Embracing the Aloha Spirit: An Exploration of Hawaiian Traditions
When you visit the Big Island, you’ll hear “aloha” more than any other word, as it’s used interchangeably as hello and goodbye. But the meaning of aloha encompasses much more than a simple greeting; it also signifies love, affection, and living harmoniously with one another and nature, at the essence of the Hawaiian way of life.
During your time at our Volcano bed and breakfast, you’ll be surrounded by Hawaiian traditions, from leis and hula to a reverence for the power of volcanoes and the goddess, Pele, who shaped them.
Make a Lei
When you picture Hawaii – along with gorgeous beaches, towering volcanoes, and tropical landscapes – you likely imagine vibrant and beautiful floral leis, a quintessential embodiment of aloha. Leis are one of the oldest Hawaiian traditions, with roots in the earliest days when Polynesians arrived on the islands. It was common to wear a lei to show rank and to reflect peace among chiefs of different groups and during special ceremonies, a practice that continues today, as you’ll see lei at graduations, birthday celebrations, and weddings. Leis are a cherished part of Hawaiian culture, and now there is even a designated “Lei Day,” celebrated on May 1st every year with events in Hilo and around the Big Island.
Giving someone a lei is also a way of welcoming visitors, showing your affection, and celebrating the beauty of the islands. You can tap into these ancient Hawaiian traditions with our lei-making class, a unique opportunity to create a personal lei using native flowers with the artistic guidance of our wonderful Volcano neighbor, Debbie. She will explain the technique of weaving a haku lei – “haku” literally means to braid – worn on the head with the flowers facing outward. You’ll have a lei to wear during your stay in Volcano and a lovely souvenir of your visit to Hawaii, reminding you of the relaxed aloha vibe of the islands.
Dance the Hula
Of all the Hawaiian traditions, hula is perhaps the most recognizable and iconic, merging graceful dancing, musical accompaniment, and storytelling through singing and chants. Like the heritage of leis, hula has its roots in paying respect and honoring others, in this case showing admiration for local chiefs and the many Hawaiian gods and goddesses. The dance form has evolved over the centuries, incorporating more modern instrumentation like ukuleles and guitars, with bands carrying the torch of Hawaiian dance to other countries far from the islands.
It’s a memorable Hawaiian experience to see live hula, which you can do at Hilo Hula Tuesdays when local hula groups take to the downtown bandstand in Hilo at noon for an hour of free dance performances. You can also visit the always-amazing Hilo Farmers Market across the street and make a day of it. Check the Hilo Hula Facebook page for updates about upcoming concerts.
We suggest you catch a show by Na Palapalai, where you will experience the power of the tradition of Hawaii chants, and traditional songs with Hula dancers performing the song. The group started performing in Hilo in 1995 and has since recorded eight albums and garnered critical acclaim over the decades, including several Na Hoka Hanohano awards, known as the Hawaiian Grammys.
We are honored to have a local Kumu (teacher) lead hula classes for our guests. Ulu has performed in the Merry Monach show and has family roots in Hula going back generations. She will teach you about the history of the unique dance while showing you a classic hula routine. Seven-day advance notice is needed, so once you have your travel dates and lodge suite squared away, reserve your class at the time of booking or add to your reservation by calling the innkeepers. Learn some basic hula dance steps, a truly authentic Hawaiian art form.
Praise Pele
Although there are countless Hawaiian goddesses, none are more powerful and revered than Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. She is front and center in many Hawaiian traditions, including hula performances and sacred songs that honor her, as her fiery force – embodied in every lava flow – created the islands. She is the very life force of Hawaii, and according to folklore, resides in the Halema’uma’u crater on Kilauea, just a few miles from our Volcano bed and breakfast.
As the most active volcano in the world, Pele is still working her magic within the depths of Kilauea, orchestrating spellbinding eruptions that you may witness in person – check the USGS Kilauea website for daily updates on volcanic activity within the crater at the summit.
When you are adventuring across stunning lava fields, crossing the vast lava landscape midway on Kilauea Iki Trail, or traversing underground through nearby lava tubes, you’ll be in the presence of Pele, a captivating force of nature.
Stay with us and embrace the Hawaiian traditions embedded in daily life and culture on the Big Island!