Blog

Princess Kaʻiulani — The Heart of Hawaiʻi's Kingdom

She was the heart of Hawaiʻi, the pride of her people, and the princess who fought for her kingdom with grace and courage until her very last breath. Born on October 16, 1875, Princess Victoria Kaʻ...

One Place, Many Roots

How Immigration Shaped Hawaiʻi's Food, Language, and Soul Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I didn't fully realize the rich cultural history I was constantly surrounded by. As someone who is Japanese, Okinawa...

Voluntourism – How to Travel Sustainably & Mālama the ʻĀina

A wonderful way to travel respectfully is to reduce your carbon footprint, support local, and spend some of your time and energy to give back to the land. Hawaiʻi has incredibly beautiful forests,...

Lūʻau Guide: History, Traditions & Best Lūʻau to Experience in Hawaiʻi

A lūʻau is a traditional Hawaiian celebration that brings people together through food, music, and dance. This guide covers the history of the lūʻau, what to expect at one today, and where to exp...

The History of Surfing in Hawaiʻi: Origins, Competitions & Best Surf Spots

"There's no place I'd rather be than on my surfboard out at sea!" – Lilo & Stitch. This catchy song perfectly encapsulates the surfing mentality many people in Hawaiʻi share. Here you'll learn...

More Than a Purchase – Why Shopping Local in Hawaiʻi Matters

From the moment you arrive in Hawaiʻi, there is a wave of exhilaration that rushes through your senses. The brush of tradewinds grazing your skin, the sound of waves crashing along the shore, the ...

Get Lei'd in Hawaiʻi! - The History, Types, Meanings, and Etiquette of Hawaiian Lei

The History of Lei in Hawaiʻi The lei tradition was first introduced to Hawaiʻi through Polynesian voyagers. In ancient Hawaiʻi, the greenery woven to create a lei was said to absorb the creato...

Living Lace: The Ferns of Hawaiʻi and Their Sacred Stories

  Ferns were one of the very first settlers to the Hawaiian Islands, arriving by spores lifted on the winds. Nowadays, around 200 varieties of ferns exist across the islands, with roughly 65% e...

What is Aloha? How Hawaiʻi's Identity Emerged from One Word

"Aloha" is a Hawaiian word heard ringing across the Islands. Shared by locals, visitors, family, loved ones, and strangers alike, it informs the very essence of Hawaiian culture and community. Sinc...

Get Dirty at a Loʻi! Find Out More About Kalo

While Hawaiʻi has so many incredible sights to enjoy, sometimes it is equally — if not more — fulfilling to experience a meaningful, culturally rooted activity. A wonderful way to connect with aut...