Official Language: Hawaii is the only American state to have two official languages, Hawaiian and English. However, a 3rd unofficial language is also widely spoken, Pidgin which is a slang combining words from many aspects of island life and culture.

Hawaii is a state of the United States of America located in the Pacific Ocean. It is the only U.S. state located outside North America and the only island state. The state encompasses nearly the entire Hawaiian archipelago, 137 islands spread over 1,500 miles.

There are six major islands to visit in Hawaii: Kauai Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and the island of Hawaii. Each has its own distinct personality, adventures, activities, and sights.

Kauai:

Kauai is Hawaii’s fourth largest island and has been called “Garden Island”. Kauai is the oldest and northernmost island of the Hawaiian island it is immersed with emerald valleys, sharp mountain spires and jagged cliffs aged over time and the elements. Over time the island has formed tropical rainforests, rivers, and cascading waterfalls. Certain parts of the island are only accessible by air or sea, but the views go beyond your imagination.

On Kauai you can kayak on the Wailua River, snorkel on the Poipu Beach, hike in the Kokee State Park, or zipline above the island’s lush valleys. But the island’s laid-back atmosphere and rich culture in the small towns is what makes Kauai a timeless place to visit.

Oahu:

Oahu has been called “The Gathering Place” and lives up to its name. The third largest Hawaiian island. Oahu is a diverse population. A mix of East and West cultures and rooted in the values and traditions of the Native Hawaiian people. From bustling city life to a laidback surf town Oahu shows its contrast between ancient and modern making discovering the island an adventure.

Molokai:

Hawaii’s fifth largest island is only 38 miles long and 10 miles across but is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world. Molokai remains true to its roots with a large percentage of the population being of Native Hawaiian ancestry who continue to preserve their rural lifestyle. Molokai boost an outdoor adventure where you can enjoy Papohaku Beach, one of Hawaii’s largest white-sand beaches, or Kalaupapa National Historical Park.

Lanai:

Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island offers big adventure. Nine miles from Maui but a world apart, Lanai makes you feel like you are in two different worlds. One consists of the luxuries found in a resort where you can enjoy world-class amenities and championship-level golfing. While the other is a 4-wheel drive, off the beaten path treasure hunt. Lanai is where you can find serenity, adventure, and privacy on any of the three regions.

Maui:

Known as “The Valley Isle” Maui is the second largest Hawaiian island. It is loved for its world-famous beaches, views of migrating humpback whales, during the winter months, farm-to-table cuisine and the splendid sunrise and sunset from Haleakala.

Island of Hawaii

Hawaii is the youngest and largest of the islands. It is almost twice as big as all the other Hawaiian Islands combined, giving it the nickname “The Big Island”. You can encounter all but four the world’s different climates, from wet tropical to polar tundra which is a result of the effects and elevations of the massive volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa. Experience geological features at Hawaii Volcanoes National park, the snow-capped heights of Maunakwa, the lush valleys of the Hilo and Hamakua Coasts, to the jet-black sans of Punaluu Beach.

Hawaiian Arts & Culture: The Expression of Aloha

The oldest of Hawaiian chants describe the Hawaiian Islands. The spirits that inhabit them, the forces of nature that shaped them and all living things upon them. This is a sense of connection that is the foundation of the Hawaiian culture. Understanding that we all have a duty to Malama, to take care of the environment for one another.

The spirit of aloha, being in the presence of and sharing the essence of life, teaches us lessons of kindness, peace, compassion, and responsibility to future generations. These lessons are expressed through chants, music, hula, arts and cultures through the warm greetings and Hawaiian hospitality

Native Hawaiian Traditions

1.    The honi ihu, or the touching of noses, is a traditional method of greeting one another, whether it is a man and woman, two men or two women. It allows both people to exchange breath, which is the supremely important life force in Hawaiian understanding and share scents and convey a closeness in relationship.
2.    Made from flowers, bird feathers, shells, seeds, hair or ivory, the lei (garland or wreath) has become a symbol of Hawaii. Worn on the top of the head or around the neck, lei were used ornamentally by Native Hawaiians, especially chiefs, to signify their rank. Giving a lei was a traditional practice, but not like the ceremonious welcome practice that has become the local custom today. The manner of presenting was also different: it was tied around the neck, rather than casting the lei over the head, respecting the sacredness of a person’s head and back.
3.    Hula is a complex artform performed for religious purposes, entertainment and to preserve historical events, genealogy and mythology through movements accompanied by chants. It is a sacred, serious pursuit, involving rigorous training and technical skill, and academic knowledge taught by respected kumu (teachers) who carry on and advance wisdom from a long lineage of masters. Unlike a lot of hula performed today, hula was not meant to be a spectacle, and was often performed privately.