Hawaii’s Keauhou Beach Resort has introduced a new ongoing cultural program with daily activities that are free and open to hotel guests and the public.

The resort’s recently launched Huaka’i department offers a multitude of opportunities for people to immerse themselves in the history, culture and landscape of the area.

Property tours, Hawaiian language classes, ancient Hawaiian games, lessons in hula ‘auana (modern) and hula kahiko (ancient), lei making, ukulele lessons, arts and craft demonstrations by area kupuna (elders), and monthly arts and craft fairs are some of the regularly scheduled free activities available to guests, visitors and local residents.

Guiding the hotel’s new Huaka’i department is cultural director Kumu Keala Ching, a well known Hawaiian cultural educator, composer, song writer and spiritual advisor to many Hawaiian organizations. Ching is also a recognized kumu hula (hula teacher/ director), having trained under the guidance of hula masters such as the late Darrel Ihi’ihilauakea Lupenui and Loea Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett.

Ching is fluent in the Hawaiian language, which he uses as the foundation for all of his teachings. A practitioner of Ho’oponopono (an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness), Ching is also a graduate of the University of Hawaii, Manoa with a degree in early childhood education.

“The story of Keauhou is a rich and sacred one,” says Ching. “I am thrilled to have the privilege of guiding the Keauhou Beach Resort’s new cultural program and providing our guests and visitors with a deeper connection to our land and its people through a full schedule of hands-on activities and property tours. I truly believe once people have had the opportunity to learn more about the history, culture and landscape of this very special place, they will return to their own homes with a better understanding and more complete appreciation of Hawaii.”

Daily activities include a morning property tour, Hawaiian language and lei making sessions, ancient Hawaiian games and beginning hula.

The hotel is currently offering rates beginning at US$139 per night for a partial ocean view, which includes a full breakfast buffet, plus complimentary Internet access.

Visit www.keauhoubeachresort.com for more.

CAPTION: Lei making is among the free activities guests can take part in at the Keauhou Beach Resort.