Guests can learn how to make their own ‘ohe hano ihu (bamboo nose flute) and even play a few notes. Offered for $10, the activity is held every Sunday and Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

KAANAPALI – Kaanapali Beach Hotel recently unveiled a new schedule of daily land and water cultural activities celebrating ancient Hawaiian practices.

Available at the renovated Hale Ho’okipa (cultural center), new activities include kaula (cordage), ‘ohe hano ihu (bamboo nose flute), ‘ohe kapala (bamboo printing), pu ‘ohe (bamboo trumpet) and ‘upena kiloi (throw net).

The outdoor Hale Huaka’i (activities center) will also offer ocean activities that pay homage to the ways of ancient Hawaiians.

“We are excited to bring the ocean connection to life while also continuing to foster ancient Hawaiian traditions through our programs offered on land,” said Director of Training Po’okela & Ho’okipa Dee Coyle.

“With the addition of these new activities and the restructure of the Ho’okipa Department to staff an authentic cultural learning center, we are connecting with our beach hale to ensure our guests have a full ahupua’a experience from the mountains to the sea for years to come.”

Gayle Miyaguchi, Kaanapali Beach Hotel’s new cultural advisor, worked with Coyle to introduce the new activities, which are offered complimentary or at a nominal fee to guests.

Kaula – In modern times, we have nails, screws and different glues to build and bind materials. One of the customary practices that was both continued and adapted in the Hawaiian Islands was the making of kaula (cordage), a foundational part of many of the tools and operations of daily life. In this activity, the kaula will be used to make a kukui nut pendant. The free activity is offered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1:30 p.m.

‘Ohe hano ihu – The bamboo nose flute was once used to woo a lover or communicate messages between lovers. Hawaiian culture dictates that true feelings are conveyed through the hano, because the breath from the nose is considered to be pure, whereas the breath from the mouth can expel untruths. Guests will learn how to make their own nose flute and even play a few notes. Offered for $10, the activity is held every Sunday and Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

‘Ohe kapala – Hawaiians made cloth, called kapa, from the bark of different plants, with the finest kapa coming from the wauke plant. Kapa was then decorated with drawings and designs using ‘ohe kapala, an ancient method of bamboo printing. In this activity, guests will make their own unique creation utilizing natural dyes from the ground – just like the Hawaiians used to do centuries ago. The free activity is offered every Monday at 11:30 a.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m.

Pu ‘ohe – The pu is used as a form of communication. In ancient times, the sound of the pu could be heard for miles around, and it was used to announce that an event was about to happen. Guests will have a chance to make their own bamboo trumpet from sanding the rough bamboo and finishing with kukui nut oil – then they can take their new creation home with them. Offered for $5, the activity is held every Monday and Wednesday at 3 p.m., as well as Tuesday and Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

‘Upena kiloi – Fishing is a favorite sport in Hawaii, and ‘upena kiloi is something that Hawaiians would only learn growing up in the islands. In this fun activity, guests can learn how to cast an actual handheld net and even catch a fish if they’re lucky! This free activity is offered every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and every Sunday at 3 p.m.

Hale Ho’okipa is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, and the nearby ‘Ohana Fun Center will remain open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., where guests can sign up for various island activities, obtain concierge services like restaurant reservations and seek island directions.

For more information about Kaanapali Beach Hotel, visit www.kbhmaui.com.