Do you love hula? I love hula!
And if you’re in Kailua on any second Sunday of the month, you’ll also discover that Kailua loves hula as well! The close-knit windward Oahu town hosts the “I Love Hula” show every month for families and friends to enjoy. It’s going on its fifth year and features hula halau from all over the island excited to share their love for the Hawaiian culture.Happy hula feet at the free hula show in Kailua.
I accidentally stumbled upon a show recently, when running errands in the Kailua area. As I walked out of a store, I heard the wonderful sounds of Hawaiian music, which seemed to be coming from somewhere around the corner. Sure enough, I found a crowd of locals and visitors – young and old – gathered around the small outdoor stage between Pier 1 and Macy’s. On stage, a group of young hula dancers were dressed in fresh lei and smiling ever-so vibrantly, I knew they loved hula as well.
It’s a very informal event, where the audience may come and go as they please. There are lauhala mats and chairs available for sitting. But you could definitely get a good view of the show by just standing, too. After the first few songs, a front row spot opened up, so I sat there. The keiki (children) dancers were so cute! And they just so happen to be dancing my favorite kind of hula, hula auana (modern day hula). You can tell it’s modern by the Western costumes and bright-colored flower lei they’re wearing.VIDEO: Keiki dancers share their love for hula at the “I Love Hula Kailua” show.
You can check it out, too, rain or shine. If it’s raining, then the show will most likely be moved to the nearby parking garage. You can’t miss them!
I LOVE HULA KAILUA SHOW • Second Sundays, 3-6pm (Free) • Between Macy’s and Pier 1, 609 Kailua Rd., Kailua, HI 96734 • Free parking in shopping center; near bus route
