The traditional Hawaiian culture and customs of various ethnic groups and immigrants on the islands are an integral part of the social fabric. Hawaii is not just a meeting point between East and West, but a place where cultures converge in a way which is all developed. The revival of traditional Hawaiian culture has led to the flourishing of halaus (schools) of hula, and the rediscovery of ancient traditions from many Hawaiian artists and artisans, like the texture of tapa, the manufacture of quilts and the creation of colorful garlands of flowers (her). English is the official language of Hawaii, but enriched with Hawaiian words and phrases and pidgin slang ways. The indigenous language is spoken

by only about 9000 people, but 85% of place names are in Hawaiian and, often, their name hides an interesting history. The first Hawaiian immigrants communicated with each other in pidgin, a kind of primitive and simplified English that still makes up the colorful local dialect in continuous evolution. The ethnic diversity of the islands is also reflected in the cuisine. You can find every kind of dish of Japanese cuisine, a vast assortment of Chinese regional cuisine, specialty spicy Korean dishes and excellent Hawaiian food Thai and Vietnamese. Fresh fish is available in all the islands, not to mention the abundance of fruits such as avocado, the coconut, the guava, mango and papaya.