Hawaiian Culture

More than skin deep, traditional tattoos link modern Hawaiians to their ancestors.

Watch as we transform a piece of monkey pod into a papa kuʻiʻai (poi board) during this workshop on Maui, hosted by the Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United.

From the very beginning, Hawaiian culture has celebrated women’s power, passion and intellect. We dig into Hawaiian wāhine culture to learn more.

“As Hawaiians, our mo‘olelo [stories] are so important,” says Maelia. “With heirloom jewelry, the mo‘olelo live on in each piece.”

You and I are older than the stones along the Puna shoreline. These stones started just a few years ago as gobs of lava from Pele’s current eruption, gobs that dripped into the sea only to be tumbled and polished then lobbed back onto the shore.

Finding the science behind an ancient, indigenous practice.

Among Polynesians, the Hawaiians of old excelled in the making of kapa. Their distant daughters have begun to reclaim this once-lost ancient art.

Get the translation of Hawai'i Pono'i.

Indigenous architecture was shaped by—and helped to shape—life in early Hawai‘i. Descendants of the Islands’ first people are building on that foundation.

The Hawaiian work kamaʻaina isn’t so much about bloodlines and birthplace, as about a fully intentional way to live.

How could we dedicate an issue to all things hot about Hawai‘i and not include Pele? The volcano goddess is as renowned for her fiery passions as for the molten lava with which she creates new land.

The life of Kālaipōhaku Hoaka Delos Reyes has been shaped by the medium he shapes.

More than any other Polynesian people, Hawaiians excelled in the use of color, coaxing incredible hues from the natural world around them.

Following the ancient practices of our ancestors has restored a missing piece—healing across generations.

We ask three maoli (native) educators to consider what it means to be an educated Hawaiian in the twenty-first century—and why it matters.

Through their portraits, handprints and signatures, Jordan Murph is helping native Hawaiians create an indelible legacy.

The study of seaweed has enabled Hawaiian women—past and present—to sharpen their scientific eye, flavor bland meals, and exercise the art of metaphor.

Kepā Maly is restoring authenticity to the stories of the island he loves.

Turmeric is prized around the world for its yellow color, bold flavor, and medicinal properties. When Polynesian voyagers first sailed to Hawai‘i, they brought the pungent herb with them.

In the plaited leaves of the pandanus tree, a lauhala master passes along an ancient tradition.

Wood and cordage, tooth and bone are used to recreate the ancient Hawaiian instruments of war. A modern weapons maker finds connection to a culture.

Like the rest of us, Hawaiian mature, age and die. And there the similarity ends.

An ancient art, as delicate as it is beautiful, has outlived the kings who once claimed it as their own.

Kalo, a legendary plant, has deep roots in Hawaiian culture.

Children of Hawaii play traditional island games in the spirit of Makahiki. Ancient cultural competitions in connection with the festival and its meaning.

When your name includes twelve syllables and nearly as many letters as the alphabet, you often have some explaining to do.

A revolution is happening in Island schools, as Hawaiian-immersion students find the keys to unlock their culture.