 |
The 98-room Ilima Hotel in Waikiki has been honored by the Hawaii Tourism Authority with the “Keep It Hawaii” Kahili Award for its efforts to perpetuate Hawaiian culture.
The hotel was recognized for its “Mohalapua O Ilima” (which means “blossoming ilima flower”) Hawaiian studies program, which started in 1995. The program consists of classes for hotel employees taught by Hawaiian practitioners on such topics as Hawaiian music, hula, traditions and values, history, care of the ocean and land, and Hawaiian arts and crafts. Hotel guests occasionally join in, but Mohalapua O Ilima is unique from other hotel cultural programs in that its foundation is directed primarily toward employees, rather than guests. Visit www.ilima.com or call 800-801-9366.