PHOTO: HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY (HTA) / TOR JOHNSON | LOCATION: KOHALA COAST
HULA is the most powerful expression of indigenous Hawaiian culture that exists. The chants and dance comprise an oral history of Hawai‘i’s native people, passed down from a kumu hula (hula teacher) to each generation.
MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL is Hawai‘i’s premier showcase of this ancient art form in its splendor. The WEEKLONG CELEBRATION, established in 1963 to honor the legacy left by King David Kalākaua, takes place each spring, and features an internationally acclaimed hula competition, crafts fair, art show, hula shows and a grand parade.
HULA PERFORMANCES also abound at shopping centers and schools around the island throughout the year. If you’d like to learn the art of the dance yourself, look into taking a class at various resorts.
