Journal Archive: All Hawaiian Culture Guides

Every guide we’ve published, in one place — 266 stories about Hawaiian culture, from the akua and the legends to the flowers, the food, the surf, and the language. Written from our studio in Kailua-Kona.

Mythology & Legend

13 articles

• ʻAumakua: The Meaning of Hawaiian Family Guardian SpiritsAug 7, 2026
• Kāne: Hawaiian God of Creation and LifeJul 27, 2026
• The Four Great Gods of HawaiʻiJul 6, 2026
• The Menehune: Hawaiʻi's Legendary Little PeopleJul 5, 2026
• The Night Marchers of Hawaiian LegendJul 5, 2026
• Laka: Goddess of HulaJul 4, 2026
• Hina: Hawaiian Goddess of the MoonJul 3, 2026
• Hawaiian Mythology: Gods, Guardians & the Stories of the IslandsJul 2, 2026
• Kanaloa: Hawaiian God of the OceanJul 1, 2026
• Kū: Hawaiian God of War and ProsperityJun 30, 2026
• Lono: Hawaiian God of Peace, Rain, and the Makahiki HarvestJun 1, 2026
• Māui the Demigod: How He Slowed the Sun in HawaiʻiMay 25, 2026
• The Legend of Pele: Hawaiian Goddess of VolcanoesMay 10, 2026

Art, Craft & Symbols

29 articles

• Kiʻi: The Meaning Behind Hawaiʻi's Sacred Carved Images (Not "Tiki")Oct 18, 2026
• Niho Palaoa: The Meaning of the Hawaiian Whale Tooth PendantOct 2, 2026
• The Ukulele's Hawaiian Story: History, Meaning & What Makes One AuthenticSep 30, 2026
• Puka Shell Necklace: The History and Meaning Behind Hawaiʻi's Iconic Shell JewelrySep 26, 2026
• The Hawaiian ʻUkulele: History, Meaning, and How It Became an Island IconSep 22, 2026
• Opihi Jewelry: The Meaning Behind Hawaiʻi's Rarest Shell Rings and NecklacesSep 1, 2026
• Hawaiian Featherwork: The Meaning of ʻAhuʻula and MahioleAug 28, 2026
• Puka Shell Jewelry: The Real Story Behind Hawaiʻi's Most Iconic NecklaceAug 22, 2026
• Pōhaku: What Stone Really Means in Hawaiian CultureAug 17, 2026
• Hulu Aliʻi: The Meaning of Hawaiian Featherwork (ʻAhuʻula, Mahiole & Lei Hulu)Jul 23, 2026
• The Ukulele's Hawaiian StoryJul 20, 2026
• How to Care for Lauhala EarringsJul 17, 2026
• What Is Kapa? Hawaiian Barkcloth, Its Patterns and MeaningJul 15, 2026
• Kukui Nut: The Meaning of Hawaiʻi's Light-Giving State TreeJul 13, 2026
• Niʻihau Shell Lei: The Story Behind Hawaiʻi's Rarest JewelryJul 7, 2026
• Kiʻi Pōhaku: The Meaning of Hawaiian PetroglyphsJul 5, 2026
• Kākau Art: The Meaning Behind Hawaiian Tattoo DesignsJul 2, 2026
• Hawaiian Lauhala Jewelry: The Handwoven Craft of the IslandsJul 2, 2026
• Hawaiian Quilts: The History and Meaning of an Island Art FormJul 1, 2026
• Koa Wood: Why Hawaiʻi's Native Hardwood Is So TreasuredJun 29, 2026
• Kākau: The Meaning Behind Traditional Hawaiian Tattoo DesignsJun 27, 2026
• The Makau: Meaning of the Hawaiian Fish Hook SymbolJun 23, 2026
• Traditional Hawaiian Art Explained: Kapa, Kākau & the Symbols Behind the DesignsJun 17, 2026
• Hawaiian Jewelry Meaning: Symbols, Materials & How to Spot Authentic PiecesJun 16, 2026
• The History of Hula: Sacred Rite to Performance ArtMay 24, 2026
• Worn Heritage: The Story of Hawaiian Lauhala JewelryMay 16, 2026
• What Is Lauhala? A Guide to the Sacred Hawaiian Weaving TraditionMay 9, 2026
• Adorned by the Islands: The History of Jewelry in Ancient Hawaiian CultureMay 6, 2026
• Lauhala Weaving: The Sacred Art That Wove Together Ancient Hawaiian LifeMay 4, 2026

