A contributor to Travel and Leisure meets the cultural ambassadors who are committed to spreading their aloha as the people of Hawaii try to make tourism more fulfilling and more sustainable for both the residents and the visitors.
In June of last year, my family and I went to the islands of Hawaii and Maui, and while there, I got a crash course on the problems that are plaguing this increasingly popular vacation spot. As we arrived at Rainbow Falls in Hilo, I was shocked to see a group of tourists climbing a tree for photos, despite the many warnings warning people to remain out of the branches of the trees and to stay within a rope barrier.
Obviously, not all tourists who visit Hawaii are wasteful or disrespectful to the state's natural resources. The number of people who visited the state in 2021 was 6.8 million, which means that visitor numbers are once again on the rise, which means that there is an increased amount of strain to manage the crush. Hawaiians, and in particular Native Hawaiians, are attempting to prevent the history of the archipelago from being erased, as well as the culture of the islands from being appropriated, distorted, or disrespected — even if this is sometimes done unwittingly. It's not just a question of the natural riches that Hawaii has to offer.
Silla Kaina, the cultural ambassador of Montage Kapalua Bay, asserts that there is a great deal more to the state of Hawaii than its reputation for beautiful sunsets and exotic cocktails. It is our duty to explain to tourists what it is about Hawaii that is so significant to the Native people who live there. In this piece, six of the state's most important practitioners discuss the ways in which tourists might develop a more meaningful connection with the islands.
#OtD 14 Feb 1779 British coloniser captain James Cook was killed by a Native Hawaiian by being stabbed in the neck as he tried to kidnap a local leader, Kalaniʻōpuʻu. After his crew killed a local chief, Cook had also shot and killed a Hawaiian person. pic.twitter.com/LiLYLpsGy7
— Working Class History (@wrkclasshistory) February 14, 2023
When I first started working at this institution in the early 1980s, the concept of a cultural ambassador did not even exist. Daniel "Kaniela" Kahikina Akaka Jr., who works in the living culture department at Mauna Lani, an Auberge Resorts Collection property in Hawaii, describes himself as the Kahu hnai, or keeper of the culture. "I shared what I learned after work and in my free time," he says. "But, I've always been of the opinion that every location ought to have one. There's a tale to be told about every location. I get a lot of joy out of explaining our way of life to anybody who is prepared to take the time to sit down, listen, and comprehend what I have to say. At my age, it's about carrying the torch — passing on the pearls of wisdom that have been shared with me throughout the years."
Lei-making, ukulele lessons, hula classes, excursions to observe petroglyphs along the Ala Kahakai trail, and a walking tour of Kalhuipua'a, a historic region on the resort's grounds are some of the cultural activities that are offered at Mauna Lani, which is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection.
Wendy Tuivaioge, who is the director of Hawaiian programming at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, says that "the more we are able to have an honest discourse with our visitors, the more they grow to appreciate Hawaiian culture." "We refer to it as a "talking narrative." When I'm teaching hula, making leis, or weaving coconut leaves, the most meaningful part of the lesson is the interaction that takes place between students and myself in the form of questions and replies. The only method for us to ensure that these traditions are passed down to future generations is to teach them to tourists.
The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea instructs guests in both the hula and the art of palm-frond weaving. In addition, guests have the opportunity to watch one of Hawaii's most renowned hula groups rehearse on Thursdays at the resort where they are staying.
"I love bringing in practitioners who are masters in various things," says Luana Maitland, who is the director of cultural events and activities at Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, Oahu. Maitland works at both of these resorts. "For instance, the Friends of Hokulea & Hawaiiloa are responsible for the restoration of antique canoes, and they have worked on all of the canoes here at Outrigger; some of these canoes are more than a century old. They hold a workshop once every three months at our location. Our guests are able to participate actively and lend a hand. Or, we invite someone from a taro farm, who is known as a "uncle," and he supplies everything that is required to make poi (a traditional Hawaiian dish made by mashing taro). It fills me with joy to think that there are other people living through these experiences.
Lessons in hula, playing the ukulele, and creating ohe kapala, which are traditional stamps carved from bamboo, are offered at both the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort.
"As Natives, it is our responsibility to protect and sustain our legacy while educating others about our culture and history," says Kaina, of Montage Kapalua Bay. "Educating people about our culture and history is our responsibility." "We ensure the continued continuation of these cultural activities by passing on knowledge of the ukulele, hula, the art of making lei, and the Hawaiian language. In addition to that, I provide as a resource for those who have inquiries regarding our tradition, activities, cuisine, or history.
Additional activities available at the Montage Kapalua Bay include lectures on the history of the Hawaiian islands, discussions of Hawaiian myths and tales, and training in the art of leaf weaving.
"Come and study, but come and learn the Hawaiian way," explains Clifford Nae'ole, the Hawaiian cultural advisor at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. "We are saying, 'Come and learn,' but come and learn the Hawaiian way." "As consultants, we are able to provide an experience that will be far more satisfying. We make an effort to infuse everything with feeling. There is a possibility that we will take you and your family into the mountains, where you will assist in the replanting of native species. If you were to return in thirty years, you would be able to say something like, "Hey, my grandfather planted this tree." This is the tree that we own. It is an integral aspect of Hawaii'"
Activities available at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua include hula classes, a session on creating lei po'o, often known as flower crowns, and a walking tour to the border of the Honokahua Preservation Site, which is a holy burial ground that was uncovered during building of the hotel.
According to Kaleiopuaonlani "Kalei" 'Uwko'olani, cultural programming manager and leadership educator at Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, Maui, "We all have a responsibility, a kuleana to make our guests feel comfortable — and to educate them." "We all have a kuleana to make our guests feel comfortable and educate them." "We weave culture into every aspect of the guest experience, from the signage that customers see across the resort to the meanings behind the names of our venues," the spokesperson said. Every Wednesday, I host a cultural tour during which I give presentations on Hawaiian historical topics. If I can influence even one person out of one hundred, then I can say that I've succeeded.
A cultural tour of 'Uwko'olani is available to guests staying at the Grand Wailea Maui, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. Other activities available to guests include learning how to make leis and perform the hula.