Hotspots > Hilo > Culture >

Local Hawaiians have various traditional backgrounds.  Diverse in ethnic backgrounds as immigrants (Filipino, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese) from other counties entered into the islands dating back as early as the 1800’s and married native Hawaiians, traditional backgrounds and upbringing, being raised in the mountainside, close to the ocean, in the city or in the country. Mountainside and ocean upbringing possess and some still practice living off of the land by means of gathering food, medicine and shelter supplies that are abundant and still available in the islands. City and country style of upbringing also uses nature as a resource of living but with modern technology combined.  Although, locals have various traditional practices, locals have family gatherings (luau) often combining different traditional food preparations and activities for the event.  One thing all local Hawaiians have in common is the spirit of Aloha (friendly, welcoming and sharing) making visitors to the island feel at home and part of the Ohana (family).