Hula
Hula Kahiko, one of the pillars of Hawaiian culture and storytelling is an easily recognizable dance style either accompanied by traditional percussion, pahu (drum) and ipu (gourd), and or chanting. More contemporary versions of the art form, Hula ʻauana, also includes musical accompaniment either in the form of guitar or ukulele.
Hula is perpetuated and celebrated through numerous annual competitions and celebrations. Here are some of my favorites.
Merrie Monarch Festival
The Merrie Monarch Festival is a non-profit organization that honors the legacy left by King David Kalākaua, who inspired the perpetuation of our traditions, native language and the arts. The week-long festival features an internationally acclaimed hula competition, a crafts fair, an art show, hula shows, and a grand parade through Hilo town.
Prince Lot Hula Festival
The largest non-competitive hula event in Hawaiʻi, the festival is held each year to honor Prince Lot Kapuaʻiwa who, as King Kamehameha V revived the once banned hula in the district of Moanalua.
Hula Preservation Society
Hula Preservation Society was established in 2000 and grew out of an earnest desire to honor our eldest living hula masters and hear their manaʻo on this cornerstone of our culture beloved by hundreds of thousands worldwide. It is a premiere source of hula history, research and information.