Oahu Spotlight:

Pukoa Studios, Page Chang

Ancient Hawaiians used kapa, a material derived from the wauke tree, to make garments and ceremonial items. Today, artisans, artists, and designers across Hawaii have renewed the art and use of this ancient textile. Page Chang of Pukoa Studios in Honolulu's Chinatown is a Native Hawaiian kapa maker and artist who grows her own wauke trees; harvests and processes the inner bark into kapa; produces her own dyes to color the kapa cloth; and makes kapa art pieces, garments, and jewelry. It's no wonder that Page calls her process "farm-to-table art."

Q: You're a formally trained artist. How did you transition to kapa making?
A: As a painter and printmaker, I'm intrigued by process arts. About 25 years ago, I learned how to make native dyes. Six years ago, I found a kapa teacher in Makaha. Coming from a family of gardeners, I had a natural affinity for learning how to grow, care for, and harvest the wauke tree. I also learned how to make the tools for processing the tree.

Q: What do you make with kapa?
A: I create large and conceptual pieces for exhibits and wearable items including earrings, bracelets, cuffs, necklaces, bags, clutches, and belts. I also make soft textiles like kihei (wraps) and malo (men's loincloths).

Q: Once you have made the kapa, what is your design process?
A: I use my own dyes to build up colors on the kapa. Then I stamp the kapa with ohe kapala which are carved bamboo stamps with different designs.

Q: What are the cultural lessons of kapa?
A: Kapa making is sustainable as wauke trees reproduce themselves very easily. In kapa making, no part of the wauke tree is wasted. It's all about managing your resources and not throwing anything away. 

Q: What else do you want people to know about kapa?
Kapa was almost extinguished like many Hawaiian cultural practices, but it is slowly coming back to the people of Hawaii through the dedication of a few. Even though it's not the most practical fabric by modern standards, the connection brings us back to our ancestors and the aina (land). Kapa is a great example of a renewable product, a healthy process, and it teaches us to manage and cherish our natural resources. There's a lot of mana (spirit) in wearing kapa, something that goes back over one thousand years.

Meet Page, Take a Workshop, Enjoy a Demo, and Make a Kapa Keepsake
Visit Pukoa Studios on First Friday, the monthly art walk in Honolulu‘s Chinatown, or stop by Paakai Marketplace at Salt at Our Kaakako the third weekend of every month. Meet Page, enjoy a kapa demonstration, and make a kapa bracelet or earrings.

Oahu’s Museums and Attractions

A Rich Kaleidoscope of Experiences

Oahu's Museums and Attractions: A Rich Kaleidoscope of Experiences
Discover Hawaii's kings, queens, natural history, and rich artistic traditions at Oahu's superb museums and America's only royal palace.

Bishop Museum
At Bishop Museum, explore everything from Hawaii's royal families and Polynesian voyaging, to volcanic formation, and the birth of surfing. Consider The Behind The Scenes Tour, an exclusive, small group guided experience with world renowned historian DeSoto Brown, or The Monarchs Tour that visits both Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace. Upcoming exhibits include Kini ke Kua: Transformative Images (through 9/2/19) which explores the relationships between images and people and invites guests to engage with rare and treasured objects from the Bishop Museum and around the world. Traveling Bricks (5/25/19-10/27/20) is a family exhibit made of nearly one-million LEGO bricks. Spineless Wonders: Hidden Worlds of Biodiversity (9/21/19-3/29/20) will showcase the invertebrates of the Pacific region. And Surfing (12/14/19-5/2/20) will trace the origin and evolution of this popular sport which was born in Hawaii.

Iolani Palace
Magnificent Iolani Palace recalls Hawaii's time as an independent royal kingdom. King Kalakaua, Hawaii's last reigning monarch, built the Palace to enhance the prestige of Hawaii overseas and furnished it with the latest amenities: indoor plumbing, gas chandeliers (replaced by electric lighting five years later), and modern communications including the telephone. Take a guided tour and learn about the Palace's history from its completion in 1882 to the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. Self-guided audio tours are also available. Download the new mobile app which enables you to explore the Palace grounds and hear captivating stories as you approach each landmark.

