Hawaii: Entering the village

Aloha, and welcome to the islands of Hawaii. The village before you depicts the time before western contact in 1778.

Historically, all land belonged to the gods. As stewards of the land people were required to malama aina, which means take care of the land. In return the land will take care of the people. We invite you to explore the village and learn how ancient Hawaiian practices kept the ecosystem in balance while at the same time maintained a self-sufficient society on the most isolated chain of islands in the middle of the largest ocean on earth.

As you explore our Hale, our word for houses, which were built and used for separate purposes, you will see examples of an eating hale, a sleeping hale and a working hale. Learn to play ancient Hawaiian games, taste freshly prepared poi, try a hula lesson, discover the art of lauhala weaving and enjoy all the beauty of Hawai'i.