10 Ways to Learn More About Hawaiian Culture in Oʻahu

Turtle Bay Resort sits on 1,300 oceanfront acres of lush, forested land, encompassing seven ahupuaʻa, or traditional land divisions composed of mountain, farmland, and sea. Native Hawaiians knew how to live sustainably by creating self-sufficient communities that shared in the natural resources—a way of living that’s deeply ingrained in the ethos of Turtle Bay Resort. Take a guided Culture E-Bike Tour to learn more about Hawai‘i’s fascinating history, including the important ahupuaʻa designations and the roles they played in Native Hawaiian societies, while visiting ahu (stone markers) along the way.

Start your day with a hearty and healthy breakfast at the buffet at the resort’s signature restaurant, Alaia, where you can load up on fresh seasonal fruits grown right on property at Kuilima Farm. Then take a Kuilima Farm Tour, complimentary for two Ocean Bungalows guests, to learn about the land, native and endemic Hawaiian plants, and how farming was done when the land was divided into ahupuaʻa.

You’ll come away with a greater sense of connection to the land and a renewed understanding and commitment to sustainability. The farm supplies much of the produce and herbs utilized throughout Turtle Bay Resort’s eateries and bars. Come back to Alaia for dinner this week and taste for yourself how Chef de Cuisine William Lochetto incorporates the locally grown produce into sophisticated, modern takes on Hawaiian comfort food.

Tonight, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind treat: Experience a North Shore-style dinner show at the weekly Paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) lūʻau. Learn about Hawai‘i’s rich ranching history through stories and entertainment, along with a delicious outdoor feast—featuring a pig roast and vegan options—lei making, and a fire knife show and drum performance to end the night with a bang.

Polynesians have shared and preserved stories for centuries through the arts. Take a hands-on approach to the local culture and learn how to carve your own life story into a keepsake you’ll treasure forever with a Polynesian woodcarving lesson. You’ll learn about different designs and carving techniques to create your own story in wood. You can also take a class to show you how to weave your own Papale Niu (coconut hat).

In the afternoon, get out and explore the North Shore with the resort’s on-demand Teslas. Visit historic Haleiwa, a town with iconic Hawaiian dishes, art galleries, and eclectic boutiques. Explore the botanical gardens and lush waterfall of Waimea Valley, a sacred historical site from which you can dive into the history and traditions of early Hawaiians. And finally, on your way back to the resort learn about the different Polynesian islands and cultures at the Polynesian Culture Center, located just minutes from Turtle Bay Resort.

What could be more Hawaiian than catching some waves? Whether you’ve always wanted to try the sport out or are already well-versed in the waves, you’ll take things up a notch with the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience at Turtle Bay Resort. The local North Shore legend set up his first surf school right on property, and his team of experts will ensure a safe, invigorating time will be had by all at one of the most iconic surf spots in the world. Bringing the kids? They’ll have a blast surfing with an instructor named Rocky and—yes, you read this right—his surfing dogs.