Beyond the Luau: Leave tourist spots behind and get a taste of real Hawaiian culture

There is more to Hawaii than its clichés. Yes, the proposal-worthy sunsets, picture-perfect beaches, surfing and luaus are all here. But any local will tell you there’s more to Hawaii than what’s in the guidebooks. To get a true taste of island culture, you’ll need to leave the confines of the resort and venture off the beaten path.

Stroll and Shop Small Towns

The aloha lifestyle is on full display in Hawaii’s small towns, spots far removed from the hustle and bustle of high-rise resorts. Here, smiles are more genuine and the pace of life is a lot slower. On Maui, check out the remote outpost of Hana, at the end of a spectacularly beautiful drive. Hana is considered one of the state’s most “Hawaiian” communities, where residents share a deep sense of family and it feels as though time stopped about a century ago. Other not-to-be-missed island hamlets include Haleiwa on Oahu’s North Shore, where surf culture and rural living collide, and Hanapepe (on Kauai), which is a great place to buy traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts.

Dig into a Plate Lunch

To eat like an islander you’ll want to look for local cafes or lunch wagons (food trucks) offering plate lunches, which combine meat or fish (pork adobo and chicken teriyaki are especially popular) with a big scoop of macaroni salad and an even more generous serving of rice, all on one large plate. Another culinary staple is poke, raw fish marinated in a soy sauce, chili pepper, green onion, seaweed and oil mixture. A variety of fishes can be used, but ask for sesame ahi. At night try a glass of Awa, the traditional Polynesian brew that is said to have a mild sedative effect.

Coffee Craze

And then there’s the coffee. Hawaii’s Big Island is famous for its Kona blend, and there are a number of small farms perched on the Mauna Loa volcano’s slopes that welcome visitors to see how their prized beans are grown and roasted. And it isn’t only about Kona these days. The neighboring Big Island districts of Kau, Hamakua and Puna are also creating buzz in the coffee world for their award-winning beans.

Art Walk

Hawaii also has a vibrant arts scene that reflects its multicultural roots. On the First Friday of each month, throngs of locals gather in Honululu’s Arts District for an evening of gallery hopping. Shops stay open late and restaurants in the area are also packed, making it another way to experience local culture firsthand. For more info visit www.firstfridayhawaii.com.

–Becca Blond, Brand Publishing Writer