Exploring Hawaii on Your Washington DC Vacation

The life and culture of Hawaii is one of many stories being told this summer at the annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which means you can actually explore Hawaii during a Washington DC vacation.

Beginning June 26 and running through June 30, and again on July 3 through 7, the language, dance, and music of Hawaii will be part of the international cultural events, displays, and demonstrations in the spotlight at the Smithsonian. The festival includes international performers, artists, crafts people, storytellers, and other cultural practitioners. The Hawaii delegation will include kumu hula (hula teachers) and dancers, Hawaiian musicians and singers, a Niihau shell lei maker and Hawaiian language experts. Here is the full schedule for the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

To be exhibited on the Mall outside the Smithsonian, the culture of Hawaii is being celebrated along with that of Poland, Wales, Hungary, Bolivia and other countries or regions with indigenous languages that are in danger of disappearing. Festival hours are 11 AM to 5:30 PM with special events planned for most evenings.

Events will include a Hawaiian chant demonstration following the Festival’s opening ceremony (noon, June 26), a Hawaiian music and dance concert (6 p.m., June 27) and music and dance performances on multiple dates throughout the Festival.

Tips for a Washington DC Vacation

• Our nation’s capitol can be very hot and humid in summer months, with many of the monuments and displays you want to see outdoors. Dress for the heat, plan for drinking plenty of liquids, and be prepared for summer thundershowers.
• Do not overlook the many, many free activities a Washington DC vacation can include. These will stretch your vacation budget while enriching your vacation experience.
• No city in the world offers more activities and displays that accommodate visitors with special needs than does Washington DC. A few minutes spent online before your trip can help you with your planning. For the Smithsonian Institute, visit si.edu/accessibility.
• Don’t plan to drive and park within the city—there are simply not enough parking spaces and parking lots to accommodate the city’s many visitors, during any season. Washington DC’s Metrorail is a very accommodating way to get around, with the Smithsonian station (Mall exit), the Federal Triangle and the National Archives stations convenient to many of the monuments and museums.
• Many people planning a Washington DC vacation are surprised to learn that Washington DC timeshares and Alexandria, Virginia timeshares are excellent places for accommodations during your trip. Wyndham National Harbor and the Wyndham Old Town Virginia are two to consider.

And of course, to explore Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage best, you will want to plan a Hawaii timeshare vacation.