History & Voyaging

12 articles

• Kapu: The Meaning of Hawaiʻi's Ancient Sacred Law SystemSep 28, 2026
• Puʻuhonua: The Meaning of Hawaiian Places of RefugeSep 2, 2026
• Ahupuaʻa: How Ancient Hawaiians Divided Land From Mountain to SeaSep 1, 2026
• Ahupuaʻa: How Ancient Hawaiians Divided the Land From Mountain to SeaAug 9, 2026
• What Is an Ahupuaʻa? Hawaiʻi's Ancient System of Land, Water, and CommunityJul 21, 2026
• Lahaina: Honoring Maui's Historic HeartJul 9, 2026
• Hawaiian Wayfinding: How Navigators Crossed the Pacific Without InstrumentsJul 9, 2026
• What Makes Hawaiian Clothing Authentic? Aloha Wear, Culture & Design ExplainedJun 21, 2026
• Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Paddling: The Story of the WaʻaJun 20, 2026
• Aloha Friday and the Rise of the Hawaiian Aloha ShirtMay 28, 2026
• How the Hawaiian Islands Formed: The Pacific HotspotMay 27, 2026
• King Kamehameha: The Unifier of the Hawaiian IslandsMay 20, 2026

Islands, Places & Travel

67 articles

• The Big Island in 5 Days: Volcanoes to BeachesOct 19, 2026
• How Far Is Hawaiʻi from the Mainland?Oct 18, 2026
• Kauaʻi for First-Timers: The Garden Isle GuideOct 17, 2026
• Do You Need a Passport to Visit Hawaiʻi?Oct 16, 2026
• Oʻahu Travel Guide: Beaches, Hikes & Local EatsOct 15, 2026
• 15 Best Things to Do on MauiOct 13, 2026
• Hawaiʻi Time Zone & Daylight Saving, ExplainedOct 12, 2026
• Hawaiʻi Bucket List: Experiences for Every TravelerOct 8, 2026
• Best Hawaiian Island for First-TimersOct 6, 2026
• What to Wear in HawaiʻiOct 4, 2026
• Fun Facts About HawaiʻiOct 2, 2026
• Hawaiʻi Travel Etiquette: How to Visit RespectfullySep 30, 2026
• Is Hawaiʻi Expensive? A First-Timer's Budget GuideSep 28, 2026
• First Time in Hawaiʻi: Things to Know Before You GoSep 26, 2026
• How Many Hawaiian Islands Are There?Sep 24, 2026
• Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?Sep 23, 2026
• What to Expect from Hawaiʻi's Rainy SeasonSep 22, 2026
• Best Time of Day to See a Hawaiian SunsetSep 20, 2026
• The Big Island in 5 Days: Volcanoes to BeachesSep 19, 2026
• How Far Is Hawaiʻi from the Mainland?Sep 18, 2026
• Kauaʻi for First-Timers: The Garden Isle GuideSep 17, 2026
• Do You Need a Passport to Visit Hawaiʻi?Sep 3, 2026
• Oʻahu Travel Guide: Beaches, Hikes & Local EatsSep 2, 2026
• 15 Best Things to Do on MauiSep 1, 2026
• Hawaiʻi Bucket List: Experiences for Every TravelerAug 27, 2026
• Best Hawaiian Island for First-TimersAug 25, 2026
• The Complete List of Hawaiian Islands (2026 Guide)Aug 24, 2026
• What to Wear in HawaiʻiAug 23, 2026
• Is Hawaiʻi Expensive? A First-Timer's Budget GuideAug 21, 2026
• First Time in Hawaiʻi: Things to Know Before You GoAug 19, 2026
• Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?Aug 18, 2026
• How Many Hawaiian Islands Are There?Aug 17, 2026
• The Big Island in 5 Days: Volcanoes to BeachesAug 16, 2026
• Best Time of Day to See a Hawaiian SunsetAug 15, 2026
• Kauaʻi for First-Timers: The Garden Isle GuideAug 14, 2026
