This Competition Celebrates Indigenous Pacific Islanders and Maps Out How Guests to Hawaii Can Do the Identical

A visit to Hawaii wasn’t in my instant plans because of the nature of all that locals endured over the previous few years. Between inflation, a water disaster in O’ahu, and Maui’s heartbreaking hearth, the thought of taking a trip there didn’t resonate with me. However an invite to attend a cultural pageant (the Competition of Pacific Island Arts & Tradition or FestPAC) coupled with my want to study extra concerning the folks, the land, and the impression of tourism, led me to take my first journey to this magnificent nook of the globe.

FestPAC is not only a pageant; it is a homecoming for the various peoples of the Pacific, a reunion of traditions, and a strong reminder of the wonder and resilience of Indigenous cultures. I used to be surrounded by the melodies of conventional songs and the sight of dancers in beautiful regalia throughout this vibrant celebration. (FestPAC made its triumphant return to Hawaii this yr after an eight-year hiatus.)

This yr’s theme — “Ho’oulu Lāhui” or Regenerating Oceania — spoke to not solely the cultural and inventive points of the nations from throughout Melanesia, Polynesia, and Micronesia but additionally addressed modern points like local weather change and land preservation. Hawaii, with its spirit of aloha, was the proper host for such an event. The aloha spirit is greater than only a greeting — it embodies love, peace, and compassion, which permeates each interplay and made me really feel very a lot at residence. As vacationers, understanding and embracing this precept can rework our journeys into deeply enriching experiences.

“FestPAC holds historic significance for Hawaii and different Pacific cultures by serving as a catalyst for cultural revitalization and heritage preservation, whereas offering financial and academic advantages for individuals and attendees. For greater than 50 years, it has continued to function an important platform for celebrating and safeguarding the wealthy cultural tapestry of the Pacific,” Aaron Sāla, FestPAC Hawaii’s director, advised Journey + Leisure.

From observing the weaving of leaves made into baskets and handmade crafted jewellery partnered with the intentional dance actions conveying generational tales to the Indigenous tattooing I marveled on the Bishop Museum, I used to be left utterly in awe of the folks and their sacred practices. I found that the true essence of Hawaii and its folks lies of their profound connection to the land and their dedication to preserving their cultural heritage. Impressed by this, I sought out methods to offer again and immerse myself within the tradition extra meaningfully.

“By approaching Hawaiian cultural practices respectfully with an open thoughts and a willingness to study, guests can have a extra enriching expertise. Attend cultural occasions and demonstrations with humility, comply with protocols and steerage from native practitioners, and at all times present respect for our sacred websites and traditions. For those who’re unsure, ask,” Kalani Kaʻanaʻana, Hawaii’s Tourism Authority’s chief stewardship officer, advised T+L.

One of the rewarding experiences was throughout my tour of Kualoa Ranch, a non-public nature reserve that serves as a sustainable leisure web site. Many individuals come for the breathtaking views and the numerous Hollywood film units from blockbusters like Jurassic World and Jumanji, however I got here to offer one thing again. With my UTV tour information, I planted a tree and was heartbroken to listen to that this a part of the tour many individuals choose out of. I took pleasure in erupting the soil from the bottom and planting my tree. And although it’s going to take 150 years to achieve its heights, these bushes are nonetheless very important for restoring Hawaii’s distinctive ecosystems, which have suffered from deforestation and invasive species. I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and connection to the Earth.

The Hawaiian precept of mālama ʻāina — caring for the land — guided my efforts, with my tour information instructing me that stewardship of the setting is integral to the tradition.

“Simply as we’ve got a accountability to look after our folks and place, we ask that guests take pleasure on this effort as effectively,” Ka’ana’ana stated. “Meaning supporting locally-owned companies, staying on managed trails, protecting a far distance from protected marine life, utilizing reef-safe sunscreen, and giving again by taking part in voluntourism alternatives.”

Her suggestions for vacationers embrace visiting nationwide historic websites, parks, and wahi pana (sacred locations) throughout the islands that supply profound connections to the heritage and non secular roots. “Locations like ʻĪao Valley State Monument on Maui, Iolani Palace on Oʻahu, Kōkeʻe State Park on Kauaʻi, and Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau on the island of Hawaii maintain nice cultural and historic significance. Make sure to discover respectfully and take into account hiring native guides to share the deeper meanings behind these particular locations,” Ka’ana’ana stated.

Hawaii’s tourism gives the Mālama Hawaii program for guests to make a optimistic impression by voluntourism actions, equivalent to tree planting and seashore clean-ups. These actions additionally provide deep insights into the cultural values and practices that outline Hawaiian life.

As my time in Hawaii got here to an finish, I felt an awesome sense of gratitude. FestPAC was a reminder of the resilience and vibrancy of Pacific Island cultures, and my experiences taught me the significance of giving again to the land and its folks.

By embracing the ideas of aloha and mālama ʻāina, vacationers cannot solely take pleasure in Hawaii’s pure splendor but additionally contribute to the preservation and celebration of its distinctive tradition. As vacationers, we’ve got the privilege and accountability to honor these traditions, guaranteeing that the spirit of aloha continues to thrive for generations to return.