And Hawaiian history that started with Captain Cook, reached its nadir with the attack on Pearl Harbor, and its peak with statehood. But Hawaiian culture, both modern and ancient, is much more complex and interesting than this, and it doesn't take a lot of work to learn about this. An amazingly complete guide to Hawaiian music, including links to Hawaiian artists, live Internet radio broadcasts, information on places to buy Hawaiian albums and music, and so on. A week-long hula festival held each spring in Hilo, the Merrie Monarch attracts hundreds of performers.
Tickets sell out quickly, and hotel space in Hilo and vicinity is hard to find during the festival.
But many events are broadcast on local TV, and highlights are available on video tapes. Bishop Museum Located in Honolulu, the Bishop Museum is focused on Hawaiian cultural and natural history. This site, at Go Pacific, Inc., provides a good summary of information about Hawaiian history from the Polynesians to current day.