Hawaiian Cultural Activities
Our Hawaiian cultural activities embrace the history and traditions of Hawaii and Polynesia
Pa‘i ‘ai
POI POUNDING IN HAWAII
Not many have heard of the traditional food poi, but we’re here to change that. Poi is soft, purple, a little tangy – sometimes considered an “acquired taste”. But once you’ve seen it made the traditional way during this Hawaiian cultural activity, you’ll have a whole new appreciation of how special this food-staple is. Native Hawaiians pound cooked taro root (kalo) into a dense paste called pa‘i ‘ai using a papa ku‘i ‘ai (wooden board) and pōhaku ku‘i ‘ai (stone pounder).
It’s slow, strong work, and every pound carries tradition. You’ll learn how poi came to be Hawai‘i’s staple food and why it’s more than just sustenance.
Niu
HAAIIAN COCONUT HUSKING
We all love the idea of cracking open a coconut and sipping the water inside, but doing it the old-fashioned way? That’s an art form you won’t find often – even amongst those living in Hawaii. At this station, you’ll learn how to husk a coconut from start to finish – with only a traditional wooden spike and your own two hands.
Once you get past the fibrous outer shell, there’s a sweet reward inside: crisp coconut water and the soft white meat that makes it all worth it. Practical, fun, and undeniably satisfying.
‘UPENA
NET FISHING IN HAWAII
Before there were fishing poles and reels, Native Hawaiians relied on ‘upena – handmade nets woven with precision, patience, and skill.
Weaving nets was a respected craft. Only those who mastered the technique were trusted with making the nets or casting them into the sea. In this Hawaiian cultural activity, you’ll see how nets were constructed and what made them so effective. You might even try your hand at a few loops and knots. It’s a glimpse into a time when survival was deeply tied to skill, community, and rhythm with nature.
KĀKAU
HAWAIIAN TATTOOING
Tattoos tell stories – and in Hawai‘i, the practice of kākau goes back centuries. These designs weren’t just for decoration; they marked genealogy, spiritual protection, achievements, and even social rank.
While traditional kākau involves tools and ink made from kukui nut soot, we offer a modern family-approved twist, and you can now enjoy this Hawaiian cultural activity with a temporary airbrushed design. It’s a way to explore the meaning behind the patterns and understand how each symbol carried deep personal significance.
Ulana
WEAVING IN HAWAII
There’s a reason we call the coconut tree the “tree of life.” For generations in Hawai‘i, coconuts have meant food on the table, fresh drinking water, a roof overhead – they even provided the materials to make everyday tools and art. In this class, you’ll get a feel for just how important this tree really is.
We’ll walk you through how to weave with coconut fronds – maybe you’ll make a basket, maybe a headband. Either way, you’ll leave with something handmade and a whole new respect for what this humble tree can do.
KŌNANE
PLAY CHECKERS ON KAUAI
Think you’ve got strategy? Test your wits the Hawaiian way with kōnane, an ancient board game that’s often described as a blend of checkers and chess. But trust us–it’s trickier than it looks.
Played with black and white stones on a wooden board, kōnane is one of many Hawaiian cultural activities once favored by Hawaiian royalty. Sit down, learn the rules, and get ready for a friendly challenge that’s rooted in hundreds of years of tradition.
Hawaii Lei
KAUAI LEI MAKING
You’ve probably seen a lei before–at the airport, at a lu‘au, in movies. But being a part of making one yourself is something else entirely.
In Hawai‘i, a lei isn’t just decoration. It’s a symbol of aloha: love, respect, welcome, or farewell. It’s a hands-on, heartful experience, and your finished lei is something to wear proudly, or gift to someone you care about.
KĀPALA
STAMPING
This is one of the Hawaiian cultural activities where creativity meets tradition.
In old Hawai‘i, kapa cloth was decorated with stamped designs using kālaipāpale–carved bamboo tools–and natural dyes. The patterns weren’t random; they told stories, marked identities, and celebrated events.
You’ll get to make your own stamped design using a modern take on the tools.
Choose your shapes, pick your colors, and create a piece of art that’s uniquely yours.
Hawaii HULA Dance
HULA DANCING IN HAWAII
Hula is arguably the most well-known of all Hawaiian cultural activities – an art form you’ll learn much about during the performances to come. Although many people know the sight of hula – the swaying hips, graceful hands – not many know the sound of hula. That’s where the hula implements come in.
Feathered gourds (‘uli‘uli), split bamboo, (pūʻili) and even drums (ipu), bring a different sound and energy to the dance. It’s a whole new way to experience hula–not just watching, but participating. Learning more about these implements will lend greatly to your ability to appreciate them as they appear on stage in different performances.