An Appetite for Culture + VIDEO
How Maui farmers are cultivating ancient wisdom to feed a population—and a hunger for culture.
Li Hing Mui: Hawaii’s Favorite Snack
Li hing mui is a favorite Hawaii snack. Lehia shares her top 10 ways to eat this salty sweet treat.
Breadfruit
As it turns out, one breadfruit can feed a family, and one variety a people. Packed in coconut-husk fiber and dry leaves, ‘ulu accompanied the Polynesian voyagers in their canoes bound for Hawai‘i.
Olelo Hawaii
A revolution is happening in Island schools, as Hawaiian-immersion students find the keys to unlock their culture.
Hawaiian Turmeric
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.
Home, Thatched Home
Virtually extinct for over a century, hale—traditional Hawaiian houses—are making a comeback with the new millennium.
Healing Across Generations
Following the ancient practices of our ancestors has restored a missing piece—healing across generations.
Into the House of the Sun
A millennium before Haleakala became a national park, Hawaiians traversed its moonscape crater. On the park’s centennial, we reprise that journey.
Clinging to Survival
In rural East Maui, two communities are taking a stand to conserve a weird wild food — and with it, a part of their culture.
Grounded in Culture
The culture of ancient Hawaiʻi was deeply rooted in nature. It still is—thanks to places like Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
Wayfinders
Polynesians navigate Earth's largest ocean by celestial bodies and seabirds, winds and ocean swells.
Cultivating an Ancient Wisdom
How food is grown, prepared, and used is arguably as important in defining a culture as lineage, language and lore.
Lono’s Season
Teya Penniman explores the cultural significance and modern practices of Makahiki season in Hawaii. Learn about this sacred celebration in honor of Lono.
Resurrecting Moku‘ula
Bit by bit, archeologists are uncovering a forgotten island where kings once ruled and a sacred lizard kept watch.
Taro for Sale and I’m Buying!
Purchase rare varieties of taro while supporting Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
The Thousand-year-old Gift
Hawaiian culture evolved over millennia, then almost disappeared after Western contact. Maui's cultural advisors are committed to bringing it back.
Aligned with the Ancestors
Lomilomi has the potential to "heal a person's path backwards and forwards," says Jeana Naluai, owner of Ho'omana Spa.
Seeds across the Seas
A race of Polynesian seafarers managed to carry with them food for the rest of their lives in Hawai‘i.
To Know Lāna‘i Once Again
Kepā Maly is restoring authenticity to the stories of the island he loves.
Hawaiian Moon Calendar
In its wax and wane, Hawaiians of old found the secrets to sustainable living.
The “Flowers” of Niʻihau
From tiny shells that wash ashore on this forbidden island come priceless treasures.
Kapa: More to Learn
See all eleven kapa Pua Van Dorpe created to honor ancient Maui chiefs, and read their stories.
Behold the Lobelia
The Lobelia Grayana is an endangered lavender flower that grows in Waikamoi Preserve on Maui. Ancient Hawaiians called this plant opelu.
