Oahu Guide Blog - All About Oahu

                   Hawaii is intimately associated with history & culture. The local people of Oahu are intensely dedicated towards preserving their culture & passing them over to posterity. Whether it is the native language or the traditional arts & crafts, the Hawaiians are very proud of their culture. One of the treasured possessions of the Hawaiians believed to be invested with spiritual powers, feather-made articles like capes, cloaks & helmets signified the superior social status of the male chiefs. The women, on the other hand, wore feather articles around their neck & heads to signify their position.

                    The Hawaiians also made jewellery for the Hula dancers. Leis were made out of human hair, feathers, leaves, nuts, seeds, vines, shells & flowers. Standing for friendship & good will, Leis were used on birthdays, wedding anniversaries & graduations. It is pertinent to note that May Day is celebrated as Lei Day in Hawaii. Recent innovations have also been made in making Leis. Another significant tradition of the Hawaiians is name-giving ceremony. It is believed that the future of a child depends upon the selected name. One of the well-known cultural practitioners of this tradition is Pat Bacon.

                    One of the tallest, oldest & most valuable trees in Hawaii is Koa. The Polynesians, who arrived in Hawaii around 325 A.D. being excellent woodworkers, developed a fascination for Koa woodworking. They are used for almost everything from making bowls, frames & poster-beds. The Hawaii Forest Industry Association manages the forests that are hugely productive. The quilters of the Hawaiians have become very popular in the recent years & are even used as heirloom art & gifts. The quilters reflect the Hawaiian tradition & culture. Elizabeth Akana, Deborah Kakalia & Elizabeth Root are some of Oahu’s well-known quilters. The Umeke, an intricately designed elaborately covered calabash bowl kept over a pedestal was originally a symbol of the royalty. It was revived by Stewart Medeiros.

                     Besides the above-mentioned articles, the royal Hawaiian Band that performed regularly at the Iolani Palace, the Ukulele Company & the Slack Key are some of the treasured articles of the Hawaiians.