Culture & History
Hawaiian history, place names, language, music and traditions.
A Visitor's Guide to Hawaiian Language Basics (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi)
Learning a few basics of the Hawaiian language, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, is one of the best ways to show respect and deepen your connection to the islands. This guide covers simple pronunciation and key phrases.
A Visitor's Guide to the Puakō Petroglyphs on Hawaiʻi Island
Discover one of Hawaiʻi's most extensive collections of ancient rock carvings. This guide provides everything you need to know for a respectful visit to the sacred Puakō Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve.
A Traveler’s Guide to Hawaiian History on the Big Island
The Big Island of Hawaiʻi is a living museum, where epic tales of gods, chiefs, and kings are etched into the volcanic landscape. Discover the island's profound history, from ancient settlements to the unification of the kingdom.
Talk Story: Your Practical Guide to Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases
Heard words like 'da kine' or 'howzit' and felt a little lost? Our visitor's guide to Hawaiian Pidgin will help you understand the basics of Hawaiʻi's unique and beloved local language.
A Visitor's Guide to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Park
Step back in time at Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau, a sacred Hawaiian place of refuge in South Kona. Our guide covers the history, what to see, and how to visit respectfully.
Finding the Best Lūʻau on the Big Island: A Visitor's Guide
Choosing a lūʻau on Hawaiʻi Island can be overwhelming. We break down the top options, from grand resort productions to more intimate gatherings, to help you find the perfect evening of food and Polynesian culture.
Big Island Petroglyphs: A Guide to Hawaiʻi's Ancient Carvings
The Big Island is home to vast fields of kīʻi pōhaku, or petroglyphs. We guide you to the best, most accessible sites and explain how to view these sacred carvings with respect.
A Guide to Hawaiian Heiau on the Big Island: 6 Sites to Visit
Heiau are sacred Hawaiian temples, powerful places of worship and connection. This guide introduces you to the history of heiau and details six significant sites on the Big Island that you can visit with respect.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau: A Visitor's Guide to the Place of Refuge
Explore one of Hawaiʻi's most sacred historical sites. This guide to Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau covers its deep history, what to see on your visit, and how to explore with respect.