If you’re planning a trip to the islands, learn about traditional Hawaiian culture before you go. Not only will you appreciate the sights more, but you’ll also be able to participate in the traditions you find the most appealing! Here are some of the most popular long-standing traditions still celebrated in Hawai‘i.

3 Hawaiian Traditions That Visitors Can Partake In

1. Wearing Lei

Fresh flower lei are a staple of traditional Hawaiian culture. People wear lei to celebrate everything from birthdays and weddings to baby showers and graduations. Additionally, May 1 is known as “Lei Day,” which is a statewide holiday first celebrated in 1929. The people on each island wear a different type of lei to demonstrate their hometown pride, and the festivities have grown increasingly extravagant with every year. 

2. Hosting Lū‘au

Lū‘au are celebrations that date back to 1819. The first official lū‘au was hosted by King Kamehameha II, who wanted to unify his people by abolishing rigid practices like separating men and women at mealtime and prohibiting commoners from eating certain delicacies. Today, lū‘au are major feasts complete with drinks, dancing, and all kinds of local treats. 

3. Dressing Down

Locals like to keep things casual, and dressing down is an unwritten aspect of traditional Hawaiian culture. For example, while many mainlanders will only wear flip flops—known as slippers on the islands—to the beach, most locals will put them on for school, errands, social functions, and even work. 

If you want to immerse yourself in traditional Hawaiian culture the next time you visit Maui, head to Old Lāhaina Lū‘au. For more than three decades, they've hosted authentic Hawaiian lū‘au, complete with mouthwatering delicacies and unforgettable entertainment. To buy tickets for your party, visit their website, or call (808) 667-1998 to inquire about arrangements for groups larger than 15.