Culture

Each year on March 26, Hawai‘i honors Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana‘ole, a leader whose vision and legacy continue to shape the islands. This day of celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the deep cultural roots of the Hawaiian people and the enduring spirit of aloha that defines the island experience.

As the sun dips lower in the sky and the trade winds carry the faint scent of winter blooms, the Hawaiian islands welcome the arrival of Makahiki season, a time of reflection, renewal, and gratitude.

Imagine traversing over 2,000 miles of open Pacific Ocean in outrigger canoes. Suddenly, across the horizon, you sight the dramatic peaks of Nāpali piercing the sky like verdant temple spires. A new world awaits – but first, you must ensure your people can thrive on this mysterious and unknown island.

Mahina ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, or Hawaiian Language Month, celebrated over a decade of observation this past month. Established in 2013, Hawaiian Language Month’s efforts are aimed at resurrecting the often-overlooked language of Native Hawaiians.

Royal Hawaiian Woodwork owner, Leleo Kinimaka, has been putting his mana into Hawaiian native hardwoods for decades, and now has brought his gift of aloha back to where it began.

From canoe crop settlers to the cultural cornerstone of the hula, Polynesian settlers have left their mark on the Hawaiian Islands in more ways than one.

A Worldwide Celebration of Music Comes to Timbers Kaua‘i! Hualani's restaurant is proud to be Kaua‘i's only stage for Hawai‘i's Make Music Day.

Led by our Hawaiian Cultural Practitioner Kalani Flores, the team at Timbers Kauaʻi at Hōkūala aims to connect our sense of place firmly in the culture where it was built. We strive to do everything pono, respecting the land and the ancestors that came before us. With Kalani’s help, our staff is consistently learning more about Hawaiian culture, language, and practices, which we in turn share with our guests.

Affectionately referred to as the Prince of the People, Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, or Prince Kūhiō, was born in Kōloa on March 26, 1871. Prince Kūhiō Day is celebrated yearly on March 26.

Timbers Kauaʻi recently had the privilege of welcoming the staff and students of Kanuikapono Public Charter School on property for a culturally-rich gathering that truly embodied aloha. Kanuikapono is located in Anahola here on Kauaʻi, on Hawaiian Homestead lands. They are a Hawaiian-focused K-12 school that provides cultural & experience-based learning opportunities for students and their ʻohana.

Did you know that more than 95% of plants and animals on Kauaʻi are not endemic and much of them threaten Kauaʻi’s delicate ecosystem?

In 2010, when Timbers Kauaʻi at Hōkūala was still under construction, the Timbers ‘ohana asked their employees to help name the buildings that were being constructed.

This year, we were also proud to host a new tradition – the inaugural Hokuala Floating Lantern Ceremony, which took place on Sunday, May 29th. This once-a-year event pays tribute to and honors the memory of loved ones.

Breadfruit, or ‘ulu holds special meaning for the people of Hawaii. In ancient times, it not only provided food and medicine, but also wood for homebuilding.

Entering the Kaua‘i Museum’s doors is truly like being transported in time. A hybrid of cultural and natural history, visitors are invited to experience the evolution of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau on their own, or with the friendly and knowledgeable guidance of the staff.

February is the official Hawaiian Language Month, and we celebrate ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language) Month with a variety of events, sharing information across social media, and by providing resources to our Owners and guests.

These purposefully-chosen plants were used to sustain navigators on the journey and selected with the intention of propagating crops and preserving culture at their next destination. Canoe crops are now a fundamental part of Hawaii’s intricate ecosystem, culinary scene, medicine, and culture.

From Elvis Presley plucking away under a bright Hawaiian moon, to Hawaii’s own Israel Kamakawiwo’ole aka Bruddah IZ singing his iconic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” Hawaiian music’s instrument of choice has certainly been deemed the ukulele. However, this cultural staple actually originated on a small tropical island southwest of Portugal.