Hawaiian Culture

Hawaiian culture stories published by Maui No Ka Oi Magazine.

Wailuku Maui murals

Painting the Town: Wailuku

A sophisticated public art series reveals Wailuku’s deep aloha.
Hawaiian immersion schools

Olelo Hawaii

A revolution is happening in Island schools, as Hawaiian-immersion students find the keys to unlock their culture.

Written in Stone

A historic site yields clues to Maui’s ancient culture
ukiuki

Native Plants: Photo Gallery

Words and Photography by Zach Pezzillo
Hawaiian moon calendar phases

Hawaiian Moon Calendar

In its wax and wane, Hawaiians of old found the secrets to sustainable living.
kalo field

Powered by Poi

Kalo, a legendary plant, has deep roots in Hawaiian culture.
lobelia grayana

Behold the Lobelia

The Lobelia Grayana is an endangered lavender flower that grows in Waikamoi Preserve on Maui. Ancient Hawaiians called this plant opelu.
checking opihi populations

Clinging to Survival

In rural East Maui, two communities are taking a stand to conserve a weird wild food — and with it, a part of their culture.
The Pleiades

Lono’s Season

Teya Penniman explores the cultural significance and modern practices of Makahiki season in Hawaii. Learn about this sacred celebration in honor of Lono.
Maui voyaging canoe

Now, Voyager

Seventeen years in the making, the Hawaiian modern day voyaging canoe Mo‘okiha O Piilani will set sail on December 21 during the winter solstice.
Lanai Hawaiian island

To Know Lāna‘i Once Again

Kepā Maly is restoring authenticity to the stories of the island he loves.

Old Lāhainā Lūʻau

Dance and music take audiences on a journey through time.   Story by Serene Gunnison Photographs by Joshua Hardin & Azelan Amundson A pair of torches scarcely illuminates...
garden heiau maui

The Heiau in the Garden

On Maui's remote eastern shore, a long-hidden archeological treasure recalls the majesty of an ancient kingdom.
shearwaters

Watch out for Wedgies!

Wedge-tailed shearwaters spend the majority of their lives at sea, where they feed on baitfish and squid. They return to Hawai'i each spring to nest.
Ni'ihau shell lei

The “Flowers” of Niʻihau

From tiny shells that wash ashore on this forbidden island come priceless treasures.
Hawaii Big Island Lava Flow

The Road to Pele + VIDEO

What is it like to live next to a volcano?
Hawaiian sweat lodge

A Healthy Sweat

Explore the sacred space of a Hawaiian sweat lodge.

Ku Mai Ka Hula

Discovering culture through dance.
kalo

The Future of Kalo

If Hawaiian kalo (taro) is in danger, is genetic modification the answer?

The Winds of Time 

Within its walls, Hale Ho‘ike‘ike safeguards the history and narrative of the land, honoring those who came before — and those who are yet...
Elizabeth Lindsey

Mapping the Human Story

When Elizabeth Lindsey was a child, Hawaiian elders foretold that she would embark on a journey to gather ancient wisdom that could guide future generations.

In Their Own Words

Fred Torres OPERATIONS MANAGER AND CULTURAL ADVISOR AT KĀ‘ANAPALI ALI‘I “My dad passed away when I was 5. My mom took care of four boys. We...
Hale Pa'i

Hale Pa’i

One hundred seventy-four years ago, Maui's first print shop published the first Hawaiian-language newspaper...and launched a small revolution.
Taro in Maui

Taro for Sale and I’m Buying!

Purchase rare varieties of taro while supporting Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
kumulipo

Into the Source

Hawai'i's creation chant weaves together threads of ancient Hawaiian thought--heady science, deep spiritualism, and tantalizing innuendo.
Hawaiian art

Making it Maoli

What defines art as Hawaiian? The answer may lie as deep as one’s DNA.
Olowalu Maui

Olowalu’s Gift

This West Maui valley witnessed some of the island's most turbulent history. Now it's helping to redeem the past.