The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) has awarded Mauna Lani Bay
Hotel & Bungalows a Kahili Award for its programs dedicated to
educating visitors and residents about Hawaii’s history, culture
and values. HTA also awarded a Certificate of Merit to Danny
“Kaniela” Akaka, Jr., Mauna Lani Resort’s Director of Cultural
Affairs.
“It is humbling to be honored for Mauna Lani’s ongoing
preser-vation of Kalahuipuaa and Hawaii,” said Akaka. “The Keep it
Hawaii Awards recognize Mauna Lani’s continued efforts to create a
lasting memory for every visitor and kamaaina through
programs that showcase Hawaii’s history, flora, fauna, sea life and
culture.”
Kahili nods also indicate special cultural opportunities for
visitors to enjoy. Here’s an overview of the property’s
award-winning cultural programs.
Mauna Lani recently hosted its second Ke Kumu O Mauna Lani healing
and spiritual retreat a four-day cultural journey that explores
traditional and contemporary Hawaiian healing and renewal
philosophies in a casual “talk story” format. Those attending enjoy
a rare opportunity to learn how kupuna (elders) and
international lifestyle experts are influencing the concept of
health and wellness with their notion of lokahi (harmony
of mind, body and spirit).
Every Fourth of July, Mauna Lani celebrates its Turtle Independence
Day commitment to raising awareness about honu a threatened species
of green sea turtles found in the Hawaiian Islands. Since the
program’s inception in 1989, the resort has nurtured more than 120
juvenile honu from Oahu’s Sea Life Park and raised them in the
saltwater ponds at Mauna Lani.
The honu are cared for until they grow to a size and weight deemed
appropriate for release into the wild. During the annual Turtle
Independence Day, these celebrated creatures are paraded to the
ocean while hundreds of flag-waving well-wishers bid aloha to the
flippered friends who have called Mauna Lani home for the previous
months.
Shortly after opening in 1983, Mauna Lani created historic tours
for those fascinated by the significance of Kalahuipuaa the center
of Hawaii’s five great volcanoes and the area where the resort is
located. Akaka has guided over 20,000 people on these tours over
the past 22 years, educating them on the area and culture within
the vision of Mauna Lani. Guests are able to experience nearby lava
tubes and shelter caves used by ancient Hawaiians, areas with
petroglyphs, and rare and unique plants and trees situated
throughout the property.
www.maunalani.com
www.maunalaniculture.org
