A Cultural Guide to Honolulu
Even if you’ve never been to Oahu, you’ve likely seen the North Shore’s monster waves and the Koolau Mountains’ rippled cliffs in films like Jurassic Park and TV series such as Lost. But this island is more than a backdrop: With traditions and cuisine rooted in ancient culture, museums showcasing historic artifacts and contemporary works, and concert halls and outdoor spaces playing host to festivals, Oahu has some serious main-character energy.
Formed by volcanic eruptions, the island is an easily explorable 44 miles long and 30 miles across—but packs in a lot of history. Settled by Polynesians around 500 C.E., conquered by King Kamehameha I in 1795, annexed by the U.S. in 1898, and attacked by Japan during the Second World War, it has had a tumultuous journey.
Today, in a place where hula and the Hawaiian language were once outlawed, Oahu is experiencing a cultural resurgence. From Grammy award-winning Hawaiian music to menus highlighting taro and other culturally significant foods, to signage displaying original Hawaiian place names, you’ll find symbols of resilience—and resistance.
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