Watch a video about my carving tour.
When you visit Hawaii, you have many options for tourist activities.
A “carving tour” might sound odd, but the ancient art of shaping wood has been a huge part of Pacific Islander culture since there were Pacific Islanders. If you have interest in Hawaiian history or culture, then a carving tour is a fun way to learn more.
I went to Aloha Adventure Farms to carve my very own Tiki figurine.
The tour is taught by a Tongan carving master named Mani. His father taught him all about wood carving since he was a child, and he is teaching his own children to carve as well. It’s a meaningful way to keep Pacific Islander culture alive.
Ancient Pacific Islanders carved wood into canoes to travel between islands, into dishes to eat from, and into Tiki figurines to ward off evil spirits.
During the tour, you are given a piece of Koa wood, and under the direction of the instructor, you shape it into the Tiki of your choice. However, you also get to talk story about the history of wood carving in the Pacific Islands, and about the meaningful place it holds in cultures from South Korea to the Pacific Northwest, and everywhere in between.
I didn’t do the ATV Culture Tour, but that tour takes you around to recreations of villages representing Hawaii, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. You’re able to learn about some of the cultures that make up the Pacific Islands.
Walking around the property is also nice. There are vanilla vines on the gift shop. The ancient Hawaiian jungle is filled with interesting plants and amazing views. It’s a peaceful place to spent time.
Aloha Adventure Farms is a nice place to spend a day. If you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, it’s worth a trip.
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