Queen Emma Summer Palace
Up on Pali Highway, lowkey Queen Emma Summer Palace is a secluded, charming seven-room Greek Revival abode that was the mountain home and summer retreat of Queen Emma of Hawaii, her husband King Kamehameha IV, and their son Prince Albert Edward in the mid to late 19th century. You'll feel a special connection to the Queen and her family as you view her baby grand piano, magnificent family portraits, a silver christening vessel sent by Queen Victoria of England (who was Prince Albert's godmother), plus the Prince's crib, bathtub, toys, and books.

Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Sites and Archives (HMH)
Experience the history of the Protestant missionaries in Hawaii and their relationship with the Hawaiian people and the alii (royalty) during the 19th century at Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Sites and Archives (HMH). HMH showcases this cooperative relationship which includes the introduction of Christianity, the development of the written Hawaiian language and schools to spread literacy, the idea of constitutional government, the combination of Hawaiian and Western medicine, and the evolution of new and distinctive musical traditions. Lively events fill HMH's calendar including Shakespeare Under the Palms (Aug. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17), the Na Lani Eha Musical Series honoring Queen Liliuokalani (Sept 21), and Family Day Open House (Sept 28). The Oahu Cemetery Pupu Theatre Hele i ke Kula (June 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29) showcases the lives of prominent local historical people buried at Oahu Cemetery in specially commissioned theatrical performances. 

Honolulu Museum of Art – Spalding House – Shangri La
Spend a few hours browsing the transformative international expositions and permanent collections of European, American, Asian, and Hawaiian art at Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) housed in two beautiful historic buildings. On another day, visit Spalding House, HoMA's second location, set high above Honolulu in sculpture filled gardens where you can picnic and enjoy the breathtaking Honolulu views. And finally, don't miss Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture and Design. Built in 1937 as the private home of Doris Duke, the American heiress and philanthropist, Shangri La was inspired by her global travels and reflects architectural traditions from India, Iran, Morocco, and Syria.

Hawaii State Art Museum
Experience contemporary creative works by Hawaii artists and wonderful live events at Hawaii State Art Museum (HiSAM). Current exhibitions include HAWAII: Change & Continuity (thru 6/28/19); EMPHASIZED: eye on scale; and STATE OF ART: new work. On First Friday, a monthly event, the museum stays open late from 6-9 pm with a free, family friendly evening of art and live music. On the monthly Second Saturdays, drop in 11 am-3 pm for a free hands-on "make and take" art activity for all ages. The Art Lunch is a free "meet the artist" lecture series the last Tuesday each month 12-1 pm. And the Pau Hana Artist Talk is an artist presentation held alternate months.

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Hands-On Cultural Experiences

Immersive Hawaii Moments

Hands-On Cultural Experiences: Immersive Hawaii Moments
From traditional Polynesian cooking, to ancient Hawaiian fishing methods, and a modern urban walking tour, immerse yourself in Oahu’s diverse cultural experiences.

Polynesian Cultural Center
Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) showcases life in six Pacific island nations — Hawaii, Fiji, Tonga, Aotearea (New Zealand), Samoa, and Tahiti — through authentic village settings, immersive experiences, and live theatrical shows. Make a meal from scratch on the intimate, new, behind-the-scenes Umu Making Experience. You’ll meet your Polynesian guide, visit PCC’s tropical farm, and help harvest ulu (bread fruit), kalo (taro), tapioca, bananas, coconuts, and other seasonal items. Back at Samoan Village, learn how to clean and prepare the food and help make the fire by rubbing sticks together and building an umu (fire pit) with rocks. Together, you’ll husk, crack, and milk coconuts; add the coconut milk to the harvested fruits and vegetables; wrap them in leaves, and place them on the umu. The food and umu pit are then covered with large banana leaves and left to steam cook for 45 minutes. While the meal is cooking, your guide will teach you how to weave a plate of coconut leaves. Once the meal is cooked, you’ll help uncover the umu pit and enjoy the food together.