• What Time Is It in Hawaii? Free Live Clock & ConverterAug 13, 2026
• How Far Is Hawaiʻi from the Mainland?Aug 13, 2026
• Oʻahu Travel Guide: Beaches, Hikes & Local EatsAug 12, 2026
• Hawaii Trip Cost: Free Hawaii Trip Budget CalculatorAug 11, 2026
• 15 Best Things to Do on MauiAug 11, 2026
• Hawaii Trip Countdown: The Free Way to Count Down to ParadiseAug 10, 2026
• Do You Need a Passport to Visit Hawaiʻi?Aug 9, 2026
• Free Hawaii Packing List: The Only Hawaii Packing List You NeedAug 9, 2026
• Hawaiʻi Bucket List: Experiences for Every TravelerAug 7, 2026
• Best Hawaiian Island for First-TimersAug 6, 2026
• What to Wear in HawaiʻiAug 5, 2026
• Is Hawaiʻi Expensive? A First-Timer's Budget GuideAug 4, 2026
• First Time in Hawaiʻi: Things to Know Before You GoAug 3, 2026
• Your Hawaii Travel Planner: How to Plan the Perfect TripAug 2, 2026
• How Many Hawaiian Islands Are There?Aug 2, 2026
• Best Time to Visit Hawaiʻi: Weather, What to Pack & Fun FactsAug 1, 2026
• Haleakalā National Park: Sunrise, Summit & Stars on MauiJul 29, 2026
• Planning a Holiday to Hawaii: The Complete First-Timer's GuideJul 27, 2026
• Planning a Family Trip to HawaiʻiJul 12, 2026
• The Most Beautiful Beaches in HawaiʻiJul 8, 2026
• Which Hawaiian Island Should You Visit?Jun 5, 2026
• The Big Island in 5 Days: Volcanoes to BeachesJun 4, 2026
• Kauaʻi for First-Timers: The Garden Isle GuideJun 2, 2026
• Oʻahu Travel Guide: Beaches, Hikes & Local EatsJun 1, 2026
• 15 Best Things to Do on MauiJun 1, 2026
• Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park: A Guide to KīlaueaMay 31, 2026
• The Road to Hāna: Planning the Perfect Maui DriveMay 29, 2026
• Molokaʻi: The Most Hawaiian Island and How to VisitMay 22, 2026
• The Nā Pali Coast: Kauaʻi's Wild and Sacred Sea CliffsMay 21, 2026
• Waikīkī After Dark: A Slower, Quieter Side of HonoluluMay 17, 2026
• Mauna Kea: Hawaiʻi's Sacred Summit, Stars, and SnowMay 13, 2026
• Wailea Beach: A Complete Guide to Maui's South ShoreMay 12, 2026

Ocean & Wildlife

17 articles

• Manō: What the Shark Means in Hawaiian CultureOct 14, 2026
• Humpback Whale Season in HawaiʻiOct 11, 2026
• Reef-Safe Sunscreen in Hawaiʻi: What to KnowSep 29, 2026
• Snorkeling Hanauma Bay: A Complete GuideSep 25, 2026
• Spinner Dolphins of the Kona CoastSep 21, 2026
• Humpback Whale Season in HawaiʻiAug 30, 2026
• Manō: What the Shark Means in Hawaiian CultureAug 3, 2026
• Manta Rays of the Kona CoastJul 28, 2026
• Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa: Hawaiʻi's State FishJul 25, 2026
• Honu: What the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle Means in Hawaiian CultureJul 11, 2026
• Hawaiian Ocean Wildlife: Honu, Whales, Dolphins & MoreJul 2, 2026
• Reef-Safe Sunscreen in Hawaiʻi: What to KnowJun 15, 2026
• Snorkeling Hanauma Bay: A Complete GuideJun 14, 2026
• Spinner Dolphins of the Kona CoastJun 12, 2026
• Humpback Whale Season in HawaiʻiJun 11, 2026
• The Hawaiian Monk Seal: An Endangered Beach DwellerMay 26, 2026
• Honu: The Sacred Sea Turtle of the Hawaiian IslandsMay 11, 2026

