Hawaii, the land known for its Aloha Spirit has an abundance of everything; right from volcanic islands, unique beaches, scalloped mountains, nightlife, abundant flora and fauna, adventurous activities as well as cultural significance galore. Speaking about its culture particularly, it places an incredible emphasis on Malama ‘Aina, care for the land, Malama kai, care for the sea, Ohana, i.e Family as well as values such as love, affection, peace, compassion, and mercy. The indigenous Polynesian people, kānaka ʻōiwi, kānaka Maoli, and Hawaiʻi Maoli have their own unique customs which makes this land fascinating to visit.
The Unique Native Hawaiian Traditions
The Honi Ihu
It is a traditional Hawaiian tradition of greeting people by touching their foreheads and noses. The purpose of this ritual is as our breath is the vital force, this tradition allows for an exchange of breath, and scents and signifies closeness in the relationship. When people touch foreheads, Hawaiians believe it connects bone to bone, nose to nose as well as Makaloa, i.e the third eye of two people. It's a way of connecting with people on a deeper level.
Hula Kahiko
A traditional Native Hawaiian dance performed to preserve the mythological stories of Hawaiian culture. Accompanied by instruments such as calabash, split bamboo sticks, and pahu drums, this dance requires great strength physically and mentally. Celebrated for various purposes from religious ceremonies, and reminiscing ancient chiefs to family feasts, this dance also aims to honor the Akua or Gods.
The Hawaiian Lei
In Hawaii, lei is a garland made of flowers, leaves, bird feathers, ivory, and shells beckoning the Aloha Spirit. A Hawaiian symbol of friendship, celebration, honor, and love, the Lei is tied around the neck or worn on the head. Ancient Hawaiians recognized Lei with wealth and royalty as well as sacredness. There are different types of Lei each associated with the islands of Hawaii. The Purple Lei is Mokihana for Kauai Island, Pink Lei is Lokelani for Maui, Red Lei is Ohia Lehua for Hawaii Island, Green Lei is Kukui for Molokai Island, and so on.
Lomi Lomi
A traditional Hawaiian massage which uses a combination of nut oils, massage techniques, and sometimes, elements of prayers, breathing, and dance for restoring the energy back in the body as well as soothing and healing it. “Lomi” actually translates to “Rub” and it is believed that the strokes of massage help to release tension, eliminate toxins, rejuvenate the body and instill a sense of harmony within. There are variations in Lomi Lomi massage as well where few of them may include baths, bone adjusting technique, humming as well as dancing. This amplifies the energy within the body while releasing the blockages.
Hawaiian Chants
A land that lays huge emphasis on the significance of culture has the concept of Hawaiian Chants as well. Known as Hawaiian mele, they are repetitive chants that are not basically musical. The two types of chants are “Mele Oli” and “Mele Hula” where the former is presented at ritual or ceremonial occasions while the latter is accompanied by dance and musical instruments.
Ho'opono pono
An ancient and unique Hawaiian family tradition, Ho'opono Pono is practiced to restore harmony and solve family problems together. This Hawaiian technique basically practices the concept of forgiveness as a tool of reconciliation for restoring balance. The term “Ho’ Opono'' itself signifies the zen concept of “Balance In Life”. By chanting this prayer repetitively, it cleanses the body of guilt, shame, ill will, or negative thoughts. An indigenous Hawaiian healer or the oldest member of the family performs the prayers. The prayer is practiced in four steps: Repentance, Asking for Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Love. This tradition has been an integral way of healing relationships.
Cultural Festivals & Food
Even though the indigenous Hawaiian beliefs are still prevalent and give a glimpse of true Hawaiian culture, Modern Hawaii is a melting pot of diverse influences as well. You may come across the traditional as well as the contemporary traditions.
Kamehameha Day
Celebrated on 11th June every year, this day pays homage to King Kamehameha, the monarch who established the Kingdom of Hawaii. The grand floral parade takes place which has been a tradition in Hilo, Mokuola for almost 100 years now. The festival features dance, music, chants, arts and crafts, their staple food items, and the overall Aloha Spirit of Hawaiian culture. The celebrations also include fairs and carnivals, horse and foot races, the traditional Pa‘u Parade, and a Ho‘olaule‘a alongside the draping ritual.
Honolulu Festival
The most famous cultural festival in Hawaii, this festival has performers and artists from various cultures. It showcases music, dance, art, and food with the essence of Hawaiian culture. The festival’s last event is a magnificent parade on the street of Waikiki, and it is held around March.
Traditional Hawaiian Food & Food Festivals
The staple Hawaiian food is a crucial part of their Hawaiian culture, customs, and traditions. If you ever visit Hawaii, their authentic dishes like Poke, diced raw fish, Poi, a thick paste of taro root, Lomi Lomi Salmon, shredded salmon with tomatoes, haupia, coconut pudding, and fresh fruits bowl. Some popular Hawaiian Food Festivals worth visiting are East Maui Taro Festival, held around the end of April and the start of May, Big Island Chocolate Festival, around the start of May Ka’au Coffee Festival, around mid-May, Eat The Street, which is a Honolulu’s regular food truck rally, Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, massive celebration around mid-October and Kona Coffee Festival held from 1970 until now are few of the popular ones amongst them.