I may be going to Hawaii this May, but I have no interest in resort tourism.

I am an Art History major and have heard that there is a strong tie to the Native Peoples of the West Coast of BC, whose art I have studied and love. I am also interested in photographing the fantastic geography of the area. I don't really like large urban cities and avoid all-inclusive resort travel, but hope to find some local hot-spots where perhaps I can explore the area, go surfing, and learn about Native Hawaiian customs and, if possible, artistic history.

Does anyone have any recommendations of where to go to learn about the local people and their culture? Even something like a local fruit market or a cultural centre would be awesome. I am unfortunately only ably to stay for a few days.

Thank you! 

Hi there Beth

 Sounds like a wonderful trip and so great that you want to learn about the local culture and history.

 I know it sounds lame, but your best bet is the local tourism office. Email or call them and have a chat and see if they can even give you a guide. Just let them know your background in studying and also your interest and they would be more than happy to help out. You can then tell us all in your blog on here. Can't wait to learn about it!

 The other thing you can do is just go there! I have found that I sometimes learn more by just being in the place and asking people about the culture and the history. When I went to South africa, I knew of two places I wanted to see and nothing else. On the plane and within the first day I had so many ideas of things to do that I actually didn't have time to do it all- and this was all just through talking with the people.

 GOOD LUCK!

Emma Lovell

Lovelly Communications

Lovelly by name, Lovely by nature Email: emma_lovelly@hotmail.com

 I've been to Maui every year of my life since I was born, it's a wonderful place, but being from a small native community in West Coast BC (Bella Coola), I don't see much connection.  The art is very different, as are the traditional dances and such.  Were you thinking of the theory that polynesians populated the West Coast coming up from Maori territory through the pacific?  That's the only possible similarity I can think of.  

Ulapalakua is pretty cool, it's a small paniolo town towards the top of the volcano.  There's also a hula named after that town.  The leper colony is kindof cool (in a tragic sort of way).  I don't know what all there is in terms of very cultural areas left, the mormons did a very good job of americanizing the island.  You'll notice that everything is "brought to you by the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." 

Tourism office might be your best bet.  Most of the indeginous culture survives at the polynesian cultural center, which is probably not what you had in mind.  Good place to learn to surf is at Kihei's Maui Waveriders, they're really great about doing lessons, then renting you boards and telling you places you can go practice.  

It all really depends on which island you go to.  I hope you have a blast though!

Trish @ http://icedtrish.com