Cultural Activities
O’ahu, Hawai’i
Kap and Tiare’s Place
Book a Cultural Experience that Supports A Local Family
Many local families in Hawaii are “Priced out of Paradise” because of high housing costs and a tourism industry that is extractive rather than regenerative.
At Pomelo we’re committed to supporting experiences turn these tendencies on their head.
When you book a cultural experience with Kap and Tiare, you’ll not only have an amazing time, you’ll also be supporting a local family that’s committed to perpetuating Hawaii’s unique culture
Your Next Cultural Expeniece
-
![Kap's hands prepare a halved coconut.]()
Niu: Hawaiian Tree of Life Experience
A hands-on workshop exploring the coconut tree's sacred role in Polynesian culture. Guests learn traditional coconut husking, grating, and fresh coconut milk making. Includes cultural legends, coconut leaf weaving – each guest takes home their handmade creation – and a fresh coconut tasting.
-
![Kap's son starts a fire using natural materials and traditional methods.]()
Siva Afi (Fire Knife Workshop)
In this interactive workshop, guests learn the basic movements and techniques of Siva Afi using safe practice sticks.
Participants gain an appreciation for the discipline, coordination, and cultural history behind this iconic (and fiery) Samoan tradition.
-
![Kap prepares ingredients.]()
'Umu' Cooking Experience
A cultural experience exploring the ancient Polynesian tradition of umu (earth oven) cooking. Guests help prepare the oven using volcanic stones, wrap ingredients like taro, breadfruit, and fish in banana leaves, and cook them using time-honored techniques. Listen to stories about the umu's significance in Pacific Island life.
Learn traditional Polynesian ceremony, weaving, and cooking
“Experience traditional Polynesian cooking and cultural ceremonies hosted by Samoan High Talking Chief Kap Teo-Tafiti. Participating in a traditional Ava drinking ceremony will show you a vital part of Polynesian culture. You will learn coconut leaf weaving and cook as we do in the islands. Dances will also be performed and participated in, and all this takes place at our beachside location! Many experiences and shows seek to give you a baseline education of our culture. We will go deeper into the nuances and intricacies that truly make the Polynesian culture special.” ~ Tiare Teo-Tafiti
Niu: The Hawaiian Tree of Life Experience
-
In Polynesia, the coconut tree is often called the Tree of Life because every part of the tree provides food, materials, and tools for daily living.
In this hands-on cultural workshop, guests learn how Polynesian communities have traditionally used the coconut for survival, food, weaving, and ceremony.
Guests will explore the cultural knowledge surrounding coconuts while participating in traditional skills passed down through generations.
-
Coconut Husking
Guests learn the traditional Polynesian method for opening a coconut using a husking stake and simple techniques practiced across the islands.
Legends of the Coconut
Kap shares Polynesian stories explaining the origin of the coconut and its spiritual importance across Pacific cultures.
The Uses of the Coconut Tree
Guests learn how different parts of the coconut tree are used, including:
• fruit for food and milk
• husk for cordage and fire
• shell for bowls and tools
• leaves for weaving
• trunk for building
Coconut Leaf Weaving
Guests learn how to weave coconut leaves into traditional items such as:
• headbands
• simple baskets or plates
• decorative weaving
Each guest creates their own woven item to take home.
Coconut Grating
Guests learn how coconuts are traditionally grated using a wooden grater bench used across Polynesia.
Fresh Coconut Milk Making
After grating the coconut, guests squeeze fresh coconut milk by hand and taste it as it would traditionally be prepared.
-
What Is Included:
• Hands-on instruction
• Cultural storytelling and legends
• Coconut leaf weaving materials
• Fresh coconut tasting
• Guests take home their woven item
Duration: Approximately 1 - 1.5 hours
Pricing: $95 per guest
Siva Afi: Samoan Fire Knife Dance Workshop
-
Siva Afi, the Samoan fireknife dance, is one of the most exciting performance traditions in Polynesia and feature at all Hawaiian luau. Originally developed from warrior training with the nifo oti, the art form evolved into a powerful dance that showcases strength, rhythm, and skill.
In this interactive workshop, guests learn the basic movements and techniques of Siva Afi using safe practice sticks. Participants gain an appreciation for the discipline, coordination, and cultural history behind this iconic Samoan tradition.
The workshop is designed to be fun, educational, and accessible for beginners.
-
Introduction to Siva Afi
Guests learn about the history of the fireknife dance and how it evolved from Samoan warrior training traditions.
Practice Stick Training
Participants are given practice sticks (non-fire) to safely learn the basic movements used in fireknife dancing.
