Discovering the Traditions of Hawaii

When you think of Hawaii as a holiday destination, some of the first things that will no doubt spring to mind are the tropical weather, the glorious beaches, the surfing, the rainforest, and the volcanoes. As well as all of that, one of the exciting things about a trip to Hawaii is discovering and experiencing the culture and traditions of this archipelago of islands that form the beautiful state of Hawaii. While Hawaii has been relatively isolated for much of its history, the culture and traditions of this place have evolved over time, beginning with the first Polynesian settlers and being influenced by the various settlers and migrants that have chosen to call this part of the world home. In this article we take a look at some of the key traditions that you will be able to experience on your visit to Hawaii. The Hula This traditional Hawaiian dance is one of the island’s most famous cultural icons – vibrant, rolling moves to captivating music, expressing the beauty and rhythm of Hawaiian life. The hula is a sacred dance as it was first performed by a god, so it began as a form of spiritual worship but has evolved to become a celebration performed at major events. Every move of the dance carries meaning (representing animals, plants, or conflict) and it is performed carefully and deliberately within the rolling rhythm of the “mele” music (generally created by a ukelele and chanting) that accompanies the dance. Dancers wear traditional costumes that include anklets made from dogs’ teeth or whale bone, a skirt (“pau”) made from tapa, and a lei on the shoulders and head. The Mele (songs) The early music of Hawaii was predominantly religious – a series of chants accompanied by musical instruments that were generally made from the plants, wheels, and trees found on the islands. The music of Hawaii today has evolved to incorporate elements from the different cultures that have influenced the island, but still have a strong focus on worshiping nature and the Hawaiian way of living. One of the major influences on Hawaiian music was the introduction of the ukulele and now most music in Hawaii is accompanied by a ukulele. The Art For the ancient Hawaiians, art was created for both aesthetic and functional purposes. One of the interesting aspects of Hawaiian art is the materials used – for example “Kapa” is a fine material produced form the paper mulberry plant – as well as being a material for art it can also be used as swaddles for babies, worn as clothing, and also used for blankets. Lauhala (hala leaves) is another material used for the creation of artwork which can take the form of bowls, hats, and floor mats. The natural beauty of the islands is generally the inspiration for artwork created by the Hawaiian people – beaches, oceans, and volcanoes are commonly featured. There is a lot to discover on this tropical paradise that we call Hawaii – traditions such as the hula, the songs, and the art are really just scratching the surface. What are you waiting for? Start planning your holiday now. Remember, some of the fun of travel is preparing for the adventure.