Travel in Maui: Hawaiian Culture is Alive and Well
Narrator: We all know how beautiful Hawaii is. We go there for the beaches, the sun and the resorts. But if that’s all you saw during your visit, then you’ve missed out on the real Hawaii. On the island of Maui, authentic Hawaiian culture is everywhere. You’ll find it in the people, the language, and even in the names of the places you visit.
To get a taste of authentic Hawaii, stay at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel, often called Hawaii’s most Hawaiian hotel. The hotel staff is committed to sharing their culture with visitors. Hotel customs provide a spotlight on the native culture and the Hawaiian way of life.
The hotel host many events which support the community and allow visitors to see more than just a traditional luau. A great place to see Hawaiian hula is that the Hula O Na Keiki Competition which has been held for over 19 years at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel.
Male: If somebody who is not from Hawaii, you have to watch our hula. We would hope that they come away with the feeling that hula is much more than just emotion. But it’s a full dedication of the mind, body and spirit and to the function of the song where the chant and twister dancing.
Narrator: The occasions across Maui also tell the stories of Hawaiian culture. One cultural icon is the Lao Valley State Park. This park is a site of a famous battle where the Maui army was destroyed in an effort to unite the Hawaiian Islands. Take time to learn the names of the mountains and places in this valley and you’ll learn what happened here, names reflects local history.
Many Hawaiians remained committed to preserving Hawaiian culture and sharing that culture with visitors.
Male: They have intelligent, this whole mission is really cultural practice first and foremost and we want to make sure that we promote that type of “Keiki” or Hawaiian for knowledge and really want to give that credence to our culture first and foremost. So the reason why we’re here is you know it’s a dream of ours to be able to create a place where people can utilize our resources.
I think as a Hawaiian personally, the thing that I hoped that all visitors go home with is something that they’ve learned, something tangible that they can grasp onto. Being Hawaiian is everything that we smell or taste, touch, feel, and see — all of my senses. And if you could feel that when you come here and you can take that home with you and share it with someone else, that is huge. It's priceless.
Narrator: Hawaii is much more than pretty beaches and sunsets. It’s also home to a vibrant culture all its own. Get out there and experience Hawaii as a local and you’ll take home more than just the flower lei. You’ll take home a piece of the true Hawaii.
Transcription by:
Scribe4you Transcription Services