checking opihi populations

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.
hawaiian moon calendar

Planting by the Moon

Finding the science behind an ancient, indigenous practice.
native Hawaiians

What Does a Hawaiian Look Like?

Through their portraits, handprints and signatures, Jordan Murph is helping native Hawaiians create an indelible legacy.
Lomilomi spa massage in Maui Hawaii

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.
Hawaiian cultural leaders in Maui

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.
Hawaiian names

Defining Identity

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

The Heartbeat of Hula

In contrast to modern hula, ancient hula is purely percussive.
hawaiian fisherman nets

The Fisherman’s Net

From ancient times, Hawaiians have used this handwoven tool to gather an ocean harvest. For one Maui fisherman, it still holds a way of life and a sense of identity.
Polynesian explorers

Wayfinders

Polynesians navigate Earth's largest ocean by celestial bodies and seabirds, winds and ocean swells.
Hawaiian Kapa

Beauty in the Bark

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

Now, Voyager

Seventeen years in the making, the Hawaiian modern day voyaging canoe Mo‘okiha O Piilani will set sail on December 21 during the winter solstice.
Kino Lau

Kino Lau

Hawaiian lore finds the spirit of the divine in the ordinary world.
Hawaiian immersion schools

Olelo Hawaii

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

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.
hala weaver in Hawaii

The Weave of History

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

Who Are Na Kupuna?

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

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.

Planted with Purpose

Discover how the nonprofit Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is planting the seeds of today and working to preserve Hawaiian culture for the future.
Hawaiian canoe carver

A Carver of Canoes

Using ancient navigation techniques as a guide, master woodworker Keola Sequeira breathes new life into the ancient art of canoe building right here on Maui.
Kihei fishponds

Deep Wisdom

Discover how the restoration of Koieie Fishpond in North Kihei is helping to connect volunteers with ancient Hawaiian culture, legends and practices of old.
Elizabeth Lindsey

Mapping the Human Story

When Elizabeth Lindsey was a child, Hawaiian elders foretold that she would embark on a journey to gather ancient wisdom that could guide future generations.
wooden surfboards

A New Wave for Wood

Nearly a century after solid wooden surfboards started slipping from favor, there is a renewed swell of interest in this ancient Hawaiian craft.
Hawaiian clothing

Wrapped in Tradition

This story straddles centuries to look at authentic Hawaiian clothing prior to Western contact, and how three young Hawaiian entrepreneurs are incorporating ancient meanings, patterns, and knowledge into their contemporary apparel.
Hawaiian tatoo

Marked

More than skin deep, traditional tattoos link modern Hawaiians to their ancestors.
hawaiian culture on Maui

Ripple Effect

In its twenty-five years, Po‘okela has influenced the community beyond Kaanapali Beach Hotel.
pono

Pono

By reviving ancient Hawaiian practices, modern conservationists hope to save the forests and the seas of the future.
Hawaiian dyes

Shades of the Past

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

Home, Thatched Home

Virtually extinct for over a century, hale—traditional Hawaiian houses—are making a comeback with the new millennium.