Hawaii is well known for its perfect climate and amazing stretches of palm-lined beaches. You’d be hard-pressed to visit Hawaii and not be enchanted by its beauty. But physical beauty isn’t all Hawaii has going for it. Hawaii’s cultural heritage is also a major draw for visitors, and you can explore it by land, by water, and through traditional arts.

Here are some favorite sights and activities that give visitors a deeper understanding of Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage.

Explore Hawaii’s Cultural Heritage on Land

The islands’ rich volcanic soil encouraged generations of Hawaiians to produce food from their land. Today, there are multiple “agtourism” opportunities to visit working farms and ranches to learn about traditional Hawaiian crops, farming methods, and history. The islands are also home to many unique natural wonders.

• Kahuku Farms, Oahu – Enjoy a wagon ride through one of Oahu most beautiful farms.
• Dole Plantation, Oahu – Ride the Pineapple Express train or stroll through the Plantation Garden to learn about the history of pineapple and agriculture in Hawaii. You can also get lost in one of the world’s largest mazes (Guinness Book of World Records, 2008).
• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Island: This World Heritage Site is home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes and one of Hawaii’s most popular visitor attractions.
• Anna Ranch Heritage Center, Waimea, Hawaii – Learn about the history of ranching in Hawaii at this museum and heritage center that is inscribed on the National Register of Historic Places
• Maui Country Farm Tours, Maui – Explore Maui’s 500-year-old taro farms, native plant botanical gardens, farmer’s markets, beekeepers and coffee growers.
• Waimea Canyon State Park, Kauai – 14 miles long, this geological wonder is nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
• Kilohana Plantation, Lihue, Kauai – Get a glimpse into Kauai’s past at this 105-acre historic landmark offering island-style activities, dining, and shopping. Enjoy a conductor narrated train tour on the Kauai Plantation Railway from elegant mahogany passenger cars.
• Ho’opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill, Kauai – At Hawaii’s only remaining rice mill, learn about the cultivation and uses of taro, a traditional Polynesian food source.

Experience Hawaii’s Cultural Heritage by Water

Naturally, as a group of Pacific islands, Hawaii’s cultural heritage is steeped in water. From whale watching to canoe paddling, the ocean is an integral part of Hawaii’s daily life.

Sea Life Park Hawaii, Waimanalo, Oahu – Meet dolphins, sea lions, green sea turtles, rays, and native fish at this full-day attraction in east Oahu.

• Anelakai Adventures, Hawaii Island – Get hands on learning of how the island culture embraces the sea with day and night guided Hawaiian outrigger canoe tours, and Stand Up Paddle Board adventures on the Kona Coast.
• Hale Huaka’i Ocean Activity Center, Lahaina, Maui – Try your skills at traditional Hawaiian ocean activities like surfing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, snorkeling, and conch shell blowing.
• Maui Ocean Center, Wailuku, Maui – Get up close to Hawaii’s marine life of sharks, stingrays, turtles and fish at the Aquarium of Hawaii. Learn about Pacific corals at one of the world’s largest collections.

Learn About Hawaii’s Cultural Heritage Through Art

You can discover the cultural story of Hawaii as told through art in many forms: performances such as hula or spinning fire, artworks made by native artists, or the preserved history of Hawaiian royalty.

• Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie, Oahu – Visit seven Pacific Island villages at Hawaii’s most popular cultural attraction. You’ll enjoy the most authentic luau, cultural shows, canoe rides and Polynesian themed shopping.
• Bishop Museum, Oahu – The premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific region, Bishop Museum is known throughout the world for its cultural collections and Native Hawaiian artifacts.
• Queen Emma Summer Palace, Honolulu, Oahu – The summer retreat for the wife of King Kamehameha IV is preserved as a museum and listed on the National Historic Registry.
• Kona Historical Society, Kealakekua, Hawaii Island – Learn with three living history programs: HN Greenwell Store Museum, Kona Coffee Living History Farm, and Portuguese Stone Oven Baking.
• Maui Nei Native Expeditions, Maui – Journey back in time with Hawaiian storytellers, guided walking tours, and arts immersion programs.
• Kauai Museum, Lihue, Kauai – Peruse a treasure trove of art and artifacts of native Hawaiians from past and present.

To learn more about Hawaii and start planning your vacation in paradise, contact the Hawaii experts at Covington today.