Hawaiian Cultural Experiences

Are your clients seeking authentic cultural experiences when traveling? Beyond the sun, sand and surf that often initially draws visitors to the incredible Hawaiian Islands are the many intimate, interactive and indelible opportunities to experience Hawaiian culture. Clients can discover Hawaiʻi’s rich past and present traditions whether it is through exploring a national historic site, park or monuments, engaging in incredible cultural programming, or visiting a cherished museum or art center. Immersing oneself in Hawai‘i’s multifaceted cultural history, offerings, and values creates an unforgettable vacation, deepens knowledge, and keeps Hawaiian customs and traditions alive for generations to come! Here are a few recommendations for your clients by island:

Kaua‘i:
Kaua‘i is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain known for its dramatic beauty draped in jagged sea cliffs, verdant valleys, and cascading waterfalls but did you know it also holds some of Hawai‘i’s most unique and rich history? To learn about Native Hawaiian culture, the history of Captain Cook’s arrival, and collections of multicultural artists, send your clients to the Kaua‘i Museum. Through the end of this year, the exhibit, Pūpū O Ni‘ihau – Jewels of the Pacific (Ni‘ihau shells), features an extensive collection of rare, treasured pieces. In addition to the collection, Kaua‘i Museum is welcoming ‘ohana (family) from the island of Ni‘ihau to share the art of Ni‘ihau shell lei-making as well as music and stories encapsulating the unique history and culture of the island. At Limahuli Garden, located in Limahuli Valley, clients can catch a glimpse of how Hawaiians once lived in one of the most biodiverse valleys in the Hawaiian Islands with some of the best intact archaeological complexes of the valley's original inhabitants. Learn about the importance of Hawaiian agriculture methods and culturally significant plants while strolling through beautiful ancient terraces of kalo (taro) and trails leading to breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains. To better manage traffic and reduce the impact vehicles have on the garden and surrounding community, reservations are now required for self-guided tours at Limahuli Garden.

O‘ahu:
While on O‘ahu, clients will not want to miss touring the Hawaiian national treasure and the only royal palace in the United States, ‘Iolani Palace. The palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom's last two monarchs and serves as a symbol of Hawaiian excellence and innovation as well as honors the multifaceted and significant history of Hawaiʻi. Clients visiting the palace on any second Saturday of the month can attend the Hear Hawaiʻi Workshops, which bring Hawaiian voices, culture and stories to life. Another place for unparalleled Hawaiian cultural learning is Bishop Museum which houses the largest collection of Hawaiian and Pacific cultural artifacts and natural history specimens in the world. Looking for fun hands-on activities? In the heart of Waikīkī, point clients to the Royal Hawaiian Center which offers an array of free cultural activities and classes from stargazing, ʻukulele, lei-making to hula.

Maui Nui:
If your clients are Maui Nui-bound (islands of Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi), there are plenty of surprising and enticing cultural experiences that they can immerse themselves in. At Lāhainā Restoration Foundation on the island of Maui, visitors can interact with Lāhainā’s past through volunteering to process and transcribe artifacts and archives. Through this unique experience, clients will gain knowledge of the Kingdom of Hawai‘i, missionary influence in the islands, whaling history, and the sugar era. For clients interested in local art, encourage them to visit Hui No‘eau Visual Arts Center, located at the site of an early Maui sugar mill and historic home built in 1917. Here, clients can learn about the historical architectural features while having the opportunity to view professional art studios and shop for a beautiful selection of Maui-made gifts. If your clients hop over to Lānaʻi, they can connect to the people, traditions, history, land, and material culture of the island by visiting the Lāna‘i Culture & Heritage Center. Here clients will better understand the unique modern history of the island including nearly 100 years of ranching and 70 years of pineapple cultivation.

Island of Hawai‘i:
The youngest but largest island, Hawai‘i Island, is full of adventures and powerful cultural expression for your clients. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is a place of contrasting and dramatic landscapes by the world’s most active volcanoes that are sure to captivate any visitor but truly reward those who seek deeper exploration when participating in ranger-led activities. Some of these experiences include joining Kīlauea Visitor Center’s Hawaiian practitioners as they share the arts and culture of Hawaiʻi, presentations by leading scientists and cultural experts, or taking a night walk through the “After Dark in the Park” program. Back at the resorts, be sure to lean into their cultural programming for hands-on fun! For example, clients staying at the Fairmont Orchid can witness traditional torch-lighting, learn advanced coconut frond weaving, or embark on a hike to ancient Hawaiian shelter caves, fishponds, and tour the grounds of Kalāhuipua‘a, known as a gathering place for ali‘i (royalty) or the 233-acre Puakō Petroglyph Archeological Preserve.