Hawaii Capital Historic District Story Walking Tour
Home to some of Oahu’s most significant architectural, historic, and artistic landmarks, the Hawaii Capital Historic District can now be enjoyed on a self-guided walking tour using a brand new interactive map, available for download on your smart phone or tablet. This joint project between the Historic Hawaii Foundation, Cultural Surveys Hawaii, and Mid-Pacific Institute incorporates public art, architecture, history, technology, and information about this neighborhood listed on the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places. Discover 32 landmarks along the way including Kamehameha Statue, Kawaiahao Church, Nagasaki Peace Bell, Iolani Palace, the State Capitol, and Hawaii State Art Museum, each featuring a lively description.

Malama Loko Ea Foundation
For thousands of years before contact with the West, Hawaiians lived in self-sustaining ahupuaa — pie-shaped, mountain to sea land divisions. As part of their ahupuaa system, Hawaiians built walled fishponds that provided them with a steady supply of fish. On the North Shore, Malama Loka Ea Foundation has been restoring 400-year-old Loko Ea Fishpond so it can again become a thriving resource of fish for the community. The Foundation is also an educational platform where students and community members learn and practice land stewardship and Hawaiian culture as a way of life. Here locals and visitors experience the ingenuity of traditional Hawaiian land stewardship and learn how that indigenous knowledge is so applicable today. Enjoy two different Loko Ea Fishpond tours: the Hololea Tour and Hoohui Eco Tour. Or volunteer on Loka Ea Community Work Days, the third Saturday of each month, which include rock wall building, invasive grass removal, and learning the history of the area, the fishpond, and Hawaiian values. For more information or to sign up, email info@lokoea.org or visit their contact page.

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Discover Hawaii's Makers, Artists, and Artisans

Talented Locals Celebrate and Perpetuate Hawaii's Culture

Discover Oahu’s Makers, Artists, and Artisans: Talented Locals Celebrate and Perpetuate Hawaii’s Culture
Shop for handmade treasures created by local artists, craftspeople, and designers dedicated to interpreting, preserving, and perpetuating Hawaii’s culture.

Nohea Gallery
Nohea Gallery — with Kahala Mall and Hyatt Regency Waikiki locations —has been a marketplace for Hawaii artists and craftspeople since 1990. “’Nohea refers to beauty in a place, person, or object,” explains Laurie Baron who owns the stores with her mother, Gail Baron. “Nohea is about the beauty when someone makes something.” Indeed, Nohea is filled with extraordinary items, including a variety of jewelry; traditional Hawaiian calabashes, modern bowls, and other items in Hawaiian woods like koa, milio, and kamani; Hawaiian paintings and prints; plus ceramic art and glass art.

Noeau Designers
Launched in 2017 by two local women, Vaalele Malaki and Corrina Travis, Noeau Designers in Kapolei — just 10 minutes from Ko Olina Resort — features traditional and contemporary island-made products infused with the craftsmanship of the individual artists and artisans. “’Noeau’ means someone who is skilled at something,” explains Vaalele. “Noeau Designers is a marketplace for artisans who are skilled in their culture and craft.” Here you’ll find a carefully curated selection of handmade-in-Hawaii jewelry, apparel, soaps, and handbags. When you shop at Noeau Designers, you’ll hear the stories behind the products and know you’re taking home a piece of Hawaii. The store also offers cultural workshops in coconut leaf hat and lei making.

Brooke Kapukuniahi Parker: Painter
Brook Parker grew up inspired by his father’s passion for Hawaiian history and art. Now he is a well-known painter of Hawaiian history and events that he fell in love with as a youngster. “My Dad and stories of our ancestors are my inspiration,” says Brooke. “My art is my way of honoring them and keeping their memory alive.” Brook’s own family is legendary: His great-great-great grandfather John Palmer Parker, the founder of the Parker Ranch on Hawaii Island, was married to Rachel Oahiaku, the great-grand-granddaugher of King Kamehameha. Today, private clients, hotels, and public and private organizations like Hawaii Convention Center and the University of Hawaii are home to Brook’s dramatic paintings of ancient Hawaiian warriors, chiefs, and battle scenes. Visitors to Oahu can commission work from Brook or buy prints at Polynesian Cultural Center, The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Hawaii Convention Center, Alohilani Resort, and online at HawaiianAtArt.org.

