Ancient Hawaiians loved scary stories. The ancient Hawaiians did not have the Christian idea of All Hallow’s Eve, sometimes known as Halloween. But, they did have equally intimidating characters with whom they told stories. The scary stories would often be told at night, sitting around the open fire, in much the same way as… Read more »
Like so many traditions in Hawai’i, The Aloha Shirt is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and history. Seeing an Aloha Shirt will make most people feel the irresistible pull toward Hawai’i. Everyone has a dream to someday visit or return to these magical islands. The Aloha Shirt was initially called The Hawaiian Shirt. It was… Read more »
Did you know that Hawai’i has 2 breeds of indigenous butterflies? Over 1000 butterfly species that call Hawai’i home have been recorded through the years. Of all these butterflies, there are two native species and about fifteen alien species which dominate the island chain. An authentic native butterfly, The Kamehameha Butterfly, is the official Hawai’i… Read more »
For countless generations, the sound of the pū* would broadcast the arrival of Ali’i*, the beginning of protocols, the coming of canoes, and the setting or rising of the sun. It was even used to call Ke Akua*! In more modern times, it calls a gathering to attention at the beginning of an event, blesses… Read more »
Everyone loves a parade! We have heard that saying for ages. When it comes to parades, people on Maui are no different. Especially the residents of Makawao town, where local people have gathered for the last 64 years to participate in a four-day event, the colorful July 4th Paniolo* Parade and Rodeo! The town spends… Read more »
Bon Odori, AKA Bon Dance, originally from Japan, has been a Hawaiian tradition for over 130 years. Bon Odori is a style of folk dance performed at festivals in Japan during the Obon season. Deeply important and influential in Japanese culture, Obon is as important as other cultures’ New Years celebrations. The Obon season in… Read more »
The May Day holiday was started long ago as a festival to celebrate the return of Spring in the northern hemisphere. The earliest known May Day celebrations appeared with the Festival of Flora in Rome. Side note: Flora or Floralia is the Roman Goddess of Flowers. The early Roman festivals also celebrated Dionysis and Aphrodite… Read more »
Like most places in the world, springtime in May is an exceptionally wonderful time of the year in Maui. However, people who have not spent any significant time in Hawai’i imagine that the whole year must feel like springtime. Which is not really true. Summer is a little hotter with slightly longer days, and winter… Read more »
We get this question ALL the time – why should we go all the way to Hana? What is so special about The Road to Hana? Perhaps you’re not sure you really want to go there? Maybe you want to go but don’t know how to convince a family member who questions the whole thing…. Read more »
One of the things the residents of Hawai’i love most about our Island Home is the rich, multicultural traditions and customs. We share these customs with our friends, neighbors, and communities. Whether it’s the 4th generation Japanese, making hand-made mochi for the New Year, or the Dragon Dance for the Chinese New Year, there are… Read more »
