He Wahi Pana O Helumoa | Helumoa Is A Storied Place
Aloha pumehana kākou! At our piko, is hoʻokipa, hospitality. Whether it’s shopping, dining, or culture, we invite you to immerse yourself. Discover a collection of international brands, unique to Hawaiʻi boutiques and exciting culinary destinations. Experience our crafts, our language, our dance, our music in The Royal Grove and Helumoa Hale. He mai!
We invite you to attend one of our performances or complimentary cultural lessons. See all of our Hawaiian culture programming and special events.
UA PANA ʻIA KA INOA ʻO HELUMOA
THIS LAND IS HELUMOA
Royal Hawaiian Center opened its doors in 1980. While the center has seen many changes over its 40+ years. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to sharing Hawaiʻi with the world. Premier shopping destination in Waikīkī, our path has been guided by our desire to share Hawaiʻi’s Spirit of Aloha.
HE MAI
WE INVITE YOU TO EXPLORE THE GROVE
There’s a reason why Royal Hawaiian Center is regarded as the gathering place of Waikīkī. If you spend some time with us, you’ll learn firsthand why newcomers leave thrilled by their visit, and why so many guests return again and again. The famed Kalākaua Avenue, Hawaiʻi’s luxury destination, boasts many famous, international flagships that include Tiffany & Co., Saint Laurent, Hermès, KITH, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, and more. Within the finely furnished salons and showrooms, you can count on exquisite discoveries at every turn.
PILIʻĀINA
CONNECTED TO THE LAND, IMMERSED IN PARADISE
Throughout the interior atriums of the Center’s three buildings, our local boutiques are where you’ll find the sleekest island fashions, unique gifts, and fanciful souvenirs. Dining in the Center is also an adventure with options that won’t break your wallet to fine dining that pushes the epicurean envelope. Pāʻina Lānai Food Court offers a variety of well-known eateries and our 3rd level restaurant promenade is excellent for an unforgettable dining experience. Finally, no visit to Royal Hawaiian Center is complete without making a flower lei for your special someone, a woven bracelet for yourself, or enjoying a fun ʻukulele lesson with family.
‘ŌLELO HAWAI‘I | THE NATIVE HAWAIIAN LANGUAGE
The native Hawaiian language is a member of the larger Polynesian family of languages. In the State of Hawai‘i, it is an official language along with English. At Royal Hawaiian Center and throughout Waikīkī, ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i surrounds us in place names, street names, publications, heritage films, signage, and more.
WHAT IS ʻOKINA & KAHAKŌ?
Current ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i orthography employs the ʻokina and kahakō in spelling. Both affect word meaning. The ʻokina (ʻ), a consonant letter, is a glottal stop used only between vowels, and always between double vowels. The kahakō, or macron (-), elongates a vowel sound.
Here’s an example:
ʻAina - means “meal”
ʻĀina - means “land”
HAWAIIAN WORDS & PHRASES
We invite you to learn how to say Hawaiian words, names & phrases which you may encounter during your visit to the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikīkī:
Aloha - Love, affection. Also used for hello and goodbye.
Aloha ā hui hou - Aloha, until we meet again.
E kipa mai & E komo mai – Two phrases meaning welcome.
He‘enalu – To surf.
Helumoa – ‘Chicken scratch’ is the name of the land section upon which Royal Hawaiian Center, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and Sheraton Waikīkī are built. Chief Kākuhihewa, who once ruled Oʻahu, fashioned the name in relation to Kaʻauhelemoa, a supernatural rooster.
Ho‘okani pila – To play music. Today, the term is a call for family and friends to gather to sing, dance, and enjoy food and drink.
Hula – Hawaiian Dance. Two broad categories are hula kahiko (ancient, traditional dance) and hula ‘auana (modern hula accompanied by singing and melodic instruments).
Kalākaua – Day of battle, this main thoroughfare through Waikīkī is named for Hawai‘i’s seventh ruler, David La‘amea Kalākaua.
Laeʻahi – Known more commonly by the conjunction, Lēʻahi, meaning ‘brow of the ahi (tuna) and is the Hawaiian name for Diamond Head, in reference to its fin-like shape.
Mahalo – Thanks, admiration.
Pā‘ina Lānai – Party veranda, also the name of Royal Hawaiian Centerʻs food court.
Pau – Finished, completed.
Ulu niu – Coconut grove.
Waikīkī – Wai means water, and kīkī is to spout. This large district was once abundant with freshwater springs and streams that flowed from the Ko‘olau mountain range.
Words commonly associated with Helumoa and their spelling:
ʻĀpuakēhau
Hawaiʻi
Helumoa
ʻIli ʻāina
Kai
Kamehameha
Kapiʻolani
Kawehewehe
Keʻelikōlani
Keiki
Kūhiō
Lauhala
Lei
Liliʻuokalani
Māʻilikūkahi
Pauahi
Pua