Hawaii Culture Guide

South Pacific Culture - Traditional Life our rankings - select destination for more info
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Hawaiian culture remains distinctly under the influence of modern Americanism although efforts have been made to teach the neglected Hawaiian language to school children and to re-introduce the traditional Polynesian culture which was lost several generations ago. Few Hawaiians are of pure Polynesian blood having been inter-married with Europeans, Japanese, Chinese and other wandering races and with it , traditional life has eroded. Even the traditional Hawaiian dance performances have gradually been replaced by more upbeat group dances from the South Pacific and the Hawaiian Hula, once reveered as the most important and traditional of Polynesian dances, is too infrequently performed at tourist gatherings.

Leau's, or traditional feasts is the only aspect of traditional Polynesian life that remain strong. A large pit is made in the earth, filled with volcanic heat retaining rocks upon with root crops and whole pigs are laid upon them, all wrapped up in banana leaves and covered in coconut cream, and then covered in mats and earth and left to bake for 3 to 6 hours depending on the size of the leau. Once cooked, the food has a rich earthy taste. Leau's are performed at many of the hotels as a theme Polynesian night, usually followed by traditional dance performances.

hulka dance

leau

kamokila village

hilo market

Where Hawaii excels over its Polynesian neighbours is in the restoration of its past and the understanding of its ancient history. Many of the great Hawaiian temples and ancient religious sites have been restored to its former glory and opened to the public to create awareness of the past culture and a great amount of literature has been published tracing the lives of the Hawaiian people.

... more on ancient hawaiian history


The only place in Hawaii where traditional Polynesian culture remains strong is on the private island of Niihau off the west coast of Kauai. Here, the 300 inhabitants speak native Hawaiian, grow traditional foot crops, make domestic tools from plants and steer clear of modern consumables. To visit, one must either have a private invitation or take a brief helicopter tour from Kauai.

... more on traditional village life



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