The Valuable Hawaiian Tikis

Tikis are very significant to the people of Hawaii. These are the wooden hand-carved figures that were meant to symbolize the islands’ guardians, chief gods, as well as spirit powers.

The early people of the Hawaiian Islands traveled from Polynesia roughly a thousand years ago and they brought with them several religious and sacred beliefs. The tikis are the representation of the numerous gods of both Polynesia and Hawaii. According to Polynesian mythology, the tiki usually stands for the first human being on the planet.

Oahu wedding photo with tikis

In Hawaii, the tikis were hand-carved in order to symbolize a particular god’s image along with the depiction of the god’s or power. The ancient Hawaiians believed that by means of the beautifully crafted tikis, it is quite possible that the people would strengthen their force in the event of a war, be shielded from any harm, and also be granted with thriving crops.

The leading gods of Hawaii that were exemplified by their tiki representations consist of Ku, which was the war god; Lono, which was the peace and agriculture god; Kane, which was the god of creation, jungles, sunlight, and fresh water; and Kanaloa, which was the god of the underwater world.

King Kamehameha II put an end to the early practice of religion called aikapu during 1819. Most of the ancient temples as well as spiritual images like tikis were ruined. But then, there are still several tiki relics that remain until now in honor of the era when austere religious convictions ran the ancient Hawaii people.

The tikis could take various crafted forms such as the huge sculptures, petroglyphs imprinted into rocks, god-like images engraved into boats or drums, as well as tattoo designs on one’s body. The artistic similarities produced in the tikis reveal such a superior level of workmanship and meticulousness. The most familiar tiki figure has a well-built, sturdy body that has a rectangular head and appears to be sporting a headdress. This mystifying character is somewhat an intimidating figure, complete with huge eyes and a war-like stance.

Ever since the 1930s, a tiki culture that represents the island lifestyle started to form around these unusual sculptures. There was a growth of tiki-themed restaurants that featured tiki torches, tiki carvings, rattan furniture, as well as bamboo or wooden products. Tiki bars were also put up and these bars offered mai tais in addition to other island cocktails. When Hawaii was made a state during 1959, the aloha shirt, the tiki culture, plus all the other island icons became unbelievably a huge hit all over the country. check out this hawaii tiki wedding

These days, one would be able to find some gigantic wooden figures in some key locations around the Aloha State, which includes the Polynesian Cultural Center located at the North Shore of Oahu. At La Marianas on Honolulu’s Sand Island, which is considered as Hawaii’s most renowned tiki bar, guests would be able to take pleasure in some tropical drinks among a great number of tiki memorabilia. Visitors of the state would definitely come across a tiki image wherever they go but these are not just any old figures, for they used to represent the ancient Hawaiian gods.  Article by Oahu wedding and wedding themes

Practice the Amazing Hawaiian Shaka Sign

For tourists who have already explored the Hawaiian Islands, they have certainly seen the well-known hand gesture that goes perfectly with the locals’ greeting. The shaka symbol, which is the instantly recognizable thumb and pinky salutation, is the best icon of the Hawaiian local culture. This symbol could be translated as “hang loose” and this shaka sign is a frequent reminder that in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, it is customary not to be anxious or rush through life. The shaka gesture symbolizes the personification of leading a Hawaiian lifestyle and it signifies that things would always be all right. Hawaii photographer

Every person in Hawaii recognizes the shaka symbol for it is prevalent in all of the islands. One could utilize the shaka gesture whenever a person wants to share some aloha spirit, to express thanks or appreciation for good things done by another person, or it could also be done every time one says either hello or goodbye. This symbol is not just a mere nonverbal message. When tourists practice the shaka gesture, they area also recognizing the real meaning of aloha and they are also involving themselves in the culture of Hawaii.

For travelers who are not yet familiar on how to make a shaka sign, they should first ball either hand into a fist. Then, they should stick out their thumb and pinkie fingers while their middle fingers are still curled underneath. One could also rotate the wrist when sending out a shaka gesture.

Where the shaka symbol came from is not really known but a lot of people agree that the origin of shaka is associated with the beach and surfing cultures. There is one story that asserts that the shaka gesture was initially performed during 1940 as a sign of blessing by a native folk hero of Hawaii identified as Hamana Kalili. He was from Laie and he was doing what is now known as the shaka symbol because he was missing 3 of his middle fingers on the right hand because of an accident in the sugar mills.

Wherever this compelling and pleasing symbol came from, it continues to be a fervent reminder of the heart of aloha, which makes the Hawaiian Islands extraordinarily special with travelers. This exotic gesture has gone beyond numerous generations and it keeps on bonding the Hawaii locals with an exceptional tradition that cannot be found anywhere else.

The shaka sign is an effortless but strong way to advise locals and travelers alike of how people should always keep an eye out for one other on these islands. It is also a reminder to make an effort to share the aloha spirit every day. For new guests to the Aloha State, they should not be bashful about sending some shakas to people for it is a fairly easy hand gesture and everybody loves receiving shakas. This symbol is done in the islands to convey various meanings such as hello, aloha, goodbye, thank you, take care, and many more. The remarkable shaka expresses all this plus a whole lot more by a simple gesture of the hand.