Maile Kaipo: Hawaiian Jewelry and Fashion
Maile Kaipo began Maile Girl Designs four years ago by making shell earrings that sold out quickly at the Waimanalo Market Co-op. Now she creates a wide assortment of rings, chains, bracelets in sterling silver and 14 karat gold filled enhanced with shells, Tahitian and fresh water pearls, and stones all featuring Hawaiian design motifs. “The most important thing is that I try to always have some kind of relationship with the natural world and something that is culturally related,” explains Maile. She also makes tunics for women with Hawaiian fern designs and clutches featuring traditional bamboo stamp designs. Maile’s designs are found at Waimanalo Market Co-op, Sea Life Park, and Waimea Valley.

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Oahu Hotels and Resorts

Guest Programs Bring Hawaii's Culture to Life

Oahu Hotels and Resorts: Guest Programs Bring Hawaii's Culture to Life
Oahu's hotels and resorts share the spirit of aloha through unique cultural programs designed for guests.

Sunrise Ceremony in Waikiki
Enjoy a traditional Hawaiian morning ceremony on the beach in front of the Moana Surfrider and The Royal Hawaiian designed to cleanse body, mind, and spirit and focus the mind towards a greater future. Begin a with traditional Hawaiian chants, wade into the ocean, and immerse yourself at your pace. Returning to the sand, you'll welcome the new day with another chant.

From Traditional Hawaiian Wedding Vows to Lei Making
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort and Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort offer several authentic cultural experiences, including complimentary Hawaiian sunrise wedding vow renewals on the beach, stand up paddleboard yoga, and classes in in lei making, ukulele, wood carving, and making bracelets out of ti leaves or kukui nuts.

At the Museums
The Kahala Hotel & Resort's KISCA Program (Kahala Initiative for Sustainability, Culture & The Arts) invites guests to enjoy a spectrum of cultural programs. Now guest can enjoy special tours to some of Oahu's finest museums including Doris Duke's Shangri La, Hawaii State Art Museum, Bishop Museum, and Iolani Palace

Native Hawaiian Culture
Learn more about the Halekulani's history and the hotel's many connections with Native Hawaiian culture on the 90-minute Historic Halekulani & Hawaiian Culture Tour which showcases the royal history of the coconut grove, the special shrine to the fishing gods, and the federally endangered flower grown on property. 

On the North Shore
Turtle Bay Resort's new guided walking tour to Kahuku Point enables guests to learn about North Shore indigenous birds and plant life. Guests can also learn to dance hula and play ukulele, enjoy keiki (children's) hula performances, and make their own fresh flower lei. 

Hula to Hiking
At Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, take a spiritual journey to remote and wild Kaena Point on West Oahu with kumu hula (hula master teacher) Laakea Perry who shares stories of the Leaping Rock, where ancient Hawaiians believed mortal souls made the final leap into realm of the gods. #FSWAYFINDERS is a weekly series featuring art, culture, history, and in depth workshops in bamboo wood carving, haku lei making, lauhala weaving, ancient healing practices, and sarong dying.

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Malama Oahu:

Voluntourism Opportunity

Malama Oahu: Voluntourism Opportunity
Malama Learning Center in West Oahu is a local nonprofit dedicated to conserving the culture and sustainability of Hawaii through education with an emphasis on creating the connection between the people to the land and the ocean. Their Ola Na Kini ("Life for the Multitude") program focuses on the replanting of native species in mountain and coastal areas. Visitors are welcome to join locals on monthly Community Work Days which includes prepping the sites for planting, removing invasive species, weeding, and planting. Volunteers also learn about the cultural significance of the plants and the relationship between the mountains and the sea. To learn more and sign up, email info@malamalearningcenter.org.

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