Basic Spinning Techniques
Guests learn beginner techniques such as:
• basic spins
• hand transitions
• body movement and rhythm
• simple choreography patterns
Performance Demonstration
Kap or the instructor demonstrates advanced Siva Afi techniques and explains how dancers progress from practice sticks to real fireknives.
Photo & Practice Time
Guests can practice their new skills and take photos with their practice sticks.
-
What Is Included:
• Cultural explanation of Siva Afi
• Instruction in beginner techniques
• Practice sticks for the class
• Live demonstration of advanced moves
• Photo opportunities
Duration: 60–75 minutes
Pricing: $95 per guest
Umu Cooking Experience: Pacific Islands Earth Oven
-
Step into the heart of Polynesian culture through the ancient art of umu cooking, a traditional earth oven that has been used for centuries to prepare meals for families and village gatherings.
In this hands-on cultural experience, guests will learn how food is prepared using heated volcanic stones, fresh island ingredients, and time-honored techniques passed down through generations.
-
The experience begins with an introduction to the cultural meaning of the umu, including its role in pacific islands including Samoan celebrations, family gatherings, and village life. Guests will then participate in preparing the oven by helping arrange hot stones, wrapping foods in banana leaves, and layering the ingredients in the traditional way.
Foods may include items such as taro, breadfruit, fresh fish, chicken, coconut cream dishes, and other island staples. Guests will also learn about the traditional tools and natural materials used in the process.
While the food cooks slowly beneath layers of leaves and earth, guests will hear stories about Polynesian food traditions and the cultural values connected to sharing meals together.
At the end of the experience, guests gather to uncover the umu and enjoy the meal together, tasting the rich flavors created by this traditional cooking method.
-
What Is Included:
Introduction to pacific island food traditions and the umu
Hands-on preparation of a traditional earth oven
Learning about local ingredients and cooking techniques
Cultural storytelling and food history
Opening the umu and sharing a traditional island meal
Duration: 2-3 hours
Pricing: $150 per guest (Reach out for group pricing)
Meet your hosts, Kap & Tiare Te’o-Tafiti
Kap and Tiare are a great representation of what makes La’ie, Hawai’i such a unique place. Tiare was born and raised on O’ahu, while Kap was raised in Samoa. Bringing both of their unique perspectives together, they invite you to share in the cultural traditions that give their life purpose.
Like many places in the world, tourism in Hawaii has often benefitted massive corporations or out of state investors. Rarely do local people benefit from the multi-million dollar tourism industry that should sustain and perpetuate the culture and livelihoods of local people. This Pomelo Travel Outpost seeks to turn that trend on its head.
When you book an experience at Kap and Tiare’s place, 100% of the profits stay with their family. Not only that, but the profits go to a family committed to perpetuating both Hawaiian and Polynesian traditions.
If you want to travel in a way that makes local communities better, you’ve found the right place. Come and stay a while.
Get Cultural.
Book a cultural activity with Kap & Tiare! Add an authentic and intimate cultural experience to your vacation with one of many Hawaiian and Samoan traditional practices offered by our Outpost hosts.
The Location: La’ie, O’ahu, Hawai’i
Conveniently located near many of the most popular destinations in Oahu, the Outpost couldn’t be in a better location. Across the street from the Polynesian Cultural Center, minutes away from Oahu’s most popular beaches on the fabled North Shore, and yet tucked away on a beautiful, quiet, secluded beach. Staying at the Outpost will give you time to connect to the natural world and disconnect from the stressful environment that dominates other popular destinations, such as Waikiki.
The Accommodation
Kap and Tiare’s place has two beautiful, newly renovated units, just steps away from a white sandy beach. While Pomelo doesn’t handle the bookings, you can contact Kap and Tiare directly to talk about accommodations to supplement the cultural activities they provide.
Each unit sleeps 6, and each has its own bathroom, , kitchenette, desk area for work or study, cultural books, and is equipped with air conditioning and wifi. Stay comfortably while enjoying the sounds of the ocean.
The makai unit and outdoor shower/bathroom
Inside the makai unit
Master bedroom in the makai unit
Loft inside the makai unit
The bathroom inside the makai unit
Inside the makai unit
The beach just outside the front door!
Another angle of the beach outside the front door!
The beach just outside the front door!
La’ie and Beyond
The Outpost is only the beginning to exploring the island. Let it be a jumping off point, from which you can explore the whole island and all that Oahu has to offer.
-
![]()
Hanauma Bay
-
![]()
Hiking in the Ko'olau Mountains
-
![]()
Explore O'ahu's East Side
-
![]()
World-famous waves on the North Shore
Find Us
Pomelo Travel Outpost O’ahu, Hawai’i
La’ie, Hawai’i