The first thing to look for is the festivals-- there is one just about every month and many, like the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival, are fixtures on the social landscape at predictable times of the year. Many festivals focus on the cultural diversity of the Big Island, and showcase locally- grown food, the traditions of Pacific Basin Islands, the art of hula, rodeos, or the celebration of an historic event. 

They are a great way to experience what the Big Island has become known for – diversity – and to sample ethnic food, music and crafts. You might have the chance to watch mochi-pounding, poi-making, matweaving or a Bon Dance while listening to local artists playing slack key or performing taiko drumming. All provide an opportunity to interact, to “talk story” with the vendors, artists and craftspeople, so don’t pass up the chance.

The Polynesians first settled the Hawaiian Islands around 400 A.D., and there are several state parks around the island where you can experience the ancient Hawaiian way of life. One of them is Lapakahi State Historical Park, just north of Kawaihae, a 600-year-old settlement. 

Walk along the park’s extensive trails andby Paula Thomas take time to imagine what it may have been like to live off the land in complete harmony with nature: to invent tools, hunt for food, thatch a house and chisel nature in order to protect and preserve.

Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Park in Kawaihaethe heiau, or burial ground, is a National Historic siteand Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park in Kealakekua let you experience ancient Hawaiian rituals, customs and lifestyles, especially the Hawaiian’s implicit connection with nature.

You’ll likely see an abundance of Hawaiian petroglyph designs adorning items ranging from aloha shirts to coasters; the real artifacts were carved hundreds of years ago in stone. Don’t miss seeing these genuine native images up close: just off Waikoloa Beach Road, there’s a walking trail to the petroglyphs

Another highlight of Polynesian culture is the lu`au - a Hawaiian feast that is named for the tops of the taro always served at one. Several West Hawai`i hotels feature weekly lu`au evenings where guests can enjoy a traditional Polynesian revue-style lu'au with fire-eaters and hula dancers, or experience a new show that mixes the hula with performance art and modern dance. Either way, visitors will experience Hawaiian history, myth and legend in a way that brings to life Kamapua‘a (the pigman warrior) and the wrathful volcano goddess Pele

For those who love the wild, wild West, the Big Island has its share of ranches and cowboys - called paniolos in Hawaiian, from the word Español (because the first cowboys brought here by King Kamehameha III were Spanish-speaking).

The region extending from North Kohala to Honoka‘a is paniolo country; and if you can’t find a rodeo, visit a ranch to experience the paniolos’ lifestyle and their deep-rooted respect for the land. To delve a bit deeper into the Big Island’s history, visit some of the museums around the island that chronicle its land, people and culture.