The Hawaiian islands are not just famous for their wildlife and topography. Although many tourists fly to the Polynesian islands to experience pristine beaches and spot rare pacific creatures, many more find themselves entranced by the unique culture of the area. Hawaiian culture is a fascinating blend of Polynesian, Asian, American and European influenced – highlighting the way in which seemingly remote islands can become catalytic lynchpins of cultural development and exchange. The island of Maui, known as the island of valleys, is one of the most beautiful areas in Hawaii. Here are a few ways you can experience Hawaiian culture on the island.
Experience A Luau
Luaus are a mixture between a party and a celebration of pacific culture. These events originated when the king of Hawaii first permitted men and women to eat together. The Hawaiian king Kamehameha the Second lifted a ban on women and men eating together in 1819. Expect to find traditional dancing, roast pig and a great atmosphere at your local Luau. Outsiders heading to one of these celebrations need to be careful to respect pacific culture. Of course, having a good time is encouraged, but the tokenization of traditional dance or dress is greatly frowned upon.
Visit A Traditional Canoe Club
The island is not particularly large, and it is never too long of a journey from any of the Maui resorts to a traditional canoe club. Canoeing is immensely important in Hawaiian culture. As an archipelago nation – and then state – Hawaiians traded, migrated and fished using outrigger canoes. Some traditional canoe clubs host learning experiences in which students are taught about the significance of the canoe in Hawaiian culture as well as the skills needed to be an effective outrigger canoeist.
Eat Like A Hawaiian
Hawaiian food is famous for being influenced by several different cultures. Maui has no shortage of great places to eat traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Traditional cuisine often involves poi, which is a starchy staple made from the caro plant. Poke is also extremely popular. Influenced by the arrival of Japanese immigrants during the plantation era, poke is a distinctly Hawaiian take on sushi. Because of the archipelago’s importance to the allies during the second world war, several dishes that incorporate military style preserved food have developed. Spam, in particular, is used in a great deal of Hawaiian fusion cooking and remains incredibly popular on the islands.
Visit During An Aloha Festival
The Aloha festivals are a constellation of annual statewide cultural festivals that are extremely important in Hawaii. They were started in the 1940s by Hawaiians concerned that native culture was being erased by the massive influx of non-native Americans to the country after World War Two. Three festivals are considered to be ‘Aloha’ events, including the crowning of a ceremonial monarch, a flower festival and a vast block party. Traditional dancing, music and competitions are an integral part of these celebrations. These celebrations are organized entirely by volunteers.
