The Hawaiian Islands and Their Culture!

There are many different and interesting traditions in this world, and so many are left unrecognized! But out of all of them, one of the most fun cultures out there has to be Hawaiian culture! 

Traditional Events!

One of the most interesting things about Hawaiian culture is its traditions! With all the cool dances and fun colors, Hawaiian culture sure is fun! Let’s dive into the different traditions that Hawaii has to offer!

Aloha Festivals

One of the most fun Hawaiian traditions takes place in September: Aloha festivals! It’s a tradition that started in 1946, and has flourished ever since! It celebrates how the Hawaiian inhabitants reverted to their culture and identity after World War II. It consists of bright colors and parades!

Lū ‘au

Lū ‘au is another tradition that Hawaiians celebrate! Poi, kālua puaʻa, poke, lomi salmon, ʻopihi, and haupia and beer are different foods/drinks that are offered at this ceremony. And of course, there is a hula there! Why not?

Hula

The famous Hula dance was used to honor the gods, goddesses, chiefs, and the natural world. Hawaiian activities.com states, “From the undulating of hands to mimic ocean waves to the stomping of feet symbolizing the eruption of volcanoes, hula was a sacred ritual, integral to both religious ceremonies and social gatherings.” 

Fire Dance

Another amazing event is going to see fire dancing. This exciting dance leaves the crowd in awe as the performers dance with scorching flames. The sound of beating drums rings in the background as dancers spin, throw, and even eat the fire.  There are many different forms of the dance such as the Samoan Knife Dance, the Fire Poi Dance, and the Tahitian fire dance.

Food

Hawaii has some amazing food that you should try! If you ever visited Hawaii, you must have had some sushi or shaved ice. Even though those are good, there are some more traditional, delicious foods you probably haven’t heard of!

Saimin

Saimin is a traditional Hawaiian food that consists of egg noodles in hot dashi with green onions and a piece of kamaboko. Its toppings can vary from char siu, spam, sliced egg, and bok choy to mushrooms and shredded nori. Many different places that cook and sell Saimin have different (often secret) recipes for the actual soup, but most of the time include kombu and dried shrimp. Teriyaki beef sticks and American hamburgers are common side dishes, with condiments being Chinese hot mustard and soy sauce.

Huli Huli Chicken

Huli Huli Chicken is another great Hawaiian food! You may have heard of it or seen it around Temecula! It consists of chicken that is similar to teriyaki, but spicier. It is a sweet and savory food, and the marinade is also fun to make with your family! 

 Stories

Another great Hawaiian tradition is storytelling.  Their exciting legends involve many stories that shape their culture.

Pele, The Goddess of Fire

Pele has the power of a volcano, she destroys and creates the islands of Hawaii. She is believed to live inside the crater of Kilauea, Hawaii’s most active volcano.  Pele has an exciting and violent history of her complex family and endless battles against them.  After her fight against her sister, Namakaokahai, she turned into a goddess, creating and erupting volcanoes, shaping and expanding the land at her will.

These treasured islands are full of the most fascinating traditions which shape their way of life. If you ever travel to Hawaii, be sure to pay attention to their culture and honor it!

Sources:

“10 Mysterious Myths and Legends in Hawaii.” Discover Hawaii’s Dark Side – Go Guides, www.hotels.com/go/usa/myths-and-legends-hawaii. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025. 

“7 Fascinating Facts about Ancient Hawaiian Hula.” Hawaii Travel Guide, 1 Mar. 2024, www.hawaiiactivities.com/travelguide/hula-facts/.

“Everything You Need to Know about Polynesian Fire Dancing.” Maui Luau – Reservations, Reviews, Photos, Videos, Mar. 2023, 

mauiluau.com/Polynesian-fire-dancing/%0A. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

“Hawaiian Traditions.” Traditions, hawaii-facts.neocities.org/pages/traditions. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025. 

“Saimin.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Jan. 2025, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saimin. 

“Explore the Legends of Pele the Fire Goddess.” Big Island Guide, 19 Mar. 2018, bigislandguide.com/legends-of-pele.

Wells, Sara. “Huli Huli Chicken.” Our Best Bites, 15 May 2024, ourbestbites.com/huli-huli-chicken/#:~:text=Huli%20Huli%20Chicken%20is%20a,something%20my%20family%20all%20loves.