Connect with the Past Through Moon Walks in Hawaii

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If there’s one place in Hawaii that has managed to retain the look and feel of ancient Hawaii, it’s Waimea Valley on the North Shore of Oahu. Every time I visit with my family, I feel transported back in time to an era when Hawaiians lived in Ahupuaa (parcels of land that stretched from mountaintops to the ocean). At Waimea Valley, not only can you experience the beautiful Hawaiian rain forest, you can also immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture while strolling through a (reconstructed) ancient Hawaiian village.

I write all this because, this year, the park is bringing back one of its most cherished traditions, one that helps locals and visitors understand the Hawaiian culture even more — Moon Walks.

Cultural Significance

The moon was a symbolic celestial body for Native Hawaiians. Mahina’s (the moon) phases often determined Hawaiian practices, such as when to plant crops.

Walking paths and footbridges wind throughout Waimea Valley providing visitors a unique look into the Hawaii rain forest.

The Hawaiians were spectacular navigators, perhaps among the best in the world. Not only did they have a deep understanding of the ocean and current, but also of the stars and the movement of the moon. That being the case, it should come as no surprise that the moon plays a very important role in the lives of the Hawaiians. Each lunar phase had a specific name in Hawaiian, and were associated with kapus as well as times for planting, fishing and gathering.

What are Moon Walks?

For visitors and locals, Moon Walks at Waimea Valley are a way to honor Mahina and its significance to Hawaiian culture. This year, the park will host seven planned Moon Walks in Hawaii starting on Saturday, April 8th.

The walks are scheduled during a full moon phase and will continue on the following dates this year:

May 6
June 8
July 6
August 5
September 4
October 1

“Our annual moon walks are a popular activity at the Valley,” says Richard Pezzulo, executive director. “Not only are the walks a unique way to experience the Valley, but it is an opportunity for us to share how significant the Hawaiian lunar phases are and what they meant to the lives of Native Hawaiians.”

Visitors to Waimea Valley will be treated to a broad range of Hawaii flora and fauna.

Details

Regular Moon Walk admission is $10. Visitors can begin their walk through the Valley to the waterfall at 8:00 p.m. and must exit the Valley by 10:00 p.m.

The Valley’s signature restaurant, The Proud Peacock, is offering a dinner buffet catered by Ke Nui Kitchen. Dinner is $29.95 for adults and $12.95 for children. Seating starts at 6:00 p.m.

Purchase of buffet dinner will include a free admission to the Moon Walk. Early dinner reservations and purchases are encouraged. Visit www.WaimeaValley.net.

Keep in mind, the North Shore is about an hour drive from Waikiki. So, consider bundling your activities — one idea may be to book at North Shore Shark Adventure for the early afternoon. Then, take the short drive to Waimea Valley for a Moon Walk.

Even if you’re not celestially-obsessed, these Moon Walks in Hawaii will help you understand and appreciate the Hawaiian culture. And, THAT is hopefully on every visitor’s agenda!

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