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Check Out the Charming Museums of Hawaii

When travelers visit Hawaii, they consider seeing the state’s world-renowned sandy beaches as absolutely crucial for them to believe that they have had a perfect Hawaiian vacation. But then, more and more guests of these beautiful Hawaiian Islands are also spending some time exploring the profound history as well as the rich culture of Hawaii.

Hawaii is home to a vast selection of interesting museums that would complete any travelers’ itinerary. Visiting a museum would enrich one’s knowledge and understanding of the Hawaiian culture. From early Island artifacts to plantation period items as well as American military exhibits, there is definitely no lack of some fascinating historical displays that can be found in Hawaii.

For instance, on the island of Oahu, Honolulu’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum plays host to a massive amount of historical finds that were gathered both from the Islands and the Pacific area. Close to the Aloha Tower in the busy district of Honolulu, one would be able to see the Hawaii Maritime Museum. This museum features the maritime history of the state beginning from the early Polynesian explorers to the celebrated luxury liners back in the ‘20s and the ‘30s. At the famous Pearl Harbor, one would be able to find the Battleship Missouri Memorial as well as the USS Arizona Memorial Museum, both of which pay tribute to the numerous heroes of the war. In Waipahu, the Plantation Village of Hawaii gives tourists a chance to see the colorful plantation days of the state, showcasing the cultures and traditions of 8 various ethnic groups that worked on Hawaii’s several sugar plantations.

On the island of Maui, tourists would be able to visit the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum. This particular museum is home to an array of intriguing artifacts and ancient photographs. In Lahaina, visitors could also check out the Whalers Village Museum. This enthralling museum focuses on the history of the region’s rich whaling era, which is around 1825 up until the 1860s. The displays here consist of logbooks, harpoons, an extensive assortment of scrimshaw in the 19^th century as well as a replica of a whaling ship that measures 6 feet.

The Big Island also boasts of magnificent museums. One of the most suggested historical stops for tourists here is the Hulihee Palace. This is a lovely Victorian edifice based in Kailua-Kona that previously functioned as a vacation hideaway for the state’s ali‘i royalty. Another favorite museum in this island is the Lyman House Memorial Museum found in Hilo. This structure highlights the Hawaiian Island’s cultural and natural histories, which is a must-see for Big Island guests.

When one is in Kauai, Lihue’s Kauai Museum is a great place to learn more about Hawaii. One would be able to view a little bit of everything in this place such as antique artifacts and wistful treasures that describe the plantation era in this island. Travelers would also be able to see the ancient way of life of the people of Kauai in this museum. This is truly a fantastic way to deepen a person’s understanding of the island’s history.

These are simply some of the Aloha State’s beguiling museums. As travelers explore the Hawaiian Islands, they would still be able to uncover more museums and they would be able to discover the true essence of this captivating state in the process.

Art in Hula Dancing

The Hula dance is always associated with Hawaii and while everyone is familiar with what the Hula is, unfortunately not all people even the Hawaiians are knowledgeable of where it came from. Hawaiian history states that there is no specific information that pinpoints of who performed the original Hula and why.   However, it is a common belief that the first Hula dance was first performed by a god, thus making the dance very sacred to the Hawaiians.  Despite several information that the hula dance was only performed by men, both sexes are performing the Hula dance and is very sacred to  all Hawaiians.

There are quite several Polynesian dances but the Hula is unique and totally different with other dances in the whole world.  Originally, the hula dance was used for ceremonies and rituals but this changed over the past years and now, the hula is used for entertainment.

Hula dancing is quite a challenging form of art.  The Hula dance is a very sentimental dance and every moment of an individual’s body represents something.  The hands also take part in the choreography of the hula.  When one is dancing the hula, he or she may be portraying a palm tree, plants, war, and even animals.  Because of this, an individual is transforming himself into an object that they are portraying.  The hula dancer is a story teller through the movements of the hands and body, this is why it is very important to watch.  Chants are also sung to accompany the dance.  In the past, the chants were the most important part of the hula but now it is the movements who are watched carefully.  If you watch a portrayal of the old hula and compare it with the new hula, you will see the difference.  Both styles are fun to watch but the old hula dance is more ritualistic.

The performers of the hula wears a costume to dance the hula. The leis are made of flowers and is hanged around the neck or shoulders.  A skirt made from grass is also used and is actually made of  “pau” or tapa as what they locally call it.  The dancers also have anklets which are made from whale bone or sometimes dog teeth.  The whole costume makes the vision of a true hula dancer.

There are hula schools and organizations that teach the old style of hula dancing to both tourists and people from the mainland.  This is because the hula dance is still an important part of their culture

If you try to visit Hawaii, no matter what island you choose to have your vacation, you will surely see a lot of hula dancers using the old style hula to the newer version of the hula dance.  Regardless which style you prefer, you should never miss to attend dances or festivals that show both styles so that you can experience the performing arts of Hawaii, and you can learn about their culture, the people and their rich history. You will never know, you might end learning the hula yourself.