
Hula Dance Hawaii is much more than a form of entertainment—it's a vibrant expression of Hawaiian culture, history, and spirituality. Each year, various festivals across the Hawaiian Islands celebrate this unique art form, drawing in locals and visitors alike. Here are some of the top hula festivals in Hawaii that you won't want to miss.
1. Merrie Monarch Festival (Hilo, Big Island)
The Merrie Monarch Festival is the most prestigious hula competition in the world. Held annually in Hilo on the Big Island, this week-long event honors King David Kalākaua, who was instrumental in the revival of hula and other Hawaiian cultural practices. The festival features a hula competition with performances in both Hula Kahiko (ancient hula) and Hula ‘Auana (modern hula). It also includes a grand parade, arts and crafts fairs, and various cultural demonstrations.
2. Prince Lot Hula Festival (Honolulu, Oahu)
The Prince Lot Hula Festival is the largest non-competitive hula event in Hawaii. Named after Prince Lot Kapuāiwa, who later became King Kamehameha V, the festival takes place in Moanalua Gardens in Honolulu. This free event celebrates traditional hula and the preservation of Hawaiian culture. It attracts hālau (hula schools) from across the islands, who perform in a beautiful outdoor setting.
3. Eō E Emalani I Alaka’i Festival (Koke'e, Kauai)
Held in the scenic Koke'e State Park on Kauai, the Eō E Emalani I Alaka’i Festival commemorates Queen Emma’s 1871 journey to the Alaka’i Swamp. This festival blends hula, history, and nature, offering a unique experience for attendees. The festival features hula performances, cultural exhibits, and historical reenactments, all set against the stunning backdrop of Kauai’s lush landscapes.
4. Ka Hula Piko (Molokai)
Ka Hula Piko, meaning "The Center of the Dance," is a festival that celebrates the origins of hula on the island of Molokai. According to legend, Molokai is where hula was first danced, making this festival a significant cultural event. It includes hula performances, cultural workshops, and educational presentations, emphasizing the spiritual and historical aspects of hula.
5. Na Mele O Maui Hula Festival (Wailuku, Maui)
The Na Mele O Maui Hula Festival is a cherished annual event held in Wailuku, Maui. This festival focuses on traditional Hawaiian music and hula, promoting the preservation of Hawaiian language and culture through song and dance. It’s a family-friendly event that brings together hula hālau from across Maui and beyond.
6. Kaua’i Mokihana Festival (Kauai)
The Kaua’i Mokihana Festival is a week-long celebration of Hawaiian culture, with hula as one of its main attractions. Held annually in September, the festival features hula competitions, music concerts, craft fairs, and cultural workshops. The hula competition is divided into categories for keiki (children), wahine (women), and kāne (men), showcasing the talents of dancers of all ages.
Conclusion
These festivals offer a deep dive into the heart of Hawaiian culture, where Hula Dance Hawaii is not just performed but lived and breathed by those who dance it. Whether you’re a seasoned hula enthusiast or a curious newcomer, attending one of these festivals is a must for anyone interested in experiencing the true spirit of Hawaii.