Oahu culture
January 16th, 2008 by jamie a
Hula Dancers
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The week-long returns to the Hilo Civic Center this year from March 30 - April 5, 2008 (Hilo is on the Big Island, not Oahu, but offers short and very affordable flights between islands). The festival was founded 40 years ago in an effort to promote the art of hula. Named the world’s premier hula forum, this festival has led to a renaissance of Hawaiian culture.
In addition to hula performances, there will also be a wide variety of art, craft fairs, demonstrations, and a parade that exemplifies the culture of Hawaii. You can also check out the Miss Aloha Hula Competition or pop in to the three-day hula competition of both modern and ancient styles of hula. If you’d like to check out these events, they do require , but the rest of the festivities are free.
This is a fantastic way to experience Hawaiian culture at its best, so be sure and make it part of your visit to the islands!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
January 14th, 2008 by jamie a
To learn more about the people of Hawaii and their culture, head over to Kumu Kahua Theatre, which specializes in “Plays about life in Hawaii…Plays by Hawaii’s playwrights…Plays for Hawaii’s people.”
Their latest endeavor is an adaptation of the book Pele Ma: Legends of Pele from Kaua`i by Frederick Wichman into a play entitled Pele Ma, which will be playing January 10- February 10. The play brings the undercurrents of Hawaiian legends to life.
It plays Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Get a true taste of the islands through folktale and theatre, through the eyes of the Hawaiian people.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
January 11th, 2008 by jamie a
Good Luck Chinese Dragon
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Home to many Chinese immigrants, is a bustling hub of Asian culture. During the month of February, the Chinese New Year Celebration is in full swing with a parade, a pageant, narcissus festival, music, and delicious treats. The entire schedule can be viewed for specific times and locations.
To kick off the celebration, the Mayor’s press conference is today, January 11, serving as the official start of the festivities. It will be held at Honolulu Hale at 10:30 am. To follow, there’s the United Chinese Coalition at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza on January 18 & 19 as well as the 25th and 26th.
On Friday, February 1, guests can attend First Friday Arts as well as an open house to Chinatown, sponsored by the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. The Chinese New Year celebration runs from February 1-2 at the Chinatown Cultural Place culminating in a parade on February 2nd at 4 pm.
Finish off the festivities with “Night in Chinatown” after the parade, running until 10:30 pm. It’s sure to be a great time for everyone, promoting cultural understanding and celebrating Oahu’s rich Chinese heritage.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
January 7th, 2008 by jamie a
This Friday, January 11th at 7:30 pm, Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen will be making a stop at the Hawaiian Hut in Honolulu on his concert tour.
The New Jersey based blues guitarist Chaz DePaolo will be opening the shows. After the opening, Commander Cody will showcase his”American-roots” style music on piano. You may remember Commander Cody from Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen. The band’s been around since being conceived in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1968, but made their true mark in San Francisco in 1969. You may remember their runaway hit of 1972, “Hot Rod Lincoln.”
For tickets, call ticket information at 808-545-2980 or 808-896-4845.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
January 4th, 2008 by susan j
Hula photo uploaded by
Mark your calendars, because the will host the 18th annual Moanikeala Hula Festival on January 19 in celebration of the Center’s 45th anniversary. The cost is $8 for adults and $6 for kids ages 3 to 11.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
January 2nd, 2008 by jamie a
Byodo-In Temple
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Oahu is an incredible blend of many Asian cultures including Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Laotion, Thai, Filipino, and Korean. While you’re on the island, be sure and experience the unique offerings of all these cultures, from museums and spiritual experiences to dining and the arts.
Head over to the to learn more about the culture with a walking tour through Chinatown. A hotspot for tourists and locals alike, Chinatown is a wonderful example of Asian cultures living and working together in harmony. An important part of Hawaii’s history, Chinatown is a great way to learn more the islands.
There’s also the , which provides a glimpse into the Japanese-Hawaiian immigrant experience. The museum honors the pioneers who left Japan in search of a life in Hawaii and the generations that followed.
