Immerse yourself in a place of learning at the Ke Kumu o Hihinui Cultural Center at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa. Heralded as a space to gain appreciation and a better understanding of Hawaiian culture, the classes, activities and programs are all tailored to help visitors mindfully participate in cultural activities.

Behind the programming is Moani Tolentino, the Hawaiian Cultural Manager at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i. Born and raised on Kaua‘i, she grew up in Kōloa, spending her days at the beach fishing with her ‘ohana and dancing hula with her brother from an early age. They were able to participate in several Hawaiian groups during high school, such as Nā Mamo Makamae and a Nā ‘opio canoe racing group.

Even before she began working at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i, her family was inextricably tied to the resort, with her father, Kaui Low, playing music at the Seaview Terrace every week and her mother working at the Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course. However, the most significant connection that tied her to the cultural programming offered at the resort came through the former Cultural Director at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i, Aunty Stella Burgess. She recalls, "Because of our long history with Aunty Stella, she often asked my ‘ohana to kokua (help) her with certain events. She would ask me to lead hula classes for large groups … to kokua with special welcomes and participate in Hawaiian protocol ceremonies.” After spending a lot of time at the resort, she was officially hired in 2008 as a hostess at the Yum Cha Asian Eatery. After working as a concierge and valet in the resort, she was promoted to her current position in 2019.

While cultural programming has existed at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i for several years, it is under Tolentino’s direction that the programming has grown and blossomed into what it is today. The limited offerings have expanded into a rotation of programs offered throughout the day with classes for participants of all ages. While you do not need to bring anything to the classes, it is recommended that you sign up online to reserve your spot.

Throughout the day, Tolentino leads classes like Hawaiian Language Basics, where guests can learn to pronounce Hawaiian words and name places, giving them the tools to be more comfortable understanding and speaking ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language). She can also tap into her dancing background while leading the resort’s hula classes. Rather than just focusing on hula as a dance, she explains how hula is a method to transmit information and stories from one generation to the next. Other exciting classes include ‘ohe kapala (Hawaiian stamping), pua hulu (feather flowers) and a beginner ‘ukulele class for guests seven years and up.

What started as a small collection of classes has now grown into a flourishing program that Tolentino is proud to lead. “I feel that it is my kuleana (responsibility and privilege) as a Kānaka Hawai‘i (Native Hawaiian) to honor my kūpuna (ancestors) by sharing their stories and sharing how amazing our Kānaka Hawai‘i was and still are. Hawai‘i would not be special without our culture and our people.”

While the list of classes offered through Ke Kumu o Hihinui has significantly grown under her stead, she plans on continuing to add to her classes and develop new programming. Each year, she works on creating one to two new activities to share even more aspects of Hawaiian culture with her guests. For Tolentino, programs like those offered at Ke Kumu o Hihinui are vital aspects of the hotel and resort industry because they help ensure that Hawaiian culture is being represented respectfully and that guests are allowed to learn about the practices and protocols of Hawaiian culture so they can enjoy their Hawaiian vacation while respecting the place they are visiting.

Ke Kumu o Hihinui Cultural Center at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort & Spa; 1571 Poipū Road, Kōloa; Located in the central breezeway between the lobby and Anara Spa. (808) 240-6362; hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/kauai-grand-hyatt-kauai-resort-and-spa.

Kaua‘i Museum

Located in the heart of Līhu‘e is the Kaua‘i Museum, the oldest museum on the island and a pillar of cultural preservation for the community. Opened in the 1960s, the museum houses and showcases the history of the island and artifacts that represent and help tell the story of Kaua‘i. Guided tours are available and delivered by knowledgeable docents leading guests through the various rooms and exhibits on display. Popular displays include the Royal Family of Kaua‘i & Ni‘ihau and their Cultural Exhibits, which rotate seasonally with topics such as kapa (Hawaiian barkcloth), quilting and Ni‘ihau shell lei being some of the artifacts on display.

Kaua‘i Museum; 4428 Rice Street, Līhu‘e; (808) 245-6931; kauaimuseum.org; open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Koke‘e Natural History Museum

Nestled high in the remote mountains of Koke‘e is the Koke‘e Natural History Museum, which showcases the plants and animals that have shaped the history and landscape of Kaua‘i. While at the museum, you can learn about the native birds who live in our Hawaiian rainforests, invasive predators who threaten the lives and habitats of native animals and the delicate balance of the ecosystem in Hawai‘i. Guests can also see and feel wood samples from Hawaiian forest trees and learn about the complex of hiking trails in the surrounding park. They also have an excellent shop full of books and maps to complement a visit to their museum.

Koke‘e Natural History Museum; located just past mile marker 15 along Koke‘e Road; (808) 335-3353; kokee.org; open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from
10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grove Farm Museum

History comes to life at the Grove Farm Museum, where guests can tour the historic home of the Wilcox family and immerse themselves in what life was like on Kaua‘i in the 1800s. Along with the main Wilcox home, the walking tour takes visitors through the homestead to learn about the history of sugar plantations on the island and how it shaped future generations. Along a two-hour tour, you will be led through the property by a passionate guide who will bring their expertise to the subject. You will even taste sugar cookies made in the kitchen and take home unique souvenirs from the gift shop.

Grove Farm Museum; 4050 Nawiliwili Road, Līhu‘e; (808) 245-3202; grovefarm.org; tours available Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.