Hawaiian Culture

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.

Purchase rare varieties of taro while supporting Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.

In its wax and wane, Hawaiians of old found the secrets to sustainable living.

From tiny shells that wash ashore on this forbidden island come priceless treasures.

The culture of ancient Hawaiʻi was deeply rooted in nature. It still is—thanks to places like Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.

Words and Photography by Zach Pezzillo

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.

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

How food is grown, prepared, and used is arguably as important in defining a culture as lineage, language and lore.

Hawaiian Culture and Plant Tour  By Serene Gunnison At the Maui Ocean Center, visitors might hardly notice the plants that line the aquarium’s outdoor walkways. After...

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.

See all eleven kapa Pua Van Dorpe created to honor ancient Maui chiefs, and read their stories.

Pua Van Dorpe has spent a lifetime pursuing her passion—reclaiming this ancient and lost Hawaiian art

Triple threat: He can dance. He can chant. And he can sing.

After nearly two decades in dry dock, the first oceangoing traditional voyaging canoe, Mo‘okiha o Pi‘ilani, embarked on its maiden voyage from Mala Wharf in Lahaina on July 11.

Each year, as the rains came and the Makali‘i, or Pleiades, appeared in the night sky, Hawaiians of old set aside time to rest, feast and play.

A race of Polynesian seafarers managed to carry with them food for the rest of their lives in Hawai‘i.

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

Dance and music take audiences on a journey through time.   Story by Serene Gunnison Photographs by Joshua Hardin & Azelan Amundson A pair of torches scarcely illuminates...

John Ka‘imikaua's Legacy Lives on through Moloka‘i's Homage to Hula

Herb Kawainui Kāne has inspired a cultural rebirth.

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

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

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

The Lobelia Grayana is an endangered lavender flower that grows in Waikamoi Preserve on Maui. Ancient Hawaiians called this plant opelu.

How Maui farmers are cultivating ancient wisdom to feed a population—and a hunger for culture.

Magic happens when the Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce meets on the beach in Wailea.