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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
The Polynesian Cultural Center is Hawaii’s #1 visitor attraction, has 6 island villages representing [...]
"Wrap Yourself In Luxury With World Class Shopping” Luxury Row At 2100 Kalakaua Avenue Waikiki Luxury [...]
Trail information, Natural History Museum. Open every day. Visitor programs, volunteer opportunities, [...]
Kong Lung Trading offers an original and ever-changing selection of gifts, home décor, personal [...]
The Daughters of Hawai‘i was founded in 1903 by seven progressive women ahead of their time. Born in [...]
The Mahinalani Gift Shop is part of the Polynesian Cultural Center’s new shopping experience. Come and [...]
Visit the Southernmost bakery in the U.S.A. Home of the world-famous Punalu'u Sweetbread. Located in the [...]
In 1998, Honolulu Cookie Company was established using a recipe for premium shortbread cookies baked [...]
As the sun sets across famed Kaanapali Beach, beating drums and the call of a conch shell signal the [...]
Anna Leialoha Lindsey Perry-Fiske has been called the "First Lady of Ranching" in Hawaii. Anna competed [...]
The Kona Coffee and Tea Company is a single-estate Kona coffee farm, that is family-owned and operated. [...]
The MLVC is the real-life personification of Mauna Loa, a 76-year-old brand in the making. It exists to [...]
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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