Get wet at Kaʻanapali Beach Hotel
Kaʻanapali Beach Hotel will continue to enrich guests’ experience through authentic cultural offerings with the official opening of their new water activities center.
Paying homage to Hawaiian traditions, the center will be called Hale Huaka’i, which means “Adventure Center” and signifies a trip, voyage or a place to start your journey or embark on an adventure, often in a “hui,” or group to build connections with others.
The Hale Huaka’i offers a Hawaiian perspective to several popular ocean activities such as surfing, stand up paddle boarding, snorkeling, conch shell blowing and more.
Hale Huakaʻi manager Iokepa Nae`ole said “the Hale Huaka’i is simply a means of extending the character of Kaʻanapali Beach Hotel– its genuine aloha and true Hawaiian hospitality – out onto the beach and into the ocean. It allows us to provide our guests with truly memorable and safe ocean experiences, led by our Beach Alakaʻi, who are each highly experienced Maui watermen. We also accept the kuleana – both privilege and responsibility – of being stewards of our culture, our ocean, and all of its many creatures.”
Hale Huakaʻi offers guests the chance to go beyond their traditional water activity experience through complimentary and paid offerings, dedicated to providing an authentic Hawaiian presentation of water sports and Oceanside living. Located steps away from the hotel on its sunny shores, each guest who visits the Hale Huakaʻi will come away with a true understanding of how the ancient Hawaiians immersed themselves within their surrounding environment. Hale Huakaʻi will be open 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Sunday and will offer the following activities:
- Conch Shell Blowing –For all ages, conch shell blowing is a complimentary activity teaching guests the use and history of the Pū, or conch shell. In ancient times, the sound of the Pū signaled the approach of Hawaiian royalty or the arrival of a voyaging canoe from a faraway land. A Beach Alakaʻi demonstrates basic Pū skills and a contest is held where participants take turns to see who can blow the longest or loudest.
- Stand Up Paddle Board Lessons– The lesson begins with a discussion on the origin and history of paddle boarding and its rapid growth in popularity around the world. From there, guests receive instruction for the proper use of the paddle, placement of feet and tips for managing ocean conditions. Guests are accompanied by a Beach Alakaʻi, who provides further guidance and instruction while also offering interpretation on the natural and cultural history of the Hawaiian Islands. The cost begins at $87 per person for a group class (6 person maximum) and $105 for a private lesson (two people maximum).
- Snorkel Smart Pool Lessons and Beach Walk –Ideal for beginning snorkelers, a complimentary class provides guests with skills and pointers that will help make their first underwater experience enjoyable and safe. A Beach Alakaʻi will organize pool games using a mask and snorkel to further develop skill and confidence.
- ‘Ohe Hanu ʻIhu (Nose Flute) –A complimentary session for all ages, guests will learn how to play the bamboo nose flute, a popular instrument that accompanies Hawaiian music and hula practitioners. Originally, the nose flute was used to communicate private messages between romantic partners. By the end of the session, guests are able to play a short melody of their own composition.
- Hula and Haka – Guests are invited to learn the art and history of hula through complimentary hands-on guidance and instruction to learn basic foot movements and gestures while also understanding the meanings of each motion. At the end of the class, guests will have learned to perform a hula dance telling a story about Hawaii’s ocean environment. Men can learn the haka, another form of hula, once used in ancient times to challenge or intimidate one’s enemy.
The staff will consist of one “Kupuna” (elder) who will guide the entire staff in authentic cultural practice, and three to four “Beach Alakaʻi” who will bring each cultural program to life. Maui born and raised, Iokepa Nae`ole, known around the islands as Kepa, will spearhead operations for the activities center as Manager of Hale Huakaʻi.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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