Colors of Molokai - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Molokai is the most “Hawaii” of all the Hawaii Islands. It is an ideal place where you can learn everything about the indigenous people’s national culture. This friendly and picturesque island attracts tourists with its multifaceted and unique culture. One of the main national features is hula. The name of this dance is literally translated as “lighting a sacred fire”. For the natives, this term means “the fire of a soul”. The dance is a way to express emotions and feelings.

Hula has a very interesting history. It became traditional a thousand years ago. At that time, there were several kinds of hula. One of them was performed only during religious ceremonies. The other kind could be performed only by the royals, and the third one - by all islanders. The modern dance resembles a theatrical performance.

Dancers put on beautiful national costumes. Girls wear lush skirts, wreaths, and necklaces of fresh flowers. For hundreds of years, the national dance has been changed. New movements were added. Nowadays, there are two kinds of hula: contemporary and traditional. According to the traditions of the past, the traditional dance is performed only to old musical instruments. Contemporary hula is performed to guitar music and includes some elements of other popular dances. It is primarily performed for travelers. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In the islands, there are several dance schools. Here, people of all ages study only traditional dances. Scientists’ researches have shown quite interesting results.

It was found out that regular dancing has a positive effect on the physical and mental health of people, so hula can be considered as the main secret of the islanders’ good health. The indigenous people are proud of their culture and glad to share it with foreign tourists. It is a great honor for them to know that foreigners like local music, dances, and a harmonious and friendly atmosphere of the island.

One of the most famous Hawaii festivals, Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko, is dedicated to hula. It is held at the beginning of the first summer month and opens the season of joy and cheerfulness. It is held in Kualapuʻu located in the center of the island. Here, themed tours, seminars dedicated to the dance, and craft fairs where you can buy unique handicrafts are organized. Of course, the culmination of the festival is spectacular dance performances. For tourists, the locals perform two types of hula: hula auana (a contemporary dance) and hula kahiko (a traditional Hawaii dance).

The fest is organized within the framework of a large-scale event named Molokai Hula Bliss & Huakaʻi that is famous exactly for dance performances. Besides hula, visitors can listen to Hawaii stories and traditional songs. The days after the hula festival are dedicated precisely to stories. Then, you can learn more about the music culture of islanders. Another attractive festival is dedicated to ukulele, a traditional Hawaii guitar. The Uke Ohana Molokai is held in early April and lasts 3 days. Famous musicians playing ukulele are invited to take part in the festival. They not only give concerts, but also carry out master classes.

The Kulaia Hoolaulea held in mid-September is dedicated to the traditional Hawaii kind of sport, canoeing. It takes place in the coastal cities of the island and attracts hundreds of tourists from all parts of the world. Besides canoeing, the visitors can have a great time, listen to Hawaii music, buy handicrafts at fairs, and enjoy the stunning atmosphere of the traditional Hawaii fest in general. Another festival dedicated to SUP surfing is held in late June and named Molokai Holokai Hoolaulea. By visiting it, you can learn more about the multifaceted local culture.

At the end of January, a traditional festival dedicated to harvesting is held in all big cities. It ends with spectacular sports competitions, ceremonies dedicated to god Lono, and folk festivities with dances and songs. The most large-scale events take place in Kaunakakai. Children often take part in the fest too. In the city, the most picturesque festivals are held before Christmas. At this time, regattas, cooking contests, master classes, and fairs are held. They always go hand in hand with Hawaii music and traditional hula.