hula

Hula is the deeply revered traditional dance of Hawaii, practiced by locals of all backgrounds and ages, from young keiki in halau (hula schools) to kupuna (elders). In local culture, the word is used with immense respect; it is never appropriate to mock the dance or refer to it as a cheap tourist attraction, as hula preserves Hawaiian history, genealogy, and mythology through movement and chant. While visitors often associate hula with resort luaus and grass skirts, authentic hula (both the ancient hula kahiko and modern hula ʻauana) requires years of rigorous discipline, cultural study, and dedication to a kumu hula (teacher).

Aunty Nani sat on the damp lanai of their Makawao home, arms crossed tight against the Upcountry cold, glaring at her teenage niece. "Eh, what is that? You call that hula? Look like you trying for swat one mosquito away from your face. Your hands so stiff, going snap right off."

Malia sighed loud enough for the neighbors to hear, dropping her arms. "Aunty, I just practicing the steps for the halau fundraiser. I tired already."

"Tired? You think your tutu was tired when she danced for six hours straight at the Lahaina Banyan Tree back in the day?" Nani snapped, standing up and adjusting her faded sweater. "Hula is not just wiggling around so the boys look at you. You gotta tell the story. Now pick your elbows up and start over from the vamp, or I swear I going cancel your phone plan."