Hawaii

The Hawaiian language, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, faced near extinction in the 20th century, but thanks to dedicated individuals and communities, it’s now experiencing a powerful resurgence. This story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and the unwavering commitment to keeping a vital part of Hawaiian identity alive. The Suppression and Near-Extinction of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi For nearly a century, the Hawaiian language was suppressed, primarily through policies enforced after the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. One of the most damaging policies was the banning of Hawaiian as the language of instruction in schools in 1896. This meant that children

In early Hawaiʻi, the sound of women beating kapa could be heard long before the village came into view — a rhythmic, hollow thud that signaled the transformation of tree bark into cloth. That sound nearly vanished. By the late nineteenth century, after the arrival of cotton and U.S. annexation, the practice of making kapa — traditional Hawaiian barkcloth — had all but disappeared. Today, a quiet revival is underway, driven by artists and cultural practitioners who are not just relearning the technique but rethinking what kapa can be. This article traces the full arc of that story: what

Lomi Lomi massage, more than just a physical therapy, is a deeply ingrained Hawaiian healing practice interwoven with the culture, spirituality, and philosophy of the islands. It’s a holistic approach that aims to restore harmony and balance not just in the body, but also in the mind and spirit, reflecting the interconnectedness of all things in the Hawaiian world view. This article explores the rich tapestry of Lomi Lomi, revealing its origins, techniques, benefits, and how to experience this transformative tradition. The Roots of Lomi Lomi: A Journey Through Hawaiian History To truly understand Lomi Lomi, you must first

Kīlauea’s summit crater, Halemaʻumaʻu, isn’t just a geological feature. For many Native Hawaiians, it’s the home of Pele, the deity who creates and consumes the land itself. Ancient Hawaiian oli (chants) describe her kuleana — her function — as both a creator of new earth and a destroyer of what stood before. This duality is central to understanding the volcanic landscapes you’ll encounter across the Big Island. Pele is both destructive and creative in nature — an elemental force embodied by lava and the volcanic processes that built these islands. This guide digs into the stories behind Pele, from