In association with: Hawai‘i Tourism
Hawai‘i is far more than its lauded beaches and tropical landscapes – clients can peer into the islands’ soul by embracing its authentic cultural spirit
Sugar-soft beaches, rainbow-hued reefs and steaming volcanoes have long positioned Hawai‘i as a byword for paradise. But there is also plenty of substance in the destination’s traditional culture and warm-hearted people. It’s less fly and flop and more of a slow soak and savour – allowing mindful travellers to unravel a completely different side to these Pacific Islands.
Authentic roots
The culture of Hawai‘i is one that gently simmers through its people and experiences, knitted together by the warm aloha spirit – a word that’s far more than a simple greeting. There’s no shortage of ways for clients to embrace the ‘ohana (family) aura and tap into the islands’ unique pulse, from buying local goods to enjoying festivals or getting involved in voluntourism.
Maui’s laid-back towns are home to skilled artisans whose products– ranging from honey to Polynesian woodcrafts and homegrown coffee – give clients the chance to take an authentic slice of Hawai‘i home.
Hawai‘i Island, the largest in the archipelago, promises similar encounters with local produce for clients, from touring coffee farms to wandering the farmers’ markets that pop up all across the island.
Community spirit
Clients can enrich their travels by making deeper connections with Hawaiian culture. The emerald-hued mountains may have earned Kaua‘i its ‘green island’ moniker, but it’s the locals that make the island tick.
Visitors can see how by exploring its roots in the hula dance – at a festival, by having a lesson with a local at a hālau hula or as part of a lūʻau celebration of Polynesian food and music.
They can also uncover the rich history of Hawai‘i at O‘ahu’s ‘Iolani Palace (pictured), Bishop Museum and Hawai‘i Plantation Village. Proof there are plenty of layers to Hawai‘i just waiting to be discovered.
Give back through Mālama
Embodying the ‘ohana sense of community, the Mālama Hawai‘i Program allows clients to give back to the local culture they’re enjoying through voluntourism projects bookable through hotels and local partners. Taking part in activities such as reforestation initiatives, beach clean-ups and quilting sessions will add a rewarding element to any holiday in Hawai‘i.
For more information visit GoHawaii.com or sign up to become a Hawai‘i Destination Specialist
Pictures: Hawai‘i Tourism Authority/Nicholas Tomasello, Heather Goodman, Kazu Tanabe, Ben Ono