Nix the tiki bar: Hawaii tourism gets authentic

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Lucy Pemoni

Authentic Hawaii

This Feb. 3, 2005 file photo shows Vise Vitale of Honolulu performing a Samoan fire knife dance during in an "Aloha Friday" celebration of Polynesian music song and dance in Honolulu. Fire knife dancing is often mistaken for Hawaiian even though it’s a Samoan invention. Hawaii resorts are increasingly turning to Hawaii’s actual rich traditions to make trips special for travelers. (AP Photo/Lucy Pemoni, file)

Audrey McAvoy

Authentic Hawaii

Kalama Cabigon, a kahu, or caretaker, leads a chant on Waikiki beach outside the Moana Surfrider hotel in Honolulu on Aug. 17, 2012. Many Hawaii resorts are edging away from kitschy marketing inventions and are instead turning to Hawaii's actual rich traditions to make trips special for travelers. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)

Audrey McAvoy

Authentic Hawaii

A Hawaiian canoe is seen next to a lazy river swimming pool at Aulani, Disney's resort in Kapolei, Hawaii on Aug. 31, 2012. Many Hawaii resorts are edging away from kitschy marketing inventions and are instead turning to Hawaii's actual rich traditions to make trips special for travelers. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)

Audrey McAvoy

Authentic Hawaii

A Waikiki restaurant and store with cartoonish tiki decorations in seen in Honolulu on Aug. 29, 2012. Many Hawaii resorts are edging away from kitschy marketing inventions and are instead turning to Hawaii's actual rich traditions to make trips special for travelers. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)

Audrey McAvoy

Authentic Hawaii

Jim and Sherri Miltenberger of Windham, N.Y. sit at The Olelo Room bar at Disney's Aulani resort in Kapolei, Hawaii on Aug. 31, 2012. Many Hawaii resorts are edging away from kitschy marketing inventions and are instead turning to Hawaii's actual rich traditions to make trips special for travelers. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)

Audrey McAvoy

Authentic Hawaii

Objects and their Hawaiian names are seen along the wall in The Olelo Room, a bar at Disney's Aulani resort in Kapolei, Hawaii on Aug. 31, 2012. Many Hawaii resorts are edging away from kitschy marketing inventions and are instead turning to Hawaii's actual rich traditions to make trips special for travelers. (AP Photo/Audrey McAvoy)