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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 malama, 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 Hawaii, Hawaii. 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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Puuloa’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 Puuloa, also known as Pearl Harbor.
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The Race of the Goddesses
The extremes of nature in Hawaii are often understood as the forces of gods and goddesses. In the case of the island of Hawaii, volcanic fire is the domain of Pele, and the snow upon the island’s summits the domain of Poliahu.
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Hawaiʻi Rooted
Explore Hawaiian Culture and History
Hawaiian Language
Olelo Hawaii, the Hawaiian language, is the key to unlocking systems of knowledge and understanding unique to Hawaii. You can be part of its revival.
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Heritage Sites
Hawaii’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 Hawaii have roots in native traditions, and influences from the many cultures who came from afar to call Hawaii home.
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Hawaiian Film
Hawaii’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 Hawaii.
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As America’s original and most award-winning zipline company, Skyline Hawaii has hosted thousands of eye-opening and memory-making eco-adventures from thrilling zipline tours over 250-foot waterfalls, to sunrises near Haleakalā’s peak to the illuminating Road to Hana tour.
Atlantis Submarines offers a one-of-a-kind underwater experience off the shorelines of Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island, giving guests a close-up view of an array of marine life, exotic tropical reefs and numerous sunken vessels. It's like swimming in a giant aquarium, but staying dry the whole time!
Valley Isle Excursions takes you on one of the most breathtaking drives on earth down the road to Hana Maui. Spectacular cliffs, bamboo jungles, hawaiian waterfalls, tropical scenery and colorful fragrant flowers are part of our "Heavenly Hana" tour.
Immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Hawaii’s marine life at Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii. Encounter schooling reef fish, sharks, stingrays, turtles, and experience the world's first virtual encounter with Hawaii's humpback whales in the Humpbacks of Hawaii Exhibit & 3D Sphere.
Experience Polynesian culture at the Drums of the Pacific Luau located at the Hyatt Regency Maui. Enjoy song and dance from the islands of Polynesia, including an all-you-can-eat buffet with traditional island fare, authentic imu ceremony, and three-man Samoan fire-knife dance, all oceanside.
Originally built in 1940, Kapalua’s Cliff House was once a facility for the managers of the historic Honolua Plantation. Now operated by Montage Kapalua Bay, Cliff House has been completely renovated and is now used as a historic and unparalleled venue for private events on Maui.
Contemporary sushi and new wave Asian inspired dishes are what make Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar one of Hawai’i’s most critically acclaimed and wildly popular restaurants. Bon Appetit named Sansei one of its “Favorite Asian Restaurants” and one of “America’s Best Sushi Bars.”
Located steps away from Kā`anapali Beach Hotel's sunny shore, the new water activity center will bring Hawaiian culture to popular ocean activities such as surfing, stand up paddle boarding, snorkeling, conch shell blowing and more!
Haleakala Ecotours is an authorized concessionaire for Haleakala National Park. We provide Sunrise, Daytime, and Sunset tours of Upcountry Maui and Haleakala National Park as well as Hana tours.
We are a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the revitalization of one of Maui's ancient Hawaiian fishponds.
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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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