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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
The relationship between Hawaiian culture and the universe is showcased through a colorful variety of [...]
Makana Charters is the only Na Pali tour company offering personalized or private morning and afternoon [...]
Waikiki’s only oceanfront dinner show is a culinary and sensory celebration, commemorating Hawaiian [...]
With sweeping ocean views, tucked beneath the stunning Ko‘olau Mountains, Aloha Kai Lū‘au offers [...]
The Polynesian Cultural Center is Hawaii’s #1 visitor attraction, has 6 island villages representing [...]
Join our ʻOhana for an exciting evening under the stars as we take you on a voyage across Ka Moana (the [...]
With the spirit of aloha, we inspire the discovery and stewardship of the natural and cultural heritage [...]
The Kauai Museum is the cultural Sanctuary for the art and artifacts of Native Hawaiians and it nurtures [...]
Experience Hawaiian history, culture and tradition through vibrant song and dance depicting [...]
Experience an exhilarating and enchanting journey through Hawaiian history—and discover its deep [...]
Anna Leialoha Lindsey Perry-Fiske has been called the "First Lady of Ranching" in Hawaii. Anna competed [...]
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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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