Did you know that Hawaiians meticulously fashioned traditional clothing, and even bedding from the white inner bark of the wauke, or paper mulberry tree? Kapa is the Hawaiian word for barkcloth, and more commonly known as “tapa.” It’s made by beating the bark until it is smooth and soft and then texturing it and dying […]
Major chicken skin moment. The Hokulea arrived in New York City, sailing into North Cove Marina this morning. The majestic ship passed by the famed New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty making for some of the most historic and iconic images in the ship’s history. Thousands came out to greet the vessel,
When exploring the uncharted deep seas of Hawaii, you’re bound to make some big discoveries. Recently, scientists announced they encountered a sponge the size of a minivan during a deep-sea expedition last year. They believe the 12 foot by 7 foot creature to be the largest known sponge on the planet. It was found within the
Following a resounding response to non-profit Mana Maoli’s video for “Hawaii Aloha,” a new live version featuring more than a dozen local musicians and 10 Hawaii public charter schools, you can now take this beautiful part of the Islands with you everywhere in your pocket. After hearing the rendition many have been writing and calling
First time visitors probably don’t think of cattle ranching and cowboys when they envision tropical Hawaii, but on Hawaii Island in particular, the history of paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) runs deep. Visitors to cool, northerly Waimea will soon see why so many say that Hawaii Island cattle are among the happiest in the world: They graze
A new Hawaii Island festival will celebrate kalo (taro) overlooking Hawaii Island’s northerly Waipio Valley where it has been cultivated for generations. The first Waipio Kalo Festival, will take place at Koaekea near the Waipio Valley lookout from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. Though at first blush a community festival celebrating
Prepare to be transported back in time… Hawaii in 1924, specifically. In this silent film simply titled “The Hawaiian Islands,” black and white waves lap against the shores, people shop at the Japanese-owned stores in the city district, workers tend to sugar canes plantation fields in the hot sun, Hawaiians pound poi and surf the
Modern materials almost replaced the traditional Hawaiian weaving arts in the early 19th century, but one group of weavers on Hawaii Island are not only practicing the craft, they’re perpetuating it. Last week, 130 weavers and 26 kumu (teachers) spent four days honing their skills as part of the 21st Ka Ulu Lau Hala O
If you want to know what the Islands sounds like, just press play and let the soothing strings of this acoustic guitar wash over you like a gentle breeze and take you there. Local musician Wayne Enos of the Kahaluu, Oahu group Natural Vibrations shared this video on his Facebook page casually playing “He Aloha
The island of Niihau has long been shrouded in mystery, isolated in space and almost in time. As a result, the residents there have been able to practice their unique traditions much longer than any other Hawaiian community in the archipelago. But with the population in steady decline, there are fewer people left to pass
In September 2014, President Barack Obama signed a proclamation to expand the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument (PRIMNM) south of the main Hawaiian Islands, currently the largest marine reserve in the world. Now, an environmental group is encouraging the President to use those same executive powers to expand another reserve, Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument (PMNM),
*This story was updated on Apr. 22, 2025. Lei (garland or wreath) making, whether it be with flowers, shells or feathers, is a traditional Hawaiian custom and art form passed down through generations. Many floral lei were created for a particular person in mind, intended to be gifts, and great care was given in
