Hawaiian Culture Center is a Native Hawaiian-owned and operated gathering place in Hilo, offering meaningful, hands-on experiences rooted in the traditions of Hawaiʻi. Led by local cultural practitioners, guests can make lei, lear...
Hawaiian Culture Center is a Native Hawaiian-owned and operated gathering place in Hilo, offering meaningful, hands-on experiences rooted in the traditions of Hawaiʻi. Led by local cultural practitioners, guests can make lei, lear...
I had such a great time visiting the Hawaiian Cultural Center! It was one of the most authentic and educational experiences of my trip. I got to learn about Hawaiian culture in a really hands on way, including how to make a traditional Hawaiian ti leaf lei, which was so fun and special. One of the highlights was getting to harvest kalo (taro), a staple food in Hawaiian culture. They explained the importance of kalo and how it connects to the Hawaiian people and their traditions. What made it even more meaningful is that the kalo we helped harvest will be donated to members of the local community to eat, and some of the huli (taro cuttings) will be given out so others can plant and grow their own food. The whole experience felt very authentic, down to earth, and respectful of Hawaiian traditions. Love learning directly from people who truly care about sharing their culture. Thank you so much for such a memorable and educational experience. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting Hawaiʻi who wants to learn about the real culture and traditions of the islands! 🌺
Nelly B
March 10, 2026
I had such a great time visiting the Hawaiian Cultural Center! It was one of the most authentic and educational experiences of my trip. I got to learn about Hawaiian culture in a really hands on way, including how to make a traditional Hawaiian ti leaf lei, which was so fun and special. One of the highlights was getting to harvest kalo (taro), a staple food in Hawaiian culture. They explained the importance of kalo and how it connects to the Hawaiian people and their traditions. What made it even more meaningful is that the kalo we helped harvest will be donated to members of the local community to eat, and some of the huli (taro cuttings) will be given out so others can plant and grow their own food. The whole experience felt very authentic, down to earth, and respectful of Hawaiian traditions. Love learning directly from people who truly care about sharing their culture. Thank you so much for such a memorable and educational experience. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting Hawaiʻi who wants to learn about the real culture and traditions of the islands! 🌺
Nelly B
March 10, 2026