6 cultural experiences to help you discover the real Hawai‘i

With a deep connection to land, culture and sea, there’s more to Hawai‘i than meets the eye.

Modern-day Hawai‘i is a vast melting pot of cultures that can be traced back to the original Polynesian wayfinders, the Japanese immigrants of the late 1800s and mainland Americans who discovered the beauty of the islands during the 1960s tourism boom. The result is a history that’s rich with a cornucopia of treasures showcasing Hawaiian culture. Here are six ways travellers can immerse themselves in these mesmerising islands.

1. Cultural traditions

Don’t be fooled by the ATVs at Kīpū Ranch Adventures, Kaua‘i; the ranch continues its legacy of Native Hawaiian stewardship, sharing the deep-rooted culture, history and traditions that make Kaua‘i unique in a contemporary adventure experience. Zip around the 1214-hectare ranch in an off-road vehicle during the Ultimate Kauai Off-Road Ranch Tour and you’ll discover why Kaua‘i is nicknamed ‘the Garden Island’. Journey through wild coffee trees into tropical Hule‘ia Valley, visit scenic stops with views of Mt Hā‘upu, while hearing how the ranch was once home to Hawaiian Princess Ke‘elikōlani before it became a sugar plantation then a working cattle ranch (it also doubles as a film location for classics such as Indiana Jones).

If Hawai‘i’s rich history intrigues you, once you’re back on O‘ahu make sure to visit ‘Iolani Palace, the former residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s royal family. A tour offers fascinating insight into the family’s rise and fall.

Ride through Kaua‘i’s wild beauty.

2. Hawai‘i’s local food

Hawai‘i is most famous for its poke bowls, and these healthy meals are found across the islands in takeaway shops through to fine-dining restaurants. However, they’re just the beginning of Hawai‘i’s culinary culture.

The new Havens Harborside Fish & Chophouse in Maui offers a fresh take on island favourites, with dishes including kimchi crab rangoons (crispy dumplings) and poi falafels. Speaking of poi, a popular ingredient made from taro; if you find yourself in Honolulu, Oʻahu, visit Waiahole Poi Factory. This is where you’ll taste Hawai‘i’s culinary heritage, as the building was constructed in 1905 and has been used as a poi factory for almost 70 years. In 2009, it became home to a restaurant serving homemade Hawaiian food and hand-pounded poi. This is an institution not to be missed.

Savour an authentic poke bowl. (Image: Ben Ono)

3. Hawai‘i‘s modern culture

Art has always been integral to Hawaiian self-expression, with a strong emphasis on dancing, singing, carving, painting and print-making. While these are all still prominent across the islands today, contemporary performance art is another way to tell the Hawaiian story.

A good example is ʻAuana, the state’s first Cirque du Soleil resident show. It pays homage to Hawaiian culture and kamaʻāina’s (local residents’) deep connection to ʻāina (land). Inspired by the mo‘olelo (stories) of Hawai‘i, the show is on at Outrigger Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel, Oʻahu.

It’s also worth checking out Hawai‘i Triennial 2025 (February 15 to May 4), an exhibition of contemporary art from Hawai‘i, the Pacific and beyond, showcased across O‘ahu, Maui and Hawai‘i Island.

Experience Hawai‘i’s first Cirque du Soleil resident show. (Image: Outrigger Hospitality Group)

4. Learning to lei

The Hawaiian lei is a significant part of island culture, representing love, friendship and respect. Far beyond the plastic chains of flowers you’ll see in ABC Stores, making a lei is a thoughtful, slow practice that means a lot to those threading them, as well as those they’re gifted to. Lei are mostly garlands of flowers, but some also feature feathers, leaves, shells and nuts. One of the most enjoyable ways to learn about this tradition is to give lei-making a go yourself. You can do that in a workshop with Haku Maui in Makawao, or with Meleana Estes on Oʻahu.

Craft a lei and connect with Hawai‘i’s rich traditions. (Image: Ben Ono)

5. The meaning of land

Hawai‘i offers an enriching experience for Australian travellers keen to understand the islands through its diverse landscape and the people who care for it. Hawaiians’ deep respect for their ʻāina (land) is evident through the transition of sugar plantations to crops that are better for the environment and water supply.

Not long after leaving the islands’ busiest cities, travellers find themselves surrounded by lush valleys and forested mountains, a sign that wilderness is treasured and farmers work with the land. To really understand this connection, you can join several tours centred on nature, agriculture and geology. Hawai‘i Forest & Trail offers a new Volcano, Chocolate & Waterfalls tour through Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island. Not only will you learn how cacao goes from tree to chocolate bar, but you’ll also marvel at the magnificent 24-metre Rainbow Falls in Hilo.

Discover Hawai‘i’s deep bond with its land. (Image: Kirk Aeder)

6. Surf culture

Honolulu’s Beach Boys and surfboard rental shacks are arguably the most famous images of Hawai‘i, and for good reason. Surfing as we know it today began in Hawai‘i, introduced by the Polynesians who settled the islands before being showcased to the world by the likes of Duke Kahanamoku, whose statue stands on Waikīkī Beach, Honolulu, and Eddie Aikau, a big-wave surfer and lifeguard.

Sand and sea are at the heart of Hawaiians, whose royal ancestors continued to surf when it was banned by 19th-century missionaries. Today, there are plenty of opportunities for tourists to hang 10, with beginners and longboarders taking to Waikīkī’s gentle breaks from sunrise to sunset. Book with Faith Surf School in Waikīkī’ or Jamie O’Brien’s Surf School on Oʻahu’s North Shore.

Surf Hawai‘i’s legendary waters. (Image: Ben Ono)

Plan your enriching holiday in Hawai‘i at gohawaii.com/au.