Hawaiian Culture is romantic, beautiful and also teaches us a lot. Hawaiian culture has a unique and ancient blend of tradition and ethnicity. This blend makes the Hawaiian Islands one of the most exotic places in the world. The Hawaiian culture certainly has a major influence on everything from local food to dance and symbols. Below are three famous things about the Hawaiian culture.
LOCAL DELICACIES
Hawaii’s local delicacies are a great part of their especially amazing culture and tradition. The Hawaiian dishes are certainly delicious even as it constantly evolves. Some dishes are instantly recognisable because they stand out among other dishes. One of these amazing dishes is the starch, nutrient-rich poi.
Taro is what makes up poi. Taro is originally from Polynesia. The Polynesian explorers initially brought it to Hawaii. You make poi dish by pounding or grinding the taro plant to make a paste. The poi dish is also best served with meat or fish to satisfy your taste buds.
Trying Hawaiian food is a MUST! Come on Tour with Daniels Hawaii and try local food. Enjoy a luxury tour around the Island of Oahu, Maui or Kauai. Our guides will make sure to show you the most popular and certainly the most beautiful spots on the islands.
HULA
The traditional hula dance is one of the most iconic exhibitions of the culture of the Hawaiian Islands. Hula is a traditional Polynesian art that involves a dance which is accompanied by certain music. In the past, the dance was accompanied by a chant or a drum such as the ‘uli ‘uli or ipu.
The use of chants and drum instruments is often referred to as the hula kahiko. This style of hula was dominant until the introduction of modern instruments in 1894. With the introduction of modern instruments, a new style known as the hula aununa was introduced. This modern style involves the use of double bass and the ‘ukulele guitar.
Ancient Hawaiians did not have written languages, so they used hula to keep their tales alive. Hula is the means they used to preserve their myths, history, and genealogy. Until today Hula plays an important role in Hawaiian Culture.
During your vacation in Hawaii you MUST see one of the many Hula shows on the islands. Every Luau on the islands has a show. Lean back, enjoy Hawaiian food, Hula and learn about Hawaiian Culture. Get tickets to a Hawaiian Luau and see Hula, LIVE.
THE HAWAIIAN LEI
“Lei” remains one of the most recognisable symbols in the Hawaiian culture. The lei is a collection of beautiful and brightly coloured tropical flowers placed around the necks of visitors.
“Lei” was worn in the past by ancient Polynesians as a symbol of their rank. It was a means by which they gave honour to one another and a means to signify praise to their gods. In those times, Polynesians gave lei as a romantic gesture, an expression of friendship, and a parting gift.
The lei symbol is made traditionally by hand, using a painstaking process. This process involves the use of ferns, leaves, and flowers which are natural materials. In modern times, materials used in making lei are unlimited as graduating students often receive lei constructed with paper currency. Whether traditional or modern flower lei, symbol remains an outstanding symbol of the Hawaiian culture.
Hawaiian Culture at the Polynesian Cultural Center
If you want to learn more about the different cultures in Polynesia, you should visit the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu. Explore Polynesia in just one day. This cultural theme park at Oahu’s North Shore is definitely worth a visit. Hint: Stay for the night show “Ha, breath of Live”. It is the biggest polynesian show in the world and truly amazing!
