A child plays with fish woven from Native Hawaiian lauhala fronds. -- Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel photo
Ka’anapali Beach Hotel recently unveiled a new schedule of daily land and water cultural activities that celebrate ancient Hawaiian practices.
The lineup is kaula (cordage), ‘Ohe Hano Ihu (bamboo nose flute playing), ‘Ohe Kapala (bamboo printing), Pu’ohe (bamboo trumpet), and ‘Upena Kiloi (throw net).
Just go to the outdoor Hale Huaka’i activities center that also offers ocean activities that pay homage to the ways of ancient Hawaiians. As soon as the resort’s Hale Ho’okipa cultural center opens after its renovation, these activities will be available at that location as well.
“We are excited to bring the ocean connection to life while also continuing to foster ancient Hawaiian traditions through our programs offered on land,” says Dee Coyle, director of Po’okela & Ho’okipa training at Ka’anapali Beach Hotel. “With the addition of these new activities and the restructure of the Ho’okipa department to staff an authentic cultural learning center, we are connecting with our beach hale to ensure our guests have a full ahupua’a experience from the mountains to the sea for years to come.”
Gayle Miyaguchi, KBH’s new cultural advisor, worked with Coyle to introduce the new activities, which are offered complimentary or at a nominal fee to guests. Others may also inquire about joining in.
A family has fun learning about the ohe hano ihu, or bamboo nose flute, with a cultural member outdoors near the beach in Kaanapali. -- Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel photo
–Kaula (Cordage)
In modern times, nails, screws and different glues are used to build and bind materials. But a customary practice that was adapted in the Hawaiian Islands in the days of old was the making of kaula (cordage), a foundational part of the tools and operations of daily life. In this activity, the kaula will be used to make a kukui-nut pendant. Offered as complimentary, the classes are at 1:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
— ‘Ohe Hano Ihu (Bamboo Nose Flute)
The instrument was used to woo a lover or to communicate secret messages. Hawaiian culture dictates that true feelings are conveyed through the hano, or nose, because the breath from there was considered pure whereas the breath from the mouth can expel untruths. Learn to make your own nose flute and even play a few notes. Offered for $10 at 11:30 a.m. Sundays and Wednesdays.
— ‘Ohe Kapala (Bamboo Printing)
Hawaiians made kapa cloth from the bark of different plants, with the finest from the wauke. It was then decorated with drawings and designs using ‘ohe kapala, an ancient method of bamboo printing. Make your own unique creation utilizing natural dyes from the ground just like the Hawaiians did centuries ago. Offered on a complimentary basis at 11:30 a.m. Mondays and 3 p.m. Saturdays.
— Pu ‘ohe (Bamboo Trumpet)
Used as a form of communication in ancient times, the sound of the pu could be heard for miles around and was used to announce events. Make your own bamboo trumpet from sanding and finishing with kukui-nut oil. Then take it home with you. Offered for $5 at 3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and at 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays.
— ‘Upena Kiloi (Throw Net)
Fishing is a favorite sport here and Hawaiians grew up learning ‘upena kiloi, or throw net. In this fun activity, learn how to cast an actual hand-held net and even catch a fish if you are lucky. Offered on a complimentary basis at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays and 3 p.m. Sundays.
* For more information about Ka’anapali Beach Hotel, call 661-0011 or visit
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