Spotlight on Hawaii

To the rest of the world, the most recognizable icons representing Hawaii are palm trees, white sand beaches, beautiful ocean waters and the hula dancer.  Hula is an essential aspect of Hawaiian culture that has been passed down from the first Polynesians who settled these islands we call Hawaii.  In the early days of Hawaiian civilization, there was no written language.  Traditions, history, protocol and all other aspects of the culture were relayed from generation to generation orally, through storytelling, oli (chant) and through the hula.  Hula is a rhythmic performance depicting stories laced with lessons and traditions.  Hula is a dance, an art form, that conveys traditions and history dating back from the beginning of Hawaiian civilization.

 A well-developed network has been established that beckons young people in Hawaii to learn and enjoy hula.  Hula brings together the generations of Hawaiians and those seeking to learn the ways of the Hawaiians through a system that respects and honors the knowledge of the kupuna (elders).  Groups of people are organized into a halau (school) under the tutelage of a respected kumu (teacher).  Hula is thriving today because this organization of halau perpetuates and enriches hula and other Hawaiian traditions.

 Keiki hula, as it is commonly called, is hula by keiki (children).  In recent years, new hula halau (hula schools) have been organized and are performing with greater frequency around the islands. Most of the halau have both kane (boy/man) and wahine (girl/woman) performers.  Technically, keiki are children up to thirteen-years old.  Opio are male or female teenagers who are older than thirteen.  Usually the hula dancers are presented in groups that are segregated into all-girl or all-boy performers.  Sometimes the hula is performed solo or in small groups of two or three dancers; each identical in their deliberate expressive moves.

 Hula involves graceful steps and movement of the body.  But of utmost importance, it emphasizes movement of the arms, hands and fingers accentuated by facial expression. Behind the outward expression of the dance is the Hawaiian culture.  The keiki learn about the meaning, history and cultural; significance of their movements, which are accompanied by songs, most of which are in the Hawaiian language.  Keiki learn more than just dance.  Plants and ornaments used to adorn the dancers have certain meaning and relevance and are gathered according to a special regimen.

 Keiki hula performances are great!  The little girls are charming and exuberant, wearing flowers, floral arrangements and haku lei in their hair.  They dress up in the beautiful, rich and colorful outfits that their mothers, tutu (grandmothers) or aunties have lovingly sewn for them.  The costumes are abundant and represent a wide variety of contemporary and traditional Hawaiian hula styles; from the frisky coconut shell tops with grass skirt bottoms, to the formal Hawaiian-style gowns.  Some girls have as many as six or more costume changes during their normal 45-minute performance.  The frequent changes and scurry of activity from each new group of performers rushing on and off stage adds to the excitement and interest.  Looking sharp, the boys also play an important role in the hula performance.  At keiki hula shows, you will see wonderful kids exuding enthusiasm, sincerity and fun.  They are proud to be sharing the Hawaiian traditions.  Visitors and locals alike enjoy the colorful, upbeat performance.  And, it's a fantastic photo opportunity.  At the keiki hula show, you will see a lot of cameras flashing and video cameras rolling!

 What a delight it is to watch these great kids enjoying such good, clean fun with their friends, while they learn and share the history and culture of Hawaii.  Hula embodies a tradition that respects the kumu, learning through the halau, while honoring the kupuna and the ohana (family).  Hula is strong and will continue to prosper due to the integrity of the age-old system that has kept it alive from its beginning.

 While on Maui, it will be worth your effort to attend a keiki hula performance.  Lahaina Cannery Mall features free keiki hula performances every Saturday and Sunday while the Lahaina Center also features free keiki hula performances every Wednesday and Friday.  Also, look in newspapers and publications for listings that identify places and times for keiki (or even adult) hula performances through the island.  Enjoy the Aloha expressed through the eyes of these keiki.