Cultural Education

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi

Many places and streets here are in ʻŌlelo Hawai'i (the Hawaiian language). You will have a more enjoyable visit if you're able to spend a little time learning pronunciation basics with these Hakalama Drills (8 min watch). Additional resources available below:

- common words and phrases

- dictionary

- pronunciation of Hawaiian place names

- Duolingo

The dark history of the overthrow of Hawai’i (TED-Ed, 6 min watch)

Get to know the story of Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last queen of Hawaii, and how she fought the US annexation of the islands.  

Keeper of the Bay (Documentary, 1 hour watch)

The film Keeper of the Bay documents Cindi Punihaole’s tireless work to preserve Kahaluʻu Bay, which has been damaged by visitors. The film highlights her efforts to blend Hawaiian cultural practices with scientific data to foster marine conservation.

Packing

We recommend packing a set of warm weather clothes in your carry on to change into after deplaning. The airport is outdoors and built on a lava field which means it can be quite toasty.

We provide mineral based sunscreen as traditional sunscreen is now illegal on our island due to its damaging effects on marine life. Optional items are noted with an asterisk. 

General

- warm weather clothing

- rain jacket/poncho

- comfortable walking shoes

- sandals*

- sunglasses

- swimwear

- long sleeve swim shirt*

Kids

- swim shoes*

- swim goggles*

Hawai‘i Volcanoes NP

- hoodie/sweatshirt

- N95 masks

- safety glasses*