Learn to Hula on The Big Island of Hawaii

Before the written word came into being, stories were told through dance and music.

The traditional hula dance of Hawaii play an important role in keeping the history, culture, and mythology alive. Each movement tells a story, and connects the Native Hawaiians to their gods and their land.

The hula dance began as a way to honor the gods of the Hawaiian culture. The traditional costume of the hula dancers includes of leis, a skirt, and ankle bracelets of bone/teeth or local flora.

Both men and women performed hula dances, though the choreography of the men’s dance was more vigorous than the fluid motions of the women’s dance.

With the arrival of the missionaries in the 1800s, the nature of the hula began to change. Missionaries denounced the art form, claiming it to be pagan, and it was banned. Hula didn’t disappear, however. Danced in secret, it was passed down through the generations.

The advent of tourism in the early 20th century caused another change. Hula was depicted in films, though quite unlike the real hula.

Although today’s hula is different than the art of the last century, the tradition is kept alive by teachers and older family members.

Volcano Village Lodge offers guests the chance to learn how to Hula. The class is taught by Auntie Adele, a local resident, Hawaiian native and Hula professional dancer. Each class is private lesson and is held at the lodge. Cost is for one person, an additional person can be added for $40 per person.

Volcano Village Lodge is proud to offer a package that allows guests to experience the history of this island art form. Add the package to your room rental and experience hula.