Flora & Nature

27 articles

• Niu: The Meaning and Mana of the Coconut Palm in Hawaiian CultureOct 12, 2026
• Ulu: The Meaning and History of Hawaiian BreadfruitOct 8, 2026
• Pueo: What the Hawaiian Owl Means in Hawaiian CultureOct 6, 2026
• The Nēnē: Hawaiʻi's State BirdOct 5, 2026
• Kalo (Taro): The Sacred Plant at the Heart of Hawaiian CultureSep 18, 2026
• Niu: The Meaning and Importance of the Coconut Tree in Hawaiian CultureSep 17, 2026
• ʻĀhinahina: The Meaning of Hawaiʻi's Rare Silversword PlantAug 30, 2026
• ʻUlu (Breadfruit): The Canoe Plant That Fed Ancient HawaiʻiAug 26, 2026
• Kī (Ti Leaf): The Meaning Behind Hawaiʻi's Most Sacred PlantAug 24, 2026
• What Does Ti Leaf (Kī) Mean in Hawaiian Culture?Aug 21, 2026
• What Does Niu (Coconut) Mean in Hawaiian Culture?Aug 19, 2026
• Kalo (Taro) and Hāloa: What the Elder Sibling Story Means in Hawaiian GenealogyAug 15, 2026
• Niu: The Coconut Tree and Its Meaning in Hawaiian CultureAug 13, 2026
• ʻUlu: The Story and Meaning of the Hawaiian Breadfruit TreeAug 5, 2026
• Ānuenue: What the Rainbow Means in Hawaiian CultureJul 31, 2026
• Ānuenue: What the Rainbow Means in Hawaiian CultureJul 29, 2026
• Kalo (Taro): Why Hawaiʻi's Sacred Plant Is Considered an AncestorJul 27, 2026
• The Legend of ʻŌhiʻa Lehua: Hawaiʻi's Most Beloved Flower StoryJul 25, 2026
• Lāʻī: The Meaning of the Ti Leaf in Hawaiian CultureJul 19, 2026
• Hawaiian Flowers & Nature: Tees That BloomJul 2, 2026
• Hawaiian Lei Meaning: Flowers, Etiquette & the Spirit of AlohaJun 25, 2026
• Native Hawaiian Plants You Should KnowJun 23, 2026
• How to Grow PlumeriaJun 22, 2026
• Hawaiian Flowers and Their MeaningsJun 21, 2026
• The Nēnē: Hawaiʻi's State BirdJun 16, 2026
• Hibiscus: The State Flower of Hawaiʻi and Its StoryJun 1, 2026
• Plumeria: The Iconic Flower Behind the Hawaiian LeiMay 14, 2026

