Photograph by Francis Haar, 1961 Considered the “high priestess” of hula, she became the most esteemed hula dancer in the state of Hawai‘i. The legendary Iolani Luahine (1915-1978) was instrumental in perpetuating the traditional hula kahiko, the ancient style of dance passed on through generations of native Hawaiians. Born in Kona, she learned the art …
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Posts Categorized: Hawaiian Traditions and Customs
Holiday Traditions in Hawai‘i
“Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright, Hawaiian Christmas day.” Those are the lyrics of a famous song heard throughout the Islands during the holidays. As the song proclaims, if you want to wish somebody a Merry Christmas in Hawaiian, just say: “Mele Kalikimaka!” Christmas traditions in Kona are decidedly “island style.” …
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Kona Coffee Festival
Coffee cupping competition Here in Kona coffee country, the annual Kona Coffee Festival has been in full swing all week, featuring events, workshops, tours, competitions, and even a parade, to celebrate all things coffee. And at today’s prestigious cupping competition, our own Brazen Hazen coffee was among the select finalists for the coveted award and …
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Portuguese Cultural Festival, Saturday, October 1
Hawai‘i’s history would not be the same without the contributions of the Portuguese. Immigrating here in the late 1800s, the Portuguese brought with them myriad skills and traditions that have helped to shape the local culture through the decades — everything from cattle ranching, dairy farming and rock-wall building to stone ovens, sweet bread, the …
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A Driving Tour of Kona Heritage Corridor
Old Mamalohoa Highway winds its way through upcountry Kona and beyond, revealing a plethora of historic sights along the way. A 10-mile stretch of this scenic highway comprises the Kona Heritage Corridor, which passes through the village of Holualoa, home of Holualoa Inn. History is evident along this route, whether dry-stack stone walls, roadside general …
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Holualoa’s Lauhala Weaving History
Lauhala hat Holualoa is known for its art galleries, estate-grown coffee and, of course, the Holualoa Inn. But did you know that Holualoa has been a hub for lauhala weaving for generations? Indeed, some of the state’s finest lauhala weavers come from Holualoa, including the legendary Aunty Elizabeth Maluihi Lee. Named a Living Treasure by …
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King Kamehameha Day Parade, Saturday, June 11
This coming Saturday on June 11, a floral parade honoring Hawaii’s first monarch will take place on Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona beginning at 9 a.m. With more than 100 riders on horseback, the parade will showcase pa‘u equestrian units, marching bands, private mounted units, hula halau, floats, a horse-drawn carriage and more. Beginning at the …
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The Hawaiian Tradition of Pa‘u Riding
Pa‘u princess, Island of Lana‘i. As Kamehameha Day approaches on June 11, equestrians throughout the Hawaiian Islands are preparing for floral parades in honor of the great monarch, King Kamehameha I. Adorned in the colors and flora of the islands, the regal pa‘u riders are the highlight of every parade. Led by a princess outfitted …
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