The Hawaiian Culture of Connection
Aloha–you’ve heard the expression before, perhaps in a movie or as a greeting. But the spirit of Aloha is so much more than a simple hello or goodbye. It is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It is gratitude, a love for life, and a shared joy in the connections made with the environment and one another. The spirit of Aloha is inherent to the cultural experience you’ll find while visiting the Big Island of Hawaii.
Quintessential Hawaiian Traditions
One of the most universally recognized traditions of Hawaiian culture is the Hula dance. The spirit of connection, intricately laced through many Hawaiian traditions, is especially prevalent in the art of Hula. Whether the dance is set to contemporary music or traditional chants, every Hula dance tells a story, sharing ancestral knowledge of the Hawaiian people, and connecting all those who see it to the rich culture of Hawaii. Hula dancers, in turn, forge deep connections to the natural landscapes of Hawaii as stewards of the environment. The forests then provide the ferns, maile plants, and other greenery necessary for the dancers’ traditional Hawaiian leis. Become part of the circle of connection by learning to dance the Hula or make your own Lei with authentic lessons given by our local experts at the Volcano Village Estates. Practice the timeless Hawaiian tradition of Malama, the act of giving back, through one of the many “voluntourism” experiences available to visitors, like reforestation, shoreline clean-ups, or even historical restoration projects.
Celebrate Hawaiian culture by attending a Lu’au. Festivities typically include a feast of traditional Hawaiian foods, like Poi, a pounded taro root meant to be eaten with everything, or Haupia, a delicious coconut pudding. The exciting music and cultural performances at contemporary Lu’aus celebrate the rich history of Hawaii as well as that of many Polynesian cultures. This diverse experience offers visitors the opportunity to deepen their connection, not only to Hawaii but also to the culture of other Pacific Islands. Our staff at Volcano Village Estates can help you find a spectacular Lu’au to attend during your stay.
Steeped in History and Tradition: Heritage Sites of Hawaii
Explore Hawaiian culture across the Big Island with visits to one of the many heritage sites available to the public. Enjoy the natural wonders of Hawaii by touring the Big Island waterfalls. Stop at ‘Akaka Falls State Park and appreciate the stunning views of both ‘Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls at your own pace by taking the scenic self-guided walk. Don’t forget to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site that’s less than 5 minutes from our Big Island bed & breakfast. If you’re hoping to learn about different facets of Hawaiian history, take a trip to Hilo and peruse the Lyman Mission House and Museum, whose mission statement is “To tell the story of Hawaii, its islands, and its people.”
Olelo Hawai’i and the reviving of hawaiian culture
Spend some time learning the history of Olelo Hawai’i, the Hawaiian Language. In the not-too-distant past, this language nearly became extinct, but you can be part of its triumphant revival. Ask one of our staff what resources are available to learn more about the Hawaiian language. Remember, aloha is more than just a greeting, it is a genuine expression of the intricate circle of connections that make Hawaiian culture truly unique.
Book your stay today at our boutique hotel in Volcano, named for the traditional goddesses of Hawaii, and further immerse yourself in the culture of Hawaii.
