Hula is an important part of Hawaiian culture. Hula is a Hawaiian dance accompanied by chant or song. Through hula, the stories, traditions, and culture of Hawaii are preserved and passed down from generation to generation.
There are two different types of hula. Modern hula, Hula Auana, is danced to western influenced music and is more modern in style. Ancient hula is called Hula kahiko, which is danced to dramatic chants and percussion with more traditional costumes. Today, students study hula in hula “halau” (schools).
Laukanaka Ka Hula…Throngs of Hula People Gather
I think that learning about Hawaiian culture is one of the best things that you can do while you are in Hawaii. Watching a hula performance is a great way to do that. Plus, many luaus include hula performances.
If you are visiting Hawaii in July and want to see Hula performances during your trip, keep on reading. There is an event happening in July that honors the history of Hula in Hawaii with a two-day celebration.
Laukanaka Ka Hula…Throngs of Hula People Gather is the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Prince Lot Hula Festival. It will take place at historic `Iolani Palace on Saturday, July 15 from 9 am to 4 pm and Sunday, July 16 from 10 am to 3 pm.
“We are honored to be celebrating our 40th anniversary on the grounds of ‘Iolani Palace, where our ali‘i, including Prince Lot, maintained their official residences,” said Alika Jamile, MGF Executive Director and President.
This festival is held each year to honor Prince Lot Kapuāiwa, who reigned as Kamehameha V from 1863 to 1872 and helped reprise hula. It is the largest non-competitive hula celebration in Hawaii.
“We can’t think of a better place than ‘Iolani Palace to showcase two days of great hula performed by some of Hawaii’s premier hālau hula,” Jamile continued. “We invite the entire community to join us for this first ever celebration of the Prince Lot Hula Festival at ‘Iolani Palace.”
Everything you need to know about the Prince Lot Hula Festival.
The Royal Order of Kamehameha will open the festival followed by an impressive line-up of 20 premier hula groups. These groups will perform both ancient and contemporary hula over the festival weekend. The festival will also offer cultural demonstrations, a Hawaiian-inspired craft fair, poi pounding workshops, entertainment and more.
Local food and refreshments will be available for purchase on both days. There is no charge to attend the festival. However, the festival’s presenter, the non-profit Moanalua Gardens Foundation, requests a button donation to raise funds to support the event. Visit www.moanaluagardensfoundation.org or call (808) 839-5334 for more information.
If you are going to be in Hawaii during this celebration, I highly encourage you to go and to learn more about hula.
Want to learn more?
This tour is offered on Oahu. It completely immerses you in Hawaiian culture and history. You will visit an ancient Hawaiian temple, Iolani Palace, and other important cultural sites in Hawaii. Give us a call today to reserve your spot!
