Highlights
Introducing the Hawaiian Quilters Journey: Oahu and Maui Edition
In light of the devastating August fires in Maui and Lahaina, we have carefully considered the impact of our planned tour to these islands in July. After seeking advice and listening to the people of Maui, we have made the decision to move forward with the tour. We understand the significance of tourism for the local community and have felt welcomed by our quilting friends on the island. To support the ongoing rebuilding efforts in Lahaina, a portion of the proceeds from the tour will be donated.
Join us on an unforgettable 10-day journey, specifically designed for quilting enthusiasts and tourists alike. Our tour has been carefully curated by a passionate quilter who is also a seasoned traveler in Hawaii. Throughout the planning process, she has kept the interests of quilt enthusiasts in mind.
What sets us apart from other Hawaiian quilt tours is our commitment to providing an authentic Hawaiian experience. Additionally, we are the only tour that donates proceeds to the Maui rebuilding efforts.
We have worked diligently to select the perfect blend of activities and stops, ensuring that our Hawaiian tour showcases the best of Oahu and Maui. Prepare to indulge in luxury oceanfront hotels, breathtaking scenery, quilt and fabric browsing, Hawaiian quilt lessons, and cultural activities such as hula, lei making, and ukulele lessons. This tour will give you a unique perspective into the magic of these beautiful islands through the lens of a quilter. We guarantee that you will be impressed by all that we have included.
A trip to Hawaii is a dream for many, with its aloha spirit, stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and exciting activities. It is the perfect destination to relax and escape your daily routine.
What makes Hawaii truly special is its vibrant culture, which permeates everything from music to cuisine. As you delve into Hawaii’s quilting culture, you will be amazed at the spiritual significance quilts hold on the islands. Beneath their unparalleled beauty lies a deep-rooted heritage that enriches the experience for quilters. On our journey, we will not only explore the historical quilting heritage and culture but also immerse ourselves in the fascinating customs, music, legends, and traditions that are unique to Hawaii.
Hawaiians have a long-standing and cherished tradition built around textiles. In 1820, Christian missionaries introduced colorful cotton fabrics and sewing techniques like applique and patchwork design to Hawaii. The Hawaiians quickly embraced and adapted these customs, infusing their own artistic style by incorporating designs from Kapa cloth and elements of nature. Thus, the distinctive and recognizable design of the Hawaiian quilt was born.
By joining us on the Hawaiian Quilters Journey: Oahu and Maui Edition, you will not only have the opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of these islands but also contribute to the rebuilding efforts in Lahaina. Book now and be part of this meaningful and unforgettable experience.
Including many included Hawaiian cultural activities, our island hotels are oceanfront, allowing you to take advantage of the full Hawaiian atmosphere.
In addition to several quilt and fabric shop stops throughout our journey, some of the other stops on our tour include (but are not limited to):
Honolulu/Waikiki: Waikiki is a vibrant neighborhood of Honolulu that is known for its popular surf beach. Designer fashion stores line Kalakaua Avenue and nearby streets, and the area buzzes after dark with waterside cocktail bars, fine dining and Kuhio Beach hula shows. Honolulu Zoo is home to Komodo dragons and wandering peacocks, while parrotfish and urchins inhabit Waikiki Aquarium’s reef exhibit. This area was a respite for Hawaiian royalty in the 1800.
The Moana Surfrider Hotel: The Grand Dame of Wakikik hotels, the Moana Surfrider is a site to see all on its own and visited by guests to Hawaii from all over the world, our Waikiki hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This five star oceanfront hotel, was constructed at a time when the United States had started to emerge as a global superpower. Opened on March 11, 1901, the resort— originally the “Moana Hotel”—was built as the first hotel in Waikiki Beach. Since that time, through thoughtful renovation and additions in keeping with the original atmosphere, this destination has been recognized as a premier Waikiki location and has been designated with the President’s Historic Preservation Award, the National Preservation Honor Award and the Hawaii Renaissance Award.
Pearl Harbor: Your visit to Pearl Harbor will be a day you will remember forever. The facilities at Pearl Harbor do as much to inspire awe in the event marking the US entry into WWII itself as to educate and bring alive the history of this period. You’ll get an in-depth experience about the events leading up to the attack as well as how Pearl Harbor and the island of Oahu were pivotal during the remainder of World War II.
The Bishop Museum: Bishop Museum is the largest museum in the state and the premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific, recognized throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, consulting services and public educational programs. It also has one of the largest natural history specimen collections in the world. Serving and representing the interests of Native Hawaiians is a primary purpose of the Museum.
Queen Emma Summer Palace: Queen Emma Summer Palace, or Hanaiakamalama, was the summer retreat for Queen Emma of Hawaii during 1857-1885. This and iconic historical home is an amazing look back into Hawaii’s past.
Kaanapali Beach: This stunning three-mile stretch of sand on the island of Maui is regarded as one of North America’s best beaches. This former Hawaiian royal getaway has crystal clear water against a backdrop of lush mountains.
Maui Tropical Plantation: Located in the majestic Waikapū Valley—a fertile expanse that served as an agricultural hub during Maui’s sugarcane era—Maui Tropical Plantation got its start as a heavenly-scented venue constructed to showcase the Valley Isle’s loveliest botanicals. All together there are well over 40 various crops being cultivated at the plantation including coffee, macadamia nuts, avocado, and papaya.
Haleakala National Park and Volcano: Towering over the island of Maui and visible from most places on the island, the Haleakala Volcano Crater is 10,023 feet above sea level. Our drive to the volcano will take us through Maui’s treasured ranches where the famed paniolos (cowboys) take care of their cattle.
Hawaii has a rich history of pineapple farming and this tour puts it all into perspective. Head to the historic plantation town of Hali’imaile to walk around a working pineapple field. Learn about pineapple growing cycles and cultivation from your guide and sample the fruit at its different stages.
Maui Ocean Center: This is a fabulous aquarium was named one of the TOP 10 Aquarium’s of the world. Home to one of the world’s largest displays of live Pacific corals, the Aquarium exhibits only marine life found in Hawaiian waters including tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, octopuses, sea jellies, and more. The Aquarium highlights the beauty of Hawaii’s undersea world while perpetuating the deep connection between the Hawaiian people and the sea. The Aquarium’s mission is to foster understanding, wonder, and respect for Hawaii’s marine life.
Traditional Hawaiian Luau: The Luau, is an ancient Hawaiian ritual. Originally it was a social gathering meant to unite the people of a town in celebration of a significant life event, achievement, war victory, or launching of a new canoe. Today, the Luau is centered around feasting on traditional cuisine, like kalua pig, lomi salmon, poi, and haupia and entertainment including hula and traditional Hawaiian music.
Sunset Catamaran Sail: There is nothing more spectacular than enjoying a Hawaiian Sunset from the water. It may be that we are also surprised by a few whales during our evening adventure off the coast of Maui.
Hawaiian Quilting Lessons:
As part of our tour we will learn more about Hawaiian Quilt History and work on our own Hawaii Quilt piece. The class will be taught by one of Hawaii’s most beloved quilt teachers. We’ve shown a project made into a pillow here, but you may use your project however you like to make a lasting memory of your Hawaiian Quilt Adventure.