![Culture and History in Hawaiʻi Culture and History in Hawaii](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_gallery_bg_xl/public/16346_0.jpg?itok=6-dRRCnN×tamp=1572035696)
![](/sites/default/files/16347.jpg)
![Culture and History in Hawaiʻi Culture and History in Hawaii](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_gallery_bg_xl/public/16349.jpg?itok=PA0lnAJm×tamp=1572035696)
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
![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/island_curated_content_large/public/content-images/IHVB_0281_islandslandingchant.jpg?itok=u7P5W-sy)
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.
More![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/island_curated_content_large/public/content-images/10446_puuloaskeeperstory_landing.jpg?itok=dRjN5Cg-)
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.
More![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/island_curated_content_large/public/content-images/IHVB_0255-Volcano.jpg?itok=JJASFTI-)
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.
MoreEa Mai Hawaiinuiakea
Hawaiʻi Rooted
Explore Hawaiian Culture and History
![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/island_curated_content_large/public/content-images/11204_Hawaiianlangpress_0.jpg?itok=AQgHqBVq)
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.
More![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/island_curated_content_large/public/content-images/06834_0_0_0.jpg?itok=JlHuwgvs)
Heritage Sites
Hawaiʻi’s heritage sites help us understand the historical, cultural and environmental forces that shaped society on these islands.
More![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/island_curated_content_large/public/content-images/Hawaiian%20History-Iolani%20Palace_0_0.jpg?itok=sEwks23l)
![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/island_curated_content_large/public/content-images/NIC_8806-Male%20Hula%20Dancers_0_0_0.jpg?itok=Ey0EMd05)
![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/island_curated_content_large/public/content-images/03295_0.jpg?itok=Q89njqMh)
![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/island_curated_content_large/public/content-images/Hawaii%20Traditions_0_0.jpg?itok=OsA9J4bM)
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.
More![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/island_curated_content_large/public/content-images/HTA_01538_FilmHero.jpg?itok=L0UiSv_m)
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.
More![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/island_curated_content_large/public/content-images/SustainableFarming_Hero.jpg?itok=XkiiXxxh)
Explore Hawaiian Culture and History
Our small group guided tours provide free pickup at Waikiki hotels or Honolulu Pier and take you across [...]
Refreshing beverages and a select casual dining menu let you relax and enjoy your time in the sun to the [...]
The Mahinalani Gift Shop is part of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s new shopping experience. Come and [...]
Grand Wailea's upscale signature restaurant has been completely refreshed with a new concept and gourmet [...]
At Lappert's Hawaii, we make everything by hand from scratch using only the finest ingredients. From our [...]
Nick's Fishmarket Maui offers an innovative, classic cuisine focusing on premier seafood. Specialties [...]
Waikiki’s only oceanfront dinner show is a culinary and sensory celebration, commemorating Hawaiian [...]
A trip to Oahu’s North Shore is not complete without a visit to a notable landmark, the Laie Hawaii [...]
Wai Kai is an active year-round destination where residents and visitors connect to the water, land, and [...]
The Polynesian Cultural Center is Hawaii’s #1 visitor attraction, has 6 island villages representing [...]
Indulge in a vibrant new menu rooted in coastal cuisine inviting you on a journey to discover the bounty [...]
As the premier farm to cup coffee company in Hawai'i, we are focused on creating the ultimate experience [...]
![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/promo_unit_xxl/public/promo-unit-backgrounds/saving_ohia_gallery01_closeup.jpg?itok=vUadNG9o)
Help Save The ʻŌhiʻa Trees
![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/promo_unit_xxl/public/promo-unit-backgrounds/10168_0.jpg?itok=d234_Xlx)
View the Digital Hawaiian Islands Official Visitors’ Guide
Experience the Hawaiian Islands
![](https://www.gohawaii.com/sites/default/files/styles/double_column_large/public/content-images/Kalaupapa%20Horseback%20Ride_0.jpg?itok=GDCkt702)
From adventures and sightseeing to golf and relaxation, there are lots of ways to experience the Hawaiian Islands. Find more activities and experiences.
More