Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve written about activities you can do while you’re stuck at home #socialdistancing, from the educational to the entertaining, and other unique virtual experiences. Now, we’ve got even more for you to check out while staying in, including aquarium visits, walking tours and music playlists!
Waikīkī Aquarium, long known as a pillar of education, conservation and just inspiring awe and wonder, still continues its mission despite not being physically open to the public.
For starters, they have several webcams you can view from your mobile device or computer. Spend hours viewing aquatic denizens, soothed much like you would if you were there in person. Check them out HERE.
For something less passive, the aquarium is hosting interactive Q&A sessions with Aquarium Director Dr. Andrew Rossiter. Take part in this weekly, live streaming event and ask the director what’s on your mind! Just submit your questions ahead of time on the aquarium on Instagram or Facebook. You can check out the live stream Mondays at 9:30 a.m. HERE.
For the keiki, the aquarium has weekly drawing lessons with Patrick Ching. Children will marvel as they learn how to draw marine animals, including Hawaiian monk seal, dolphins and more. The classes stream live on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. on the aquarium’s Facebook page, and also will appear HERE, along with other virtual activities.
The Historic Hawai‘i Foundation (HHF) hosts a Heritage Tourism page where they talk about how best to approach historic sites, but they also point you to virtual tours and other goldmines of information. Take a tour of historic sites like Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, download a map for a Historic Homes in Waikīkī walking tour, or watch a video about the cultural importance of Wailuanuiahoano, a sacred site on Kaua‘i. While nothing comes close to experiencing these sites in person, these resources are a great way for you to still learn and explore Hawaii’s history firsthand.
While history may feel stuffy and boring to some (shame!), never ever let it be said that the HHF can’t have fun and let their hair down! In conjunction with Hawai‘i Public Radio (HPR), they’ve curated a number of Spotify playlists to keep you entertained. Listen to a collection of island favorites, connect to a sense of home through song, commemorate women’s suffrage with female performers, or just revel in nostalgia with classic oldies. This eclectic mix of performers and themes will delight your earbuds. https://historichawaii.org/2020/03/27/hhfnostalgiaonspotify/
The Royal Hawaiian Center has also put together their own playlist of island-centric tunes called #OnRoyalRepeat. This eclectic mix of performers has something for everyone, from Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole to Katy Perry, from Sistah Robi to ABBA. There’s not a collection quite like this, we can tell you that much!
Thought the lights have temporarily dimmed within Manoa Valley Theatre, the show goes on in the form of MVT Live, a streaming series that gives viewers a peek behind the scenes of the theatre world. Coming up, host Dylan Chace Lee talks with the stars of the smash-hit Hamilton, Joseph Morales and Melani Carrié. Scheduled for Friday, April 17 at 4:00 p.m. HST, the duo will talk about their backgrounds and experiences as performers. They just might even perform a song or two! If you miss out, no worries, the theatre has future installments of MVT Live planned, set to stream on Fridays.
If you feel the itch to perform yourself, or at least hone your dance skills, Aloha Theatre Center hosts Saturdays on Broadway, a live streaming class for intermediate and experienced dancers. Learn from talented choreographer Rachel Carr as you take in various dance genres like Latin Ballroom, Contemporary, Swing, and Jazz! Be sure to check out the rest of Aloha Theatre’s online schedule of activities, too.
However long these stay-at-home orders and 14-day quarantines end up sticking around, there’s no shortage of experiences to be had while keeping your distance from your neighbors!
Further Reading::
- Hawai‘i History, Literature and Science—All At Your Fingertips
- Your Own Private Film Festival: Movies to Stream During Hawai‘i’s Stay-At-Home Order (or Whenever!)
- See Hawai‘i While Staying In: Unique Virtual Experiences for Your Vacation
