Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures.  In addition to native Hawaiians, waves of immigrants have brought their food, music, religion and traditions to these islands.  Follow these links to learn more about the rich cultural traditions of Hawaii...

Food

The food of Hawaii is a mixed plate of cultures and cuisines:  Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Portuguese, "local."  

"Plate lunch" is unique to Hawaii - meat, macaroni salad and "two scoops rice,"  usually for under $5.  Carbs abound, veggies are sometimes tricky to find.

Local food includes:

Kalua pig - pulled pork from a pig traditionally baked slowly in an underground oven, or "imu."

Laulau - bundles of beef, pork, chicken or fish, wrapped in taro and ti leaves and baked in an imu.

Poi - purplish paste of pounded, cooked taro, traditionally eaten with the fingers.

Lomi-lomi salmon - this mixture of raw salmon, tomatoes and green onions looks a lot like chunky salsa.

Haupia - delicious coconut pudding, often also used in cream pies.

The Arts

Music 

Hawaii has a thriving local music business.  No fewer than a dozen radio stations play "island music" some or all of the time.  And "island music" itself is a diverse mix of styles - from traditional chanting to tropical sounding "Jawaiian."  My favorite station, KORL, broadcasts live over the internet.  Check it out.

Many of the hottest local entertainers have regular gigs at clubs or restaurants.  Some of my favorites...

Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Now deceased, "Bruddah Iz" is an icon in Hawaiian music.  Mainlanders may recognize his ukelele and humming - E-Toys uses his rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful Life in their television commercials.

Hapa - Meaning "half," this talented duet is composed of Barry Flanagan and Keli'i Kaneali'i.  Play regularly at Chia's Island Bistro in Aloha Tower Marketplace.

Eric Gilliom - This talented entertainer sings, dances and acts.  Watch for him in the upcoming WB show "These Nuts."

Theater

Local theater abounds on all islands.  On Oahu, check out Manoa Valley Theater.  Touring companies of Broadway shows sometimes make it to the islands.

Film

Don't expect to find a lot of art house films in the islands.  Limited run films rarely make it here.

The Hawaii International Film Festival takes place each November on several islands.  Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2000, the festival features local, Asian and Pacific films.

Television

On O'ahu, Oceanic cable provides a fun mix of local programming.  Favorites include:

Local Kine Grindz - Bruddah Sam and Lina Girl visit local eateries.

Tiny TV - host Tiny Tadani presents fun themed shows focusing on various aspects of island life.

In addition, Oceanic offers several channels of public access programming for government and public affairs broadcasting.

Museums

Don't miss the Bishop Museum for an introduction to native Hawaiian history and culture.  While there is currently some controversy over the museum's handling of its rare artifacts, this is still the best place to learn about ythe