The Best Cultural Experiences in Hawai’i

When holidaying in Hawai’i, it’s easy to get distracted by the alluring tropical scenery and irresistible happy hour specials. However, there’s so much more to this destination than just lazing on the beach and sipping cocktails by the pool.

Hawai’i boasts a rich history unlike anywhere else in the United States, shaping the unique melting pot of cultures that exists today. To get a real taste of what Hawai’i is truly like, an abundance of authentic cultural experiences are available across the Hawai’ian Islands – here are some of our favourites.

Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center

Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center

Located on the north shore of O’ahu, the Polynesian Cultural Center is considered Hawaii’s number one visitor attraction. Better yet, it’s one of the best places to engage in Hawai’ian culture. Here, you can explore six island villages – Hawai’i, Aotearoa, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga – and partake in hands-on activities like ukulele lessons and lauhala weaving. You can also try local cuisine at one of two buffet options and attend the Ha: Breath of Life show, which features traditional song and dance, fire twirling and dramatic special effects.

Experience Hawai’ian culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center by attending the Ha: Breath of Life show, which features traditional song and dance, fire twirling and more.

Explore Iolani Palace

Explore Iolani Palace

In downtown Honolulu, you’ll find Iolani Palace, one of the best cultural attractions in Hawai’i. The only royal palace in the United States served as the official residence of the Hawai’ian Kingdom’s last two monarchs: King Kalākaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliʻuokalani. Iolani Palace has been beautifully restored to reflect what 19th-century life was like for the Hawai’ian royal family before they were deposed in 1893. Learn more about Hawaii’s history as you explore the opulent throne room, reception and dining room and private living quarters, and view ancient regalia of Hawai’ian royalty.

Iolani Palace, the official residence of the Hawai’ian Kingdom’s last two monarchs, is one of the best cultural attractions in Hawai’i.

Attend a traditional luau

Attend a traditional luau

One of the most festive cultural experiences to be had on a Hawai’i holiday is a luau – a traditional Hawai’ian feast accompanied by spirited live music and authentic dance performances. A luau offers a chance to sample local Hawai’ian dishes, such as poi (pounded taro plant root), Kalua pig (prepared in an underground oven) and poke (diced raw fish). You’ll find one of the best Hawai’ian luaus at Paradise Cove, where you can also partake in arts and crafts, like lei making, along with traditional Hawai’ian games. Many resorts in Hawai’i also host their own luau.

Check out the Bishop Museum

Check out the Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum, located in Honolulu, is the largest museum dedicated to studying and preserving the history of Hawai’i and the Pacific. Also known as the Hawai’i State Museum of Natural and Cultural History, this museum houses millions of historical artifacts and numerous natural history specimens. You can also learn more about the Hawai’ian monarchy by viewing heirlooms like the 18th-century ula (royal cape) worn by King Kalani’opu’u. All in all, a visit to the Bishop Museum allows you to immerse yourself in native Hawai’ian culture.

Discover Bishop Museum, a museum that houses millions of historical artifacts and numerous natural history specimens.

Learn how to hula

Learn how to hula

Joining a hula lesson during your Hawai’i holiday is another great way to connect with the aloha spirit. Most travellers are familiar with this interpretive form of dance that has been practised in Hawai’i for centuries. Yet, hula is so much more than just a dance. Hula is part of a cultural practice of sharing stories that connect both dancer and audience to the foundation of Hawai’ian ancestral knowledge. While the serious study of hula demands a lot of commitment, a casual lesson can teach you basic hand gestures, footwork and body movements. Many Hawai’i resorts offer hula classes, as does the Royal Hawaiian Center.

Learn hula by attending classes offered by many resorts as well as the Royal Hawaiian Center.

Experience a hi’uwai ceremony

Experience a hi’uwai ceremony

Hi’uwai is a traditional Hawai’ian cleansing experience you’ll want to wake up early for. Usually held in the early morning, participants gather on the beach and, as the sun rises, walk into the water to release their burdens and worries. As they float in the sea, participants will then turn east and focus their intentions towards a new day. This is one of the most unique cultural experiences you can have in Hawai’i and is best arranged by speaking with your resort.

Cleanse your body and soul through Hi’uwai, a traditional Hawai’ian cleansing experience you’ll want to wake up early for.

Head to Washington Place

For a lesson in Hawai’ian history, add Washington Place to your holiday itinerary. From the 1840s through to the 20th century, this Greek Revival-style mansion was the centre of critical events leading to Hawai’i becoming the 50th and final U.S. state. Most notably, this is where Queen Liliʻuokalani was arrested during the overthrow of the Hawai’ian Kingdom. To honour Queen Liliʻuokalani’s tradition of opening her home to the Hawai’ian people, Washington Place offers regular guided tours.

Give back to the land

Give back to the land

Nurturing the ‘aina (land) and moana (ocean) is deeply enriched in Hawai’ian culture. Do your part by participating in the concept of malama, which means to travel consciously by giving back to the land, the people and the community. Several tourism operators in Hawai’i offer opportunities to pay it forward, through experiences like beach clean-ups, native tree planting and more. By participating in malama, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into what the land and ocean means to the local Hawai’ians.

Participate in the concept of malama, which means to travel consciously by giving back to the land, the people and the community.

Embrace Hawai’ian culture on a My Hawaii holiday

Enhance your next Hawai’i holiday by taking part in one of these fascinating cultural experiences. Find your dream getaway with My Hawaii, perfectly packaged with exclusive bonus extras, like room upgrades, resort credits, happy hour specials and so much more.

Say aloha to Hawai’i by viewing our Hot Deals here.

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