Island Culture
It all begins and ends with Aloha.
At Mauna Kea Resort, the hotels sit adjacent to two award-winning beaches and some of the best places to explore culture on island. On the sands of Kaunaʻoa Bay is the namesake of the bay as a twiny, orange vine grows as one of the only places on the island of Hawaiʻi to gather Kaunaʻoa.
This special location expands with Hāpuna Beach where aliʻi would surf the breaks and enjoy their time at both beaches in the water. Within the ahupuaʻa (land division) of ʻOuli, Mauna Kea Resort proudly continues its tradition by offering, showcasing, and teaching guests of the history of these special beaches.
It’s why every morning at either beach, guests can find our Aloha Ambassador on the sand chanting E Ala E to the sun into the sky as native Hawaiian ancestors did, welcoming and setting the intentions for the day.
Beach and Ocean Culture
Hula
Hula is the foundational Native Hawaiian living art form that integrates movement, poetry and rhythmic accompaniment. Hula preserves and perpetuates our rich history, exstensive geneology and deeply rooted ancestral connection to the land. Once a ceremonial art, Hula today serves as a vehicle for transmitting knowledge and perpetuating Hawaiʻi’s living culture. Join us to learn the basic movements of traditional Hula.
ʻOhe Kāpala
ʻOhe Kāpala is the traditional Hawaiian art of carving intricate geometrical designs on ʻOhe (bamboo) stamps to Kāpala (print) on Kapa (bark cloth). The inspiration for each design comes from Hawaiʻi’s natural environmental elements including mountains, ocean, birds, flowers, and rain and can also reflect symbols connected to family lineage, personal identity, or historical events. Express your creativity and print your own ʻOhe Kāpala keepsake.
lei pua
Lei Pua is a Lei (garland) of Pua (flowers). Traditionally, the Lei serves as a profound symbol of Aloha, affection, appreciation, celebration, honor, respect and welcome. Lei Pua are made using the Lei Kui (needle and thread) style where each flower is sewn together to create a beautiful Lei. Flowers like pīkake (Jasmine), plumeria, orchids and tuberose are commonly used to make Lei Pua. Sit with us and try your hand at sewing your own Lei Pua.
ʻUkulele
The ʻUkulele was brought to Hawaiʻi by the Portuguese in the late 1800ʻs. In observing the Portuguese playing their instruments, the Hawaiians noticed the fingers of the musicians jumping around the frets like fleas and they named it the ʻUkulele meaning jumping flea. The ʻUkulele is used today in many different genres of music and is also historically used to accompany the Hula ʻAuana (modern Hula). Bring your musical curiosity and learn how to play the ʻUkulele.