What is best to do in Hawaii to see the real culture?
Mar 27th, 2010, 01:59 PM
#21
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If you visit Maui, consider taking a private tour with Barry Pono Fried of Open Eye Tours ( openeyetours.com ). My family and I
( including my Dad and two pre-teens ) spent a memorable day with Barry back in March, 2003. Barry taught us about Hawaiian language and culture, told us stories and sang Hawaiian songs, introduced us to local plants, took us to places of incredible beauty, and even played a flute duet with my daughter! On top of that, he brought us beautiful, fragrant leis and Hawaiian treats.
If you're interested in learning about Hawaiian culture, spend a day with Barry Fried!
Bill Hjort
Maplewood, Minnesota
( including my Dad and two pre-teens ) spent a memorable day with Barry back in March, 2003. Barry taught us about Hawaiian language and culture, told us stories and sang Hawaiian songs, introduced us to local plants, took us to places of incredible beauty, and even played a flute duet with my daughter! On top of that, he brought us beautiful, fragrant leis and Hawaiian treats.
If you're interested in learning about Hawaiian culture, spend a day with Barry Fried!
Bill Hjort
Maplewood, Minnesota
Mar 27th, 2010, 02:59 PM
#22
The cottages available at this link were built in the early 20th century to house the employees of a sugar plantation. There are the usual amenities of a tourist resort, but the setting and quiet location feel like a step back in time.
http://www.waimeaplantation.com/index.php
http://www.waimeaplantation.com/index.php
Mar 27th, 2010, 03:45 PM
#23
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I actually lived in Waikiki "back then" in the 1950's and HERE is what it was like: there were only a couple of hotels such as the Moana and the old Biltmore as well as the Royal.
The street in front of these which today has, at least in one section, a LOT of high-end stores (as much as anything for the many Japanese visitors who travle to the islands) was FULL of t-shirt shops and a few other what many here would describe as "tacky" places.
The Waikiki Theatre still had its organ; there were no interstate highways; the beaches were less crowded than they are today.
There was exactly ONE traffic light on the entire island of Kauai back then and unless you were going to the beach, etc., there wasn't a whole lot to do.
In some ways yes, it was better; in some ways today seems "better."
If you are looking for the so-called "island culture" you may actually have to go to a different set of islands altogether...but I wouldn't. It would be a shame for you not to see the state as it is NOW despite all the complaining I think you'll find may parts of it remain wonderful.
I'm wondering if we could go to LONDON and stay somewhere like it was before the Great Fire.
The street in front of these which today has, at least in one section, a LOT of high-end stores (as much as anything for the many Japanese visitors who travle to the islands) was FULL of t-shirt shops and a few other what many here would describe as "tacky" places.
The Waikiki Theatre still had its organ; there were no interstate highways; the beaches were less crowded than they are today.
There was exactly ONE traffic light on the entire island of Kauai back then and unless you were going to the beach, etc., there wasn't a whole lot to do.
In some ways yes, it was better; in some ways today seems "better."
If you are looking for the so-called "island culture" you may actually have to go to a different set of islands altogether...but I wouldn't. It would be a shame for you not to see the state as it is NOW despite all the complaining I think you'll find may parts of it remain wonderful.
I'm wondering if we could go to LONDON and stay somewhere like it was before the Great Fire.
Apr 3rd, 2010, 04:05 PM
#24
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Don't forget to pick up a copy of Fodors Oahu 2010 and look in the restaurant section (ahem)!
The culture you want depends on your preconceived notions, I guess. Make sure you research, as Sarah says....I'm surprised Dusty isn't here with his very complete & extensive list. Don't forget, as Leitnermk says, Honolulu/Oahu is so much more than Waikiki. Maybe rent a house on the North Shore or in Kailua.
Mari808 & I write for Metromix, so if you ever need advice on food, we're full of it. Literally.
www.honolulu.metromix.com
The culture you want depends on your preconceived notions, I guess. Make sure you research, as Sarah says....I'm surprised Dusty isn't here with his very complete & extensive list. Don't forget, as Leitnermk says, Honolulu/Oahu is so much more than Waikiki. Maybe rent a house on the North Shore or in Kailua.
Mari808 & I write for Metromix, so if you ever need advice on food, we're full of it. Literally.
www.honolulu.metromix.com
Jan 19th, 2012, 12:48 PM
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I use to live on the Big isand of Hawaii and I have found you can experience the real culture on the Big Isalnd and also Mauai. In Hilo there are least of the toursim you can experience the farmers market and try the various foods and buy the local flowers. they have many places to get cultural foods and they are price fair. You can also drive around the island up the hamankua coast and visit honooka and waimea and then head to kona and back around and see the volcano. You will find the scenery goes from tropical to forrest to dry ranch land with cattle and cactus. There are many bed n breakfast places to can stay at instead of a pricey hotel. Traveling around the island is breath taking in its self. If you desire you can go down into the valley and experience the taro farm and native farming. Muai has various native eating places and you must try the purple sweet potatoe cheesecake and mac salad. They also have cruise tours that let you experience each harbor however, I think if you want to expeience the native culture go must go past the tour route. I wish I could go back and live on the big island it was great for me and my daughter. if you want to know more facebook me. Malia
Jan 19th, 2012, 01:59 PM
#26
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On the Big Island we liked the authenticity of Hilo and surroundings and our visit to the Waipi'o Valley there is a favorite memory of our visit there: http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html...io_valley.html
We were also enthralled by O'hau for many reasons, including its ethnic diversity.
HTTY
We were also enthralled by O'hau for many reasons, including its ethnic diversity.
HTTY
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