LOVELY HULA HANDS on "TRAVEL TUESDAY"

And what trip to Oahu wouldn't be complete without taking in a hula or two?  Developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Polynesians who originally settled there, hula is accompanied by chant or song that preserves and perpetuates the stories, traditions and culture of Hawaii.  And no, it's not just for GIRLS!

You can see authentic hula throughout Oahu at live performances at hotels and resorts, along with seasonal festivals and competitions held right along Waikiki Beach.  The ALA MOANA CENTER, one of Oahu's most beautiful shopping areas was a 15 minute walk from our hotel, and hosts a daily 20 minute hula demonstration in their center court.  Great vantage points and seats on two levels surrounding the stage.

Palm leaf skirts and lots of shakin' goin' on...three costume changes and three different dances during this 20 minute performance.

These two lovely performers were at our hotel's courtyard on Friday and Saturday evening, along with a firework display each and every weekend.

When Captain James Cook arrived in Hawaii in 1778 there were, depending on the various estimates available, between 300,000 and 400,000 native Hawaiians.  Over the last two hundred thirty five years, the numbers of pure Hawaiians, those with only Hawaiian blood, has declined - today, there are less than 8,000 pure Hawaiians alive.

On the other hand, the number of those who are, at least, part Hawaiian and who consider themselves to be Hawaiian, has increased steadily since the turn of the century. Today, there are estimated to be between 225,000 and 250,000 people with Hawaiian blood living in Hawaii.

Pure or part, it's pretty wonderful to see these traditions being kept alive today.  For more information on year-long Hula Festivals, as well as the dance itself, visit HAWAIIAN HULA INFO. 

 

As for me this week, I am dancing my way home to CO for a bit, and already into the "pre-flight non-sleep" issue that plagues me before a trip, each way.  Two days to get things in order before I leave the family here, for family there...two days to hopefully get a few more Travel Tuesdays lined up and scheduled to post here, magically while I'm gone - two days to hopefully get SOME sleep.  Happy Tuesday, and in the words of Jeff Spicoli, "Aloha, Mr. Hand!"...yeah, when you can quote Fast Times at Ridgemont High, you  might just be sleep deprived!