Experience Culture

Cultural practitioners like Kahakaʻio are full of knowledge!

NPS

BECOME INSPIRED as NPS staff and cultural practioners demonstrate traditional Hawaiian craft techniques such as weaving baskets from lau niu (coconut fronds), weaving bracelets from lauhala (dry leaves from the pandanus tree), or carving kiʻi (temple images) or drums, playing Hawaiian games and more! Almost every day in the park you can experience a taste of life in ancient Hawaiʻi.

You can join in too! Pick up the rules to kōnane (Hawaiian checkers/chess) at the visitor center and head out to the papamū (kōnane game board) at stop #3 on the walking tour to challenge your friends or family to a game of wits and strategy.

Cultural Practitioner Kahakaʻio Ravenscraft

Step back in time and witness the hana nō'eau (traditional skills) of nā kanaka maoli (native Hawaiians) or listen to the fascinating tales of the wā kahiko (times past).

If you are visiting the park Thursday-Monday, you may have an opportunity to witness the work of Kahaka'io Ravenscraft, National Park Service Park Guide and Cultural Practioner. Kahakaʻio is a descendant of the area and is an incredibly skilled traditional craftsman and implement maker. He is also very knowledgable and an excellent storyteller.

Look for Kahakaʻio in the small hālau (thatched structure) where he is perpetuating the ancient traditions and recalling the stored history of our wahi pana (legendary places).

Details

Activity

Cultural Demonstrations

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed in the Royal Grounds or Puʻuhonua. 

Service animals are allowed in all areas of the park.

Activity Fee

No

Normal park entrance fees apply, however there is no additional charge for cultural demonstrations.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Cultural demonstrations usually take place between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm. Check our calendar for special events with cultural demonstrations.

Accessibility Information

Cultural demonstrations are accessible to all. Please let the demonstrator or a ranger know if you require reasonable accomodations. Demonstrations in the hālau require travel a short distance (about 30 feet) over sand. Service animals are allowed.