Hawaii’s Hula Dancers

Visitors to Hawaii never fail to be entranced by the graceful movements of Hawaiian dancers as they perform their traditional dance – the Hula.  The exact origins of the Hula dance are not known, but according to the Hawaiians the first hula dance was performed by a god or goddess.  That is why the hula is considered to be more of a sacred ritual.

The sacred Hula -  a tradition of Hawaii

The hula is accompanied by chants or songs that tell of the Hawaiian legends and the culture and traditions of Hawaii.  The hula is popular even in the U.S. mainland, Japan and Europe.  The dance is usually taught by a hula teacher in a hula halau, or simply a hula school.  Tourists to Hawaii can avail of a free lesson at the Royal Hawaiian Center or at the Waikiki Beach Walk.

Once regarded as a part of religious ceremonies, it is now performed also for entertainment.  The traditional costume of hula dancers consists of the lei worn on the head and shoulders, the pau or skirt, and the kupea or anklets made from whale bone or dog-teeth.

Hula movements, including the hand expressions and signs have specific meanings.  A dancer may move his or her body to represent plants, animals, or war.  For instance, when hula dancers imitate a shark or palm tree, they believe they have actually been transformed into a shark or palm.  The words of the song accompanying the dance give further explanations of the dancers’ movements.  But since not many people understand the language of the chanting, the stress is more on the body and hand movements.

Hula Auana – Modern Hula Dance

Hula Auana (Modern Hula) Being a religious dance, the training given to ancient hula dancers at the hula school was very strict, and the final graduation ceremony also followed a strict protocol.  Even today, the halau hula observe strict rules.  Some of these schools were located in temples.  One of the best halaus is located at Kee, on the north shore of Kauai. Continue Reading »
Hawaiian Hula Dancers

Understanding Hawaiian Culture – Common Etiquette Tips

In Hawaii, you’ll encounter some really friendly people and you’ll find the warm spirit of aloha wherever you go.  As in other parts of the world, the people here too have their own etiquette rules.  So if you wish to learn the Hawaiian culture, make sure you follow the simple etiquette tips mentioned below.  That will also make your visit an enjoyable one.

• Though you won’t have a major problem communicating with the local people in Hawaii, it would be a good idea to get familiar with the pronunciation of the Hawaiian vowels and alphabets and also of commonly used words.  For example, ‘Aloha’, pronounced as “ah lo hah”, has different meanings, but is mostly used for saying hello or goodbye.’Mahalo’, pronounced as “muh hah lo”, means thank you.  Often, you’ll find that most street and town names are marked in Hawaiian.  If you get familiar with the basic pronunciation of the Hawaiian language, you’ll find it easier to pronounce these names.
• Besides the commonly spoken Hawaiian language, there is also a local dialect called “Pidgin” in which many words are pronounced differently.  But you’ll only hear it spoken very rarely or on the radio.  Visitors are advised not to attempt to speak this pidgin dialect to the locals for fear of inadvertently offending or irritating them.  Also, don’t assume that those who speak pidgin are illiterate, for most locals are “bilingual”, and speak perfect English in addition to pidgin.
• Always remember to remove your shoes before you enter anyone’s home.
• Accept a ‘lei’ (a flower garland) with gratitude and politeness, and never take it off when in the presence of the one who presented it to you.  Expectant mothers are offered a lei with an open end as a mark of ensuring a safe delivery. Continue Reading »
  Hawaii Etiquette Tips

Technorati Tags: aloha, Hawaiian culture