At Playa Hawaii, nature themes go hand in hand with a traditional explanation of its name. If you’re looking for accommodation in El Hawaii, these themes offer different points of reference for your stay.
The story behind the name Playa Hawaii
The name Playa Hawaii is said to date back more than 60 years. According to the story, when the village’s founder first arrived on the Pacific coast of this department, he saw a postcard of Hawaii. The landscapes pictured reminded him of the Guatemalan beach; this perceived resemblance is said to have led to the name. In this traditional account, the name is therefore linked to the village founder’s arrival and his personal comparison of the landscapes.
Activities at Playa Hawaii
Activities at Playa Hawaii include birdwatching, turtle releases and fishing. Each offers a different focus: birdwatching involves observing birds, turtle releases add another wildlife experience, while fishing is a different kind of activity. This makes it easier to sort out your interests for your stay. The beach guide also mentions “Tortugario Hawii” and describes it as one of the most important turtle centers in the Americas.
Parque Hawaii nearby
Parque Hawaii is a 3-hectare protected area on the beach, 2 km west of the village of Hawaii. Its size and location relative to the village provide two specific points of reference. When choosing accommodation, you can compare its actual location with the places that matter to you, and distinguish Playa Hawaii and Parque Hawaii as separate points of reference.
History and tradition in Santa Rosa
In Cuilapa, Santa Rosa, the Puente de Los Esclavos is at the heart of an oral tradition. The story represents the community’s resilience; the bridge preserves five centuries of history. Built from cut stone, it is 75 meters long, two meters wide and has 11 arches. According to tradition, the legend arose during the Spanish colonization of the Americas and the enslavement of the Xinka people. It tells of an old man who made a pact with the devil so that the bridge would be built in a single night.
Every year, the community brings the story to life again through the Zarabanda. Music, dancing and colorful clothing define this tradition, which brings together faith, identity and cultural heritage. The descendants of the old man in the legend maintain their own religious and cultural expressions, especially during DĂa de la Luz de la Candelaria. For the community, the bridge also symbolizes the spiritual transition to the “New Faith.”
Discover more destinations: Las Lisas, Monterrico, Cuilapa, Taxisco, Tecuamburro, Chiquimulilla.
Return to the regional travel overview: Santa Rosa.
