Maui Traditional Culture

One of the best ways to learn about Maui and experience their culture is to get some hands-on time with their arts & crafts scene. The indigenous arts of Maui range from dancing to spear throwing, and date back centuries. Other crafts on Maui, like quilting, are not as old, but rather symbolize the influence of the mainland on this island, beginning in the 1800s. Lauhala weaving is one centuries-old tradition in Maui, and incorporates the use of lau, which means "leaves" of the hala tree. The lau were braided and used for lot of things, such as wall thatch, mats, canoe sails, and clothing. YOu can see artisans today in Maui using lau to make handbags and bracelets. You can even learn to make your own lau craft!

The easily recognizable and symbolic outrigger canoes of the hawaiians are crafted with an eye toward aesthetic appeal, much like their arts & crafts. Polynesians all around the Pacific once used outrigger canoes for transportation, and Hawaiians still consider them to be an important part of their traditional culture. Master carvers work at the Festival of Canoes in Lahaina, and through watching them and visiting the displays at the Festival, you can learn all about how they're made as well as their unique aerodynamic engineering. From spring through late summer catch paddlers in action as they put their handiwork to use on the water in race events every weekend.

Canoe racing wasn't the only sport enjoyed by ancient Hawaiians. Their leisure time was spent surfing, lawn bowling, and warrior games such as spear throwing and throw-net fishing. They also know how to party, at weeks-long lu'au, involving much eating! The traditional term in Hawaiian for the lawn bowling they enjoyed is ulu maika. They used stones to play this traditional game, and you can try your hand at these cultural traditions in Maui during any festival, and around the island during the entire year.