Gotham Magazine

By Ela Sathern

Recharge and explore true Hawaiian culture at ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach.

On this trip to Oahu, Hawaii, we went beyond the beach. Although hula lessons and lei-making classes are wonderful ways to learn Hawaiian culture, a stay at ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach dives deeper for those who wish to get a better understanding of this vibrant, rich culture eager to be explored. My husband and I begin the day with purpose with a cultural blessing on the ocean. We’re told Native Hawaiians do Hi’uwai and E Ala Ē rituals whenever they want to as it represents a sort of reset of one’s day or rebalance in life in general. Before entering the water, we take time to think about life and what is posing challenges. Then, as our practitioner chants the E Ala Ē (Awaken!) prayer, we enter the ocean and let the waves release any negative energy we have into the water. As we walk backward until we’re back on the beach, the chant ends, the sun rises and we’re spiritually cleansed to start the day anew.

‘Alohilani’s Unforgettable, Soulful Hawaii package provides a unique experience that offers this ritual, plus a coveted Hawaiian value aloha ʻāina (love of the land) with a fun-filled eco-adventure. This ancient bond with land and trees dates back millennia, when the islands were blanketed with lush forests. Today, ‘Alohilani is honoring Queen Liliʻuokalani’s legacy by restoring the natural wealth of her islands with native tree plantings. A journey from Waikiki to the North Shore brings us to Gunstock Ranch where we see beautiful horses, wildlife and grazing cattle and then personally plant an indigenous tree in a memorable ceremony at Legacy Forest overlooking the Pacific Ocean. In addition to contributing to the effort to create a sustainable future, we dedicate our kou tree to our children. Trees are tagged with a chip so we can track ours throughout its lifetime and visit our modern twist to aloha ʻāina for decades to come. Back at the resort, we’re able to relax on the gorgeous Waikiki beach and indulge in Hawaii’s amazing food at Swell Restaurant and Pool Bar, but being able to participate in more of the islands’ traditions is another reason we’ll be back. Package from $363 per night for minimum of three nights, including $200 resort dining credit.

Source: https://gothammag.com/alohilani-resort-waikiki-beach