Hawaii: rich culture, abundant natural beauty and strong eco-focus

Peel back the surface of Hawaii and discover its rich culture, abundant natural beauty and strong eco-focus, writes Andrew Woodward.

Hawaii. Say it aloud and pay attention to the images it conjures – likely coconut palms swaying in a sweet-scented tropical breeze, swathes of powder-fine sand strewn with colourful beach towels, sets of perfect waves extending to a glittering horizon. Grass skirts. Mai Tais.

These Hawaiian hallmarks attract droves of tourists each year – and for good reason – but they form only the surface layer of a destination with deep historical and cultural roots, a rich culinary tradition and truly transcendent natural beauty.

Beyond Hawaii’s world-class shopping and surfing culture (the sport was invented here), visiting families will also discover a vibrant Polynesian past with royal embellishments, a smorgasbord of colourful and mouthwatering traditional dishes and a range of rich ecosystems populated by wildlife endemic to the islands.

One place with many stories

With its undeniably unique cultural identity, it’s easy to forget that Hawaii is actually a US state. Polynesians first travelled via canoe from the Marquesas Islands to Hawaii’s Big Island around 400 C.E., cultivating a rich tapestry of myths and traditions in the ensuing years.

Placing an important segment of Hawaii’s multifaceted history on display, Kauai’s Kilohana – translating to “not to be surpassed” – is perhaps the finest example of plantation-era architecture in Hawaii. When sugar baron Gaylord Wilcox built the estate in 1935 it was the most expensive ever built on the island. Since opening its doors as a visitor destination in 1985, it has grown to include an agricultural park, Plantation Railway, restaurant and more.

In Oahu, the best place to immerse yourself in Hawaiian and Polynesian heritage is at the Polynesian Cultural Center on the island’s north shore. Here, you can wander through lush tropical splendour and recreated Polynesian villages as you play ancient games, try your hips at hula lessons, learn to fish sans net and sample traditional delicacies like poi, made from fermented taro root. The main event is the evening luau where you can dine like Polynesian royalty as you take in the most spectacular evening show in the islands.

If a regal lifestyle agrees with you, make your next stop Waikiki’s Iolani Palace, the beautifully restored royal residence of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs. Built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, the palace’s halls and ornate dining rooms were the site of grand balls and public hula performances until the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893.

What better way to finish off a day than oceanside, under the stars at a backyard-style luau? Talk about capturing the spirit of old Hawaii! All of this and more is waiting at Germaine’s Luau in west Oahu. You’ll be welcomed with a shell lei before the sounding of the conch announces the commencement of the evening’s festivities, culminating in an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Suitable for all ages, Hi5 Tours Hawaii connects travellers with the heart of Oahu through its food, scenery and wonderful people. There’s no need to navigate or tackle driving on the other side of the road and with proper car seats supplied, the safety of little travellers is assured.

Their Circle Island Adventure tour delivers the whole Oahu package for families who want a little taste of everything. Combining cuisine and culture, with sightseeing and fun water activities such as paddleboarding and snorkelling, you might even be lucky enough spot a few green sea turtles.

Or head to Paradise Cove Luau in Kapolei, where visitors can stroll through an authentic Hawaiian Village to test their skills at Hawaiian games and learn traditional arts and crafts, the net-fishing techniques of old Hawaii and the time-honoured techniques of underground oven cooking. Then enjoy a feast truly fit for a king while award-winning performers entertain with traditional songs and dances.

Still hungry?

On Oahu head to one of the Dean & DeLuca Hawaii stores at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach or Royal Hawaiian Center. You’ll find gourmet goodies highlighting local Hawaiian ingredients to eat in, as well as gourmet foods from all over the world. At The Ritz-Carlton Residences store you’ll also find fresh breads and decadent desserts to enjoy in the market’s wine bar or to take away. Plus there are ingredients available for those families staying in apartments who want to cook in.

Eco-tourism experiences

A well-known Hawaiian proverb says “a’ohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia”. Translating roughly to “no task is too big when done together by all”. This perfectly encapsulates the ethos surrounding the preservation of Hawaii’s complex ecosystems and an increased in eco-tourism experiences.

There are many ways visitors can help locals keep Hawaii sustainable for future generations while also experiencing the best of the islands’ stunning natural beauty. With almost as much farmland as beaches on Oahu, it is a great idea to take a tour to learn about the farm-to-table processes that are essential to Hawaii’s sustainable food production. See how native Hawaiian roots are cultivated, then make a stop at any one of the island’s multitude of excellent farmers’ markets, restaurants and roadside eateries to taste the results.

Ocean adventures

There’s no end to the wildlife experiences on offer across the Hawaiian Islands, but if you’re visiting from December to May make sure to put whale watching on the island of Kauai at the very top of your list. The kids will love the experience of getting up close to these gentle giants of the deep, and it will provide the perfect opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of the whale (or kohola) to the native Hawaiian people, who view the magestic beasts as their deified ancestors (or aumakua).

For more fun-fuelled action on the water, the crystalline waters off the coast of Maui make for incomparably beautiful kayaking. Maui Kayak Adventures is one of the best eco-tour operators in the area, placing a firm focus on the traditional Hawaiian concept of malama aima or caring for both land and sea.

If you’d prefer to keep your feet dry, head for Kamakou Preserve in the rainforests to the east of Molokai for a hiking experience that you’ll be recalling to family and friends for many years to come.

The nearly 1,122-hectare preserve feels so cut off from the modern world that you’re likely to feel as though you’re the first to set foot there. Listen out for the birdsong of the Molokai thrush and Molokai creeper as you scour the forest floor for rare plants.

Maui’s Ka’anapali Beach Hotel offers a vast range of complimentary cultural activities including hularobics classes, lauhala weaving classes, pineapple cutting demonstrations and Hawaiian language classes. With a choice of excellent family accommodation, family dining options including Tiki Terrace’s Sunday Champagne Brunch, and plenty of facilities for guests of all ages, the resort is an idyllic spot for your stay on Maui.

This article originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. To subscribe to the latest issue, click here.

Planning a holiday to Hawaii? You can read our list of family-friendly things to do here.