Hawaiian Royal Center
Learning the hula is one of those truly iconic island experiences that you just simply cannot pass up while visiting Hawaii, an essential cultural tradition that visitors and locals alike can learn in many different schools, events, and homes throughout the islands. The hula is a uniquely Hawaiian dance that is performed along with chants or songs that perpetuate and preserve the traditions and heritage of both the Polynesian and Hawaiian cultures. Some believe that the hula had its beginnings on Molokai Island, and others on Kauai Island, but either way it began as an intricate local art form and has grown into a worldwide symbol of Hawaiian people and culture.
Upon visiting the Royal Hawaiian Center your group will get to learn the ins and outs of hula dancing, the lesson beginning with choosing a style of dance to perform. You can go for the Hula Auana, the more modern and fluid dance style that is set to the rhythm of western music, or the more traditional ancient Hula Kahiko, focused more on dramatic costumes and dramatic chants and percussion.
Mostly these dances are learned by kuna hula’s (teachers) at festivals and competitions, or perhaps at hotels and resorts, a large worldwide competition happening each year on the Big Island called the Merrie Monarch Festival. This learning center, in particular, is located along the Waikiki Beach Walk, a gorgeous sight in Oahu that allows you to hone in on your skills and maybe even take to the stage! Your group can also find these opportunities at Aulii luau, Sheraton Kauai, Paradise Cove, and the Polynesian Cultural Center.