Experience Culture

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).