Experience Hawaiian Culture

Among the most memorable and meaningful experiences clients can have when visiting Hawaii are those immersing them in the history, traditions and stories of our indigenous Hawaiian culture. From outdoor and knowledge-based activities, to music, hula and the arts, no trip to Hawaii is complete without experiencing the ever-evolving story of the Hawaiian culture. Below are several annual events and places on four islands where your clients can experience and celebrate Hawaiian culture.

Kauai

Got clients traveling to Kauai? Encourage them to plan their trip around Kauai's sweet sugar-town event Koloa Plantation Days, which annually celebrates Hawaii's first sugar plantation. The 10-day collection of events ' all held in and around the former Kauai sugar plantation town of Koloa ' shares the area's history and diverse cultural traditions through food and music events, sports, a rodeo, parades and more. Your clients will learn about the Hawaiian culture's deep influence on the island at the Kauai Museum or Grove Farm Sugar Plantation Museum in Lihue, Waioli Huiia Church and Mission House in Hanalei, and Kokee Natural History Museum in upland Kokee State Park.

Maui

Maui-bound clients are invited to experience the fourth annual La Ulu ' Breadfruit Day Festival on September 4 and 5 at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens. The Hawaiian staple crop ulu (breadfruit) has a long agricultural history on Maui, celebrated at this festival through culinary, cultural and horticultural demonstrations. Festivals of Aloha, Maui Nui Style, with events held virtually this year on Maui, Lanai and Molokai, honors generations of Native Hawaiian culture and traditions through food, music, crafts and entertainment. The theme of this year's collection of events is "He aloha mauli hiwa, he aloha mauli ola," olelo Hawaii (Hawaiian language meaning, "Love from a cherished heart, a grace with the power to heal."

Oahu

Suggest clients experience two of Oahu's biggest music and dance festivals going virtual this year. With a self-described mission to 'bring laughter, love and hope to children and adults throughout Hawaii and the world through the music of the ukulele,' the 51st annual Ukulele Festival Hawaii will be broadcast via the event's YouTube channel on July 18. The festival is the world's largest dedicated to iconic Hawaii musical instrument. Also virtual this year is the 44th annual Prince Lot Hula Festival, set for televised broadcast and online global livestream on October 28. One of Hawaii's most revered cultural events, the festival offers residents and visitors an opportunity to experience the beauty, skill and spirit of the Hawaiian art of hula.

Island of Hawaii

If your clients are traveling to the Island of Hawaii — and consider themselves coffee aficionados — suggest they experience the world-renowned flavor, aroma and joys of 100-percent Kona-grown java at this year's 50th Kona Coffee Cultural Festival set for November 4-7. Its four days of coffee tastings, farm tours, cupping competitions, a parade, a talent show, and much more celebrates the accomplishments of Kona coffee's pioneers, farmers and artisans, as well as the area's rich cultural heritage. While on the Kona side of the island, advise clients spend some time at Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, an oceanside spiritual sanctuary with a deep connection to early Hawaiian life and culture. On the island's east side, the Lyman Museum and Mission House in Hilo offers a guided tour of its 183-year-old titular mission house and next-door wing exploring the lives of Hilo's early Hawaiian residents and late 19th century multicultural sugar plantation laborers.