Hawaii - Island Culture Shines
By Michael Russell

Great concern has been rampant about the lack of "Hawaii" in the so-called "Hawaiian" activities, merchandise and demonstrations witnessed throughout the island's hotels. Such items like leis and bracelets being strung with shells from the Philippines or tropical print bags, dolls and pot holders bearing the status of "Made in China"---even many souvenirs sold to visitors in Hawaii are created in and sold from such places as Bali, Thailand.

As odd as it can be, much of what is offered as authentic "Hawaiian" arts and crafts is actually imported from other foreign countries and guests of the islands haven't the slightest clue!

As a result, a lot of time and energy has been spent on allowing the "real" Hawaiian culture to stand out and become noticed by all those millions of people who come to Hawaii annually. For much too long, the tendency was to push touristy trends like torch lighting ceremonies, Polynesian dancing revues and flashy hotels---all of which were ultimately lacking in substance when authentic "Hawaiian" cultural experiences were what was really desired.

In 1998, the Kauai Heritage Center of Hawaiian Culture and the Arts opened---a 1,200 square-foot facility with a purpose to educate and create mind awareness for appreciation and respect of the true "Hawaiian" culture. Exhibits in the Center focus on the Hawaiian quilts, hand-carved fishing tools, hula instruments and implements, as well as a vast array of mats, fans and baskets, to name just a few. Most of the artefacts making up the exhibits are treasured heirlooms belonging to Hawaiian families for decades.