Food & Drink

24 articles

• Hawaiian Shave Ice, ExplainedOct 9, 2026
• Kona Coffee: From Cherry to CupOct 3, 2026
• What Is Poke? A Guide to Hawaiʻi's Favorite DishOct 1, 2026
• Hawaiian Foods You Have to TrySep 27, 2026
• The Hawaiian Plate LunchAug 28, 2026
• Hawaiian Shave Ice, ExplainedAug 26, 2026
• Kona Coffee: From Cherry to CupAug 24, 2026
• What Is Poke? A Guide to Hawaiʻi's Favorite DishAug 22, 2026
• Mai Tai Recipe: The Free Tropical Drink & Mai Tai MixerAug 20, 2026
• Hawaiian Foods You Have to TryAug 20, 2026
• How Much Food for a Luau? Free Luau & Party Food CalculatorAug 19, 2026
• Luau Menu Planner: Plan a Free Hawaiian Luau Menu OnlineAug 18, 2026
• Hawaiian Plate Lunch Builder: Build a Free Hawaiian Plate Lunch OnlineAug 17, 2026
• Build Your Own Poke Bowl: Free Interactive Poke Bowl BuilderAug 16, 2026
• What Is Loco Moco? Hawaiʻi's Ultimate Comfort FoodJul 30, 2026
• What Is Spam Musubi? Hawaiʻi's Favorite Snack, ExplainedJul 26, 2026
• The Luʻau: Then and NowJul 19, 2026
• Hawaiian Food & Drink: Tees for Island FoodiesJul 2, 2026
• The Hawaiian Plate LunchJun 10, 2026
• Hawaiian Shave Ice, ExplainedJun 10, 2026
• Kona Coffee: From Cherry to CupJun 8, 2026
• What Is Poke? A Guide to Hawaiʻi's Favorite DishJun 7, 2026
• Hawaiian Foods You Have to TryJun 6, 2026
• Poi: The Staple Food at the Heart of Ancient HawaiʻiMay 19, 2026

Surf & Ocean Sports

6 articles

• Best Surf Spots for Beginners in HawaiʻiOct 7, 2026
• Hawaii Surf & Action Sports Shirts: Wear the Ocean LifeJul 2, 2026
• Duke Kahanamoku: Father of Modern SurfingJun 19, 2026
• The History of Oʻahu's North ShoreJun 18, 2026
• Best Surf Spots for Beginners in HawaiʻiJun 17, 2026
• The Ancient Roots of Hawaiian Surfing and Heʻe NaluMay 18, 2026

Language & Phrases

20 articles

• What Language Do They Speak in Hawaiʻi?Oct 14, 2026
• How to Pronounce Hawaiian WordsOct 10, 2026
• What Does Aloha Really Mean? The Hawaiian Word Beyond Hello and GoodbyeSep 20, 2026
• What Language Do They Speak in Hawaiʻi?Aug 31, 2026
• How to Pronounce Hawaiian WordsAug 29, 2026
• What Language Do They Speak in Hawaiʻi?Aug 10, 2026
• Free Hawaiian Word of the Day: Learn ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi DailyAug 8, 2026
• How to Pronounce Hawaiian WordsAug 8, 2026
• The Tradition of Inoa: How Hawaiian Names Are GivenAug 8, 2026
• Free Hawaiian Baby Name Generator: Beautiful Names & MeaningsAug 7, 2026
• Free Hawaiian Name Finder: Discover Your Hawaiian NameAug 6, 2026
• Free Hawaii Pidgin Translator: Talk Story Like a LocalAug 5, 2026
• Free Hawaiian Name Generator: Discover Your Aloha NameAug 5, 2026
• 20 Beautiful Hawaiian Words and What They Really MeanJul 3, 2026
• Hawaiian Phrases & Slang: Talk Story Like a LocalJul 2, 2026
• Hawaiian Slang Words You'll HearJun 29, 2026
• What Does Shaka Mean?Jun 28, 2026
• How to Say Thank You in Hawaiian (Mahalo)Jun 26, 2026
• Hawaiian Pidgin Phrases, ExplainedJun 25, 2026
• Common Hawaiian Words You Already Know, and What They MeanMay 23, 2026

ʻOhana, Gifts & Aloha Living

12 articles

• Hawaiian Games Online: Play Kahana Sky Birds, Our Free Island GameAug 21, 2026
• Hoʻoponopono: The Hawaiian Practice of Making Things RightAug 11, 2026
• Beach Bum to Yogi: Finding Your Aloha State of MindJul 24, 2026
• Aloha for Every Season: Hawaiian Style Year-RoundJul 22, 2026
• Living the Aloha LifestyleJul 21, 2026
• Meaningful Hawaiian Gift IdeasJul 18, 2026
• Celebrating the Holidays Hawaiian StyleJul 14, 2026
• Hawaiian Christmas Traditions (Mele Kalikimaka)Jul 13, 2026
• What Ohana Really Means in Hawaiian CultureJul 12, 2026
• Best Hawaiʻi Gifts for Island LoversJul 10, 2026
• Ohana & Family in Hawaiʻi: The Meaning of Family, Worn with AlohaJul 2, 2026
• Authentic Hawaiian Gifts: How to Choose Meaningful, Locally-Made PiecesJun 19, 2026

