Ka'upulehu Cultural Center
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Given Ka'upulehu’s black lava and turquoise beauty, it only makes sense that early Hawaiians carved out this paradisaical corner as their first home. Now hosting countless sites of native royal history, it’s considered by many to be the cradle of Hawaiian civilisation.
As much as possible we’re in tune with the sacred history of this land, honoring local customs and traditions while inviting our guests to join in. At the hub of this transaction is the Ka‘upulehu Cultural Center, located right on the same site as the Hotel, which paints a vibrant picture of Hawaii’s culture, traditions and arts.
Entering the centre is both immersive and transporting, with maps of Polynesia inlaid into the wooden floor, and coastal village paintings by Hawaiian artist and historian Herb Kawainui Kane. The room hums with creative expression: On any given morning lessons might be underway in how to braid Ti leaf leis, strum a ukelele or fashion jewelry from found seashells.
Our warm respect extends to the physical realm, too. The Alaka‘i Nalu (leaders of the waves) are Hualalai's ocean ambassadors, sharing not only their skills in water sports, but also their love of Hawaiian culture and ocean life. Hearkening back to the days when Polynesians arrived by canoe, the Alaka'i Nalu Adventure customises private tours of the Ka'upulehu coast by canoe or ribcraft. We can’t say for sure whether early explorers stopped to swim with the native dolphins, but you can certainly start your own tradition.
