Like much of traditional Hawaiian culture, the roots of hula extend back to otherworldly sources -- in this instance the goddess Laka, who is said to have first performed the hula on a Moloka'i hill in ancient times. Each May, halau hula (dance troupes) from throughout the Islands gather to celebrate this heritage at Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko -- literally "Moloka'i, the Center of the Dance." According to John Kaimikaua, revered kumu hula (teacher of the hula), the Hawaiian dance known worldwide as the Hula was born on Moloka'i. Although each island has a legend claiming it is the source of the dance, none celebrates with the enthusiasm of Moloka'i. Most people who have seen hula dancing think in terms of beautiful island girls dancing to languorous music or the pulse of native drums. In point of fact, hula in ancient times was originally danced exclusively by males. Over the years, the dominance of female dancers became the norm.

Today, in many Hawaiian shows, both male and female hula is common. And to celebrate both the birthplace of the hula and the importance of this dance to Hawaiian heritage and culture, an annual festival has been organized called Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko. Held along the shores of Papohaku Beach Park each May, Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko is a celebration of the dance, coupled with historic performances by halaus (dance troupes) and exhibits of various arts and crafts, Hawaiian games, sporting contests and local entertainment. The celebration begins solemnly in the dark before dawn at the top of a mountain, Kaana. The haunting notes of the conch shell horn call the participants to meditation. A subtle rustling of fabric and the whiff of ferns and maile vines brings focus back to the moment, as dancers rise and begin to sway, chanting, "Aloha e, aloha e," their bodies silhouetted against the stars. Later in the day one can see hulas that haven't been danced publicly in years, ones that must have struck mortal terror in the hearts of the early Christian missionaries: the howling dog dance, the dance of the evil lizard, and the hula mai, in honor of royal fertility. The one-day Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko is a less structured affair. There is no competition here, but simply a joyous commemoration of this ancient and beautiful art form.

For more information about luxury lodging for your Moloka'i vacation,
contact Lily Hollis at makehorse@earthlink.net
or by telephone at 1(800) 860-9134.

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Last updated: June 9, 2001