Hawaiian Cosmos
How did Hawaiians use the stars?
Grounded in Culture
The culture of ancient Hawaiʻi was deeply rooted in nature. It still is—thanks to places like Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.
The Heiau in the Garden
On Maui's remote eastern shore, a long-hidden archeological treasure recalls the majesty of an ancient kingdom.
The Thousand-year-old Gift
Hawaiian culture evolved over millennia, then almost disappeared after Western contact. Maui's cultural advisors are committed to bringing it back.
Schooled by the Sea
Centuries before Darwin conceived the theory of evolution, Hawaiians knew: On the spinning earth, covered in a dark sea, life began in the oceans.
Hidden in the Names
Place names in Hawai‘i often carry rich cultural or historical meaning, but rarely is the origin story clear.
Beauty in the Bark
Among Polynesians, the Hawaiians of old excelled in the making of kapa. Their distant daughters have begun to reclaim this once-lost ancient art.
The Tree of Light
The magnificent kukui, the state tree of Hawai‘i, has brought food, medicine, and both actual and spiritual illumination to generations of Maui residents.
Hōkūle‘a Comes Home
After her three-year odyssey around the globe, Hōkūle‘a’s youngest crewmembers prepare to take the helm.
The Weapon Maker’s Art
Wood and cordage, tooth and bone are used to recreate the ancient Hawaiian instruments of war. A modern weapons maker finds connection to a culture.
The Feather Lei
An ancient art, as delicate as it is beautiful, has outlived the kings who once claimed it as their own.
Into the Source
Hawai'i's creation chant weaves together threads of ancient Hawaiian thought--heady science, deep spiritualism, and tantalizing innuendo.
The Lure of Limu
The study of seaweed has enabled Hawaiian women—past and present—to sharpen their scientific eye, flavor bland meals, and exercise the art of metaphor.
The Rebirth of Makahiki
Maui and her sister islands are reviving one of the most important spiritual times of ancient Hawai‘i: Makahiki.
Aligned with the Ancestors
Lomilomi has the potential to "heal a person's path backwards and forwards," says Jeana Naluai, owner of Ho'omana Spa.
Finding Their Roots
How two homegrown farmers are working to save the future by looking to the past.
An Appetite for Culture + VIDEO
How Maui farmers are cultivating ancient wisdom to feed a population—and a hunger for culture.
A Healthy Sweat
Explore the sacred space of a Hawaiian sweat lodge.
Island Royalty
Kumu hula and lei maker, Gordean Bailey has spent a lifetime sharing the culture of aloha.
Kapa: Fabric of a Culture
Pua Van Dorpe has spent a lifetime pursuing her passion—reclaiming this ancient and lost Hawaiian art
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...
Lessons from the Past
What can the ancient Hawaiians teach us about preserving today's resources for tomorrow?
Powered by Poi
Kalo, a legendary plant, has deep roots in Hawaiian culture.
Painting the Town: Wailuku
A sophisticated public art series reveals Wailuku’s deep aloha.
The Sacred Spine
Ancient Hawaiian mythology tells of the sacred shapeshifting dragons, or moo, which holds supernatural powers. Their presence is still felt by many.
Making it Maoli
What defines art as Hawaiian? The answer may lie as deep as one’s DNA.
Raising Mo‘okiha
Long ago, voyaging canoes brought humanity to these islands. A modern version will soon set sail, carrying that ancient culture into the future.
Wrapped in Tradition
This story straddles centuries to look at authentic Hawaiian clothing prior to Western contact, and how three young Hawaiian entrepreneurs are incorporating ancient meanings, patterns, and knowledge into their contemporary apparel.
