There’s a lot happening on the beautiful island of Maui and recovery from the devastating fires in Lahaina is underway. Among happy events is a gorgeous cultural redesign of all the suites and villas at Fairmont Kea Lani, plus the opening of the resort’s Hale Kukuna — a 2,000-square-foot cultural center that focuses on sharing Hawaiian culture, traditions and history, with the goal of a reciprocal sharing of ‘ike (knowledge) and mo’olelo (stories) that link the island’s storied past and vibrant present.
In light of the recent fires, many travelers wonder whether planning a visit to the island is a good idea or not. We asked Kamahiwa Kawa’a, cultural manager, Fairmont Kea Lani, to give us his best advice on visiting — and how travelers can be good guests while there.
Deeply imbued in Hawaiian knowledge, Kawa’a was born and raised on Maui, taught Hawaiian Studies, was Hawaiian Cultural Advisor for Upward Bound Maui, is fluent in the Hawaiian language, is an award-winning hula dancer, is a master lei maker and Hawaiian Protocol Specialist. This is what he has to say:
Global Traveler: Are there things visitors to Maui should avoid doing or saying in order to be sensitive to the losses experienced on the island?
Kamahiwa Kawa’a: I’d like to flip the question to what you should do. Come with respect and a sense of understanding that Maui is healing. Even though Lahaina is a small part geographically, a lot of our people are from that area. While you’re here, you should come as if you’re visiting the home of someone you love the most, and treat it that way. Make sure what you’re doing has positive effects on everything here. If you can come with that mindset, there is nothing you’re going to do wrong. Come with a sense of understanding, respect and responsibility.
GT: A visit to the new cultural center at Fairmont Kea Lani seems like a good way to connect guests to the area’s powerful setting and traditions.
KK: The purpose of this space is to share and to educate not just our malihini (visitors) to Maui, but also our community. Hale Kukuna is meant to be a living, breathing space for Hawaiian culture to be taught to ensure it is here to stay. It is crucial to share authentic and accurate Hawaiian knowledge and culture. Through this sharing of knowledge and education, everyone will gain a deeper respect for this ʻāina we call home.
GT: Can you suggest a few of your own favorite places travelers could patronize with the goal of helping in recovery efforts?
KK: Eat at restaurants that represent Hawaiian culture and support local farmers, fishermen, ranchers and purveyors! Visit sites and do activities to learn about the island’s history and culture.
Eat:
- Kō Restaurant (Fairmont Kea Lani): The menu here represents the diverse cultures that came together during Mauiʻs sugarcane plantation era.
- Pilina (Fairmont Kea Lani): This new bar and lounge offers ʻāina (land)-driven cocktails that are 90 percent locally sourced.
- Sparky’s (Kahului): This food truck and restaurant specializes in popular local dishes.
- Uptown Kitchen & Food Mart (Wailuku): Look for the takeout window at the Chevron gas station, where you can order up some of the best, low-cost local food.
- Ichiban Okazuya Hawaii (Wailuku): Authentic, delicious Japanese food.
- Guava Tree Bar & Grill (Waiehu): One of the most local bars you can find, with local musical artists and hula.
- Haleakava (Kihei): Enjoy the traditional non-alcoholic drink kava (ʻawa). A great location for families, and an opportunity to mingle with locals.
Do:
- ʻIao Valley: Take a self-guided visit through an area that offers rich Maui history and beautiful scenery.
- Haleakalā: I recommend going for either sunrise or sunset. The visitor’s center is educational, and there’s lots to learn about the history of the volcano and what it was used for.
- Saturday rodeos at Oskie Rice Arena (Makawao): Come see authentic Hawaiian cowboys called paniolos.
- Wailea Nights Lūʻau at Mulligans: Everything from the stories and songs to costumes is authentic; and, in addition to offering entertainment, it’s also educational. Performers use costumes that our kūpuna (ancestors) would have worn. Nothing is done to be flashy or showy, but to show hula in the most authentic way possible.
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