Hawaii - Island Culture Shines

Great concern has been rampant about the lack ofand perpetuate its message is a daunting undertaking,
"Hawaii" in the so-called "Hawaiian" activities,the Center's goal is not one of just providing an
merchandise and demonstrations witnessedactivity exercise but to share information and
throughout the island's hotels. Such items like leis andknowledge so that responsibility is assigned to the
bracelets being strung with shells from the Philippinesparticipant. Thus, programs are constantly in the
or tropical print bags, dolls and pot holders bearingplanning stages, including work shops teaching cultural
the status of "Made in China"---even many souvenirsinsights inspired and motivated by Hawaiian themes.
sold to visitors in Hawaii are created in and sold fromThe presenters are artists and practitioners
such places as Bali, Thailand.As odd as it can be,specializing in their specific field of expertise.Special
much of what is offered as authentic "Hawaiian" artspermission was granted by the owners of the historic
and crafts is actually imported from other foreignCoco Palms in Wailua, heavily damaged in Hurricane
countries and guests of the islands haven't theIniki in 1992, to the students of the Center to sketch
slightest clue!As a result, a lot of time and energy hasits structures and lagoons. More lectures will be
been spent on allowing the "real" Hawaiian culture topresented on ancient places of worship and on these
stand out and become noticed by all those millions oflagoons---which were first used as fish ponds by the
people who come to Hawaii annually. For much tooRoyalty.The Center will also organize cultural
long, the tendency was to push touristy trends likeexcursions, like taking 5th-6th graders to learn about
torch lighting ceremonies, Polynesian dancing revuesHawaii's environment, it's native plants and about
and flashy hotels---all of which were ultimately lackingconservation. The group size will be limited to
in substance when authentic "Hawaiian" culturalanywhere from 6 to 30 people because of the
experiences were what was really desired.In 1998,impact on the sacred cultural sites.With the advent of
the Kauai Heritage Center of Hawaiian Culture andnew technologies and conveniences, many of today's
the Arts opened---a 1,200 square-foot facility with aHawaiians have forgotten the value and wisdom of
purpose to educate and create mind awareness forthe "old ways". So, a comprehensive training program
appreciation and respect of the true "Hawaiian"aimed at Hawaiian Islands' visitor industry---hotel
culture. Exhibits in the Center focus on the Hawaiianemployees and business organizations---commenced
quilts, hand-carved fishing tools, hula instruments andbased on traditional Hawaiian values.This training
implements, as well as a vast array of mats, fansprogram offers 8 hours of instruction covering
and baskets, to name just a few. Most of thesubjects on healing with herbs, sacred offerings,
artefacts making up the exhibits are treasuredmassage, music, proverbs and poetry.Perpetuating
heirlooms belonging to Hawaiian families forthe integrity of the Hawaiian culture is what the
decades.The Center also instructs hands-on classesCenter is all about. Its goal, in short, is to accomplish
that probe and discuss all aspects of a specificevery- thing possible to keep Hawaii "Hawaiian".
subject, i.e., hula, leaf printing and the HawaiianThere is a constant vigil to correct false and
language. These sessions also cover lei makinginaccurate representations of Hawaiian practices. Both
techniques along with the sharing of its protocols andvisitors and locals alike are encouraged to discover
customs that span the entire experience--- from thethe "real" Hawaii and not fall victim to activities
preparation of materials to the actual leisreferred to as "traditional" when in fact, they are
disposal.Realizing that to preserve Hawaiian culture"gimmicks for amusement".