Art Prints, Posters & Home

24 articles

• Wall Art Size Calculator: Find Your Perfect Canvas SizeAug 14, 2026
• Maui Wall Art: Canvas Prints of the Valley IsleAug 9, 2026
• Oʻahu Wall Art: Canvas Prints of the Gathering PlaceAug 8, 2026
• Hawaiian Flower Wall Art: Plumeria & Hibiscus PrintsAug 7, 2026
• Kauaʻi Wall Art: Canvas Prints of the Garden IsleAug 6, 2026
• Hawaii Art Gift Ideas: Meaningful Prints for Island LoversAug 4, 2026
• How to Build a Hawaiian Gallery WallAug 3, 2026
• Pictorial Map Posters of HawaiʻiAug 2, 2026
• Vintage Hawaiian Surf PostersJul 31, 2026
• Best Hawaii Posters for a Beach HouseJul 30, 2026
• Hawaii Beach Canvas Prints for Coastal HomesJul 30, 2026
• How to Frame and Hang Hawaiian PostersJul 30, 2026
• Hawaii Landscape Wall Art: Volcanoes, Cliffs & CoastlinesJul 30, 2026
• Honu Wall Art: The Hawaiian Sea Turtle in Home DecorJul 30, 2026
• Big Island Posters: Travel-Poster Art of Hawaiʻi IslandJul 30, 2026
• Kauaʻi Posters: Travel-Poster Art of the Garden IsleJul 30, 2026
• Oʻahu Posters: Travel-Poster Art of the Gathering PlaceJul 30, 2026
• Maui Posters: Travel-Poster Art of the Valley IsleJul 30, 2026
• Vintage Hawaii Travel Posters: The Art of the Islands in PrintJul 30, 2026
• Bring Island Vibes to Your HomeJul 7, 2026
• How to Decorate with Hawaiian Wall ArtJul 6, 2026
• Hawaiian Coffee Mugs: Island Mornings, One Cup at a TimeJul 2, 2026
• Hawaii Posters: Vintage-Style Travel Prints for Island LoversJul 2, 2026
• Hawaii Wall Art: A Guide to Hawaiian Canvas Prints for Your HomeJul 2, 2026

Wearing the Islands: Tee Guides

9 articles

• T-Shirt Size Chart: Free T-Shirt Size Calculator for Unisex TeesAug 15, 2026
• Hawaiian Mythology T-Shirts: Wear the AkuaAug 5, 2026
• Best Hawaii T-Shirts for Men & WomenJul 30, 2026
• Kauaʻi T-Shirts: Wear the Garden IsleJul 30, 2026
• Hawaiʻi Pride: Tees Honoring Those Who ServeJul 23, 2026
• Oʻahu T-Shirts: The Gathering Place, WornJul 2, 2026
• Big Island T-Shirts: From Volcanoes to the StarsJul 2, 2026
• Maui T-Shirts: Wear the Valley IsleJul 2, 2026
• Hawaii T-Shirts: The Complete Guide to Authentic Hawaiian TeesJul 2, 2026

New Arrivals

6 articles

• New This Week at Kahana Designs — July 27Jul 27, 2026
• New This Week at Kahana Designs — July 20Jul 20, 2026
• New This Week at Kahana Designs — July 13Jul 13, 2026
• New This Week at Kahana Designs — June 29Jun 29, 2026
• New This Week at Kahana Designs — June 8Jun 8, 2026
• New This Week at Kahana Designs — June 1Jun 1, 2026