Built in 1968 to honor the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii, the stands as a gateway to the . The name translates to the “temple of equality- not to discriminate” and the garden surrounding is the largest ever built outside of Japan.
To also have a taste of Japanese culture, Susan’s list of posted earlier on this blog is sure to have your mouth watering. This list from features a list of from Chinese to Vietnamese.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
December 17th, 2007 by jamie a
If you’re visiting family or vacationing in Oahu over the holidays, here’s a list of attractions that will be open on Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The is open for breakfast, lunch, or evening cruises, complete with delicious food, a full bar, all in their plush, fully-equipped cabin.
At , you can see amazing performances by dolphins, sea lions, and penguins right before your eyes.
provides a first-hand perspective on Hawaii’s military history from the Polynesians and Hawaiian royalty to WWII through Vietnam. Gain a better perspective on the history of Hawaii and its role in wartime.
You could also take a tour on the or the to see the north shore of the island. After your tour, rent a kayak or snorkel gear from for even more exploring!
, home of the world’s largest maze and Hawaii’s original “pineapple experience,” will be closed on Christmas, but will reopen for New Year’s Day.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
November 2nd, 2007 by susan j
Queen Emma’s Summer Palace
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For a taste of Hawaii’s fascinating multi-cultural history, check out Queen Emma’s Summer Palace. Just 5 miles from downtown Oahu and 10 miles from Waikiki, this Victorian house once served as the retreat for Hawaiian royalty. Queen Emma presided over the charming Victorian escape from 1857 until her death in 1885. Interestingly, the frame of the house was actually built in Boston in 1848 and shipped to Hawaii via Cape Horn. .
Next Friday, November 9, the hosts the 2nd annual , a free event featuring over 20 local authors discussing their latest works.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
October 30th, 2007 by susan j
Downtown Honolulu
Photo uploaded by louhamilton23
This Friday, why not check out the First Friday gallery walk in downtown Honolulu? Held on the first Friday of each month from 5 to 9 pm, First Friday is a collaborative effort with the art galleries, shops, and restaurants in downtown Honolulu, bringing together Hawaiian art, culture, and cuisine for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
This self-guided tour includes 25 downtown art spots including the Hawaii Heritage Center and “Live from the Lawn,” a free live performance held in front of the Hawaii State Art Museum. Check out the complete list of participating galleries.
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
October 24th, 2007 by jamie a
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It’s important for the whole family to have fun while on vacation, so this kid-friendly guide can help with planning your trip to Oahu! From boogie boarding to meeting dolphins and dancing at luaus, this guide will give your kids the true Oahu experience.
Head on down to world-famous Waikiki Beach to take advantage of the sun and ocean! Grab a boogie board, beach umbrella, and chaise lounge and get ready for a day in paradise. Beginner surfers can even get some firsthand tips with an instructor from Hawaiian Ocean’s Surf Lessons.
For even more water-soaked fun, check out the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. This park has more water rides than you’ve ever seen, all housed on 25 acres of lush Hawaiian landscape. With rides such as the Kapolei Kooler, The Cliffhanger, and The Volcano Express, kids of all ages are sure to be delighted.
See a dazzling dolphin show at Sea Life Park by Dolphin Discovery, an active volcano on the Diamond Head Crater Hike on Mount Leahi, or experience some hands-on interactive learning at Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center.
The largest maze in the world also lives on the island of Oahu on the Dole Plantation. Have a complete pineapple experience by testing your wits in the maze, riding the Pineapple Express with a historical tour, and then take the garden tour to indulge your senses.
To complete your Oahu experience, your family will love the Polynesian Cultural Center. From canoe rides, to Tongan spear throwing and making jewelry out of native plants, everyone will find a new cultural tradition to love.
Finish your trip by participating in a real Hawaiian luau at the center. Famous for their Ali’i Luau, the experience includes a flower lei greeting, traditional Hawaiian food, music and entertainment, the Hula, and the imu (whole slow-roasted pig) ceremony.
Say Aloha to Oahu!
Planning a trip to
Oahu?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Oahu Card.
