The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa has two new offerings that get guests engaged with Hawaiian tradition. This isn't like going back to high school world history class, thankfully, but you will learn about the Hawaiian royals, get hands-on with taro, learn how to hula the Hawaiian way, and grasp the symbolism flowers play in Hawaiian culture.
Every Wednesday, the resort debuts a series of classes, led by Culture Advisor Leilani Kūpahu-Marino Kaho'āno, in the brand new Heritage Center with activities offered that include:
- 6 am: Oli, a Hawaiian form of chanting, that allows guests to connect to a part of themselves and learn the importance of breath (it starts on-property and guests venture oceanside to complete the journey)
- 7:30 am: History overview of the royal monarchs that once lived in Waikiki, the history of Waikiki, as well as the global view of Hawaii. Culture Advisor Leilani always finds it important to find out where guests come from so she can find a way they connect to their history
- 8 am: Contemporary hula lesson and dance
- 9 am: Hawaiian language
- 5 pm: Hawaiian floral design
Additionally, guests can now book The Malama Hawaii Package where you can get your hands dirty at the Kualoa Ranch volunteering with taro and then relax at Secret Island:
- 9:20am Malama/Volunteer: Malama ka Aina. This hands-on experience captures the importance of kalo (taro) to the Hawaiian people for sustenance and its cultural tie to Kualoa, and through Hawaiian cultural identity. Depending on need, activities can include thatching of traditional Hawaiian hale (houses), assisting with cleaning, planting, harvesting kalo or stewardship of the mala la'au lapa'au (Hawaiian medicinal plant garden).
- 11:45am - 3:15pm Secret Island: Secret Island is an ideal place to relax after a rewarding morning of Malama, enjoy a bag lunch and play water sports and beach games.
- 3:30pm Depart Kualoa for Waikiki: Appropriate beach wear to include bathing suits, towels, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and water shoes are encouraged.
These two new immersive offerings from Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort and Spa will bring you closer to understanding the Hawaiian culture for a greater appreciation of the Hawaiian islands after your visit.