Here is a very brief introduction to the indigenous Hawaiian dance known as hula. It is intended to give you an appreciation of the history of hula and an overview of its many forms. We include a list of some of the major hula festivals throughout the year across Hawaiʻi, as well as free hula shows and demonstrations held in shopping malls and other locations. What is hula? Hula is a very complex dance form unique to the Hawaiian Islands. It is not to be … [Read more...] about Hawaiian hula dance: where to see & learn hula
hawaiian music
“Seven Days ‘til Christmas” traditional hula in Waikīkī
Waikiki Beach Walk is a shopping, dining, and entertainment district on Lewers Street between Kalakaua Avenue and Kalia Road. Enjoy one-of-a-kind boutique shops, award-winning restaurants, weekly activities, and live performances on the plaza. “Seven Days ‘til Christmas” traditional hula performances 2021 “Seven Days ‘til Christmas” is a week-long celebration of traditional hula and song by local hula halau and well-known entertainers. The series begins … [Read more...] about “Seven Days ‘til Christmas” traditional hula in Waikīkī
Make Music Day Hawai’i
Make Music Day MMD is a worldwide celebration of music held every year on June 21 — the summer solstice and longest day of the year. Started in France in 1982 as the “Fête de la Musique” (festival of music), MMD is now held on the same day in more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries. The daylong musical free-for-all celebrates music in all its forms. Rather than a traditional music festival of professional bands, Make Music Day promotes the natural music maker in … [Read more...] about Make Music Day Hawai’i
Introduction to Hawaiian music styles and instruments
Traditional Hawaiian music is characterized by percussion instruments, chanting, simplicity, and storytelling. As missionaries and immigrants to Hawaiʻi introduced their vocal styles and instruments, Hawaiians adapted each one to create modern forms of music that remain uniquely Hawaiian. Below we offer an introduction to traditional Hawaiian instruments and song styles, followed by modern forms adapted by Hawaiians through the use of string instruments, … [Read more...] about Introduction to Hawaiian music styles and instruments
