning “breath of heaven” - is an alfresco eatery that opens onto the Great Lawn, where [...]
Asian, American, and Hawaiian dishes are offered, also lavish daily breakfast buffet, Lunch and Sunday [...]
Landmark of Aloha - Chart a course for Huggo's for the finest in surfside dining. Dine just inches above [...]
Anna Leialoha Lindsey Perry-Fiske has been called the "First Lady of Ranching" in Hawaii. Anna competed [...]
Hawaii Calls Restaurant & Lounge offers cocktails and a light bistro menu until late. Pull up a chair [...]
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.
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