Hula and Hawaii go hand in hand. Now Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is giving visitors the possibility to expertise this distinctive a part of Hawaiian tradition. “Behind the Scenes of Hula” offers visitors a sneak peek into the follow with one of many state’s prime aggressive hula teams.
Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua, led by Kumu Hula (Hula Instructor) Kamaka Kūkona, is the hālau (hula faculty) providing this distinctive alternative. Whereas usually not accessible to the general public, now visitors, guests, and residents alike can expertise hula, or what Kūkona calls “the lifeline to the tradition,” at numerous venues free of charge on the resort each Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. by means of the top of the yr.
“Behind the Scenes of Hula” was developed by 4 Seasons Resort Maui Director of Hawaiian Packages and haumāna (scholar of hula) of Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua, “Aunty Wendy” Tuivaioge, who believes it’s her kuleana (accountability) to share Hawaiian tradition with workers and visitors to allow them to study extra concerning the particular place she will get to name residence.
(Picture Credit score: 4 Seasons)
An Genuine Hula Program
“Because the Director of Hawaiian Packages, I comply with a protocol that permits me to be as genuine as attainable,” explains Aunty Wendy. “Being a haumāna, I need to get permission from my Kumu Hula to deliver this a part of the tradition ahead to visitors — whether or not by means of Behind the Scenes of Hula or educating classes. To me, hula is as a lot about telling a narrative as it’s about offering a stupendous glimpse into Hawaiian tradition.”
Hula Excellence At The 4 Seasons
Earlier this yr, Kumu Kamaka and 18 of his elite dancers practiced on the resort for the Merrie Monarch Festival, the world’s largest hula gathering and most prestigious competitors. It was held April 20 to 23 on Hawaii Island. It’s known as the Olympics of Hula, and Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua is one in every of simply 20 faculties chosen to compete out of a whole bunch nationwide. For the previous two years, the pageant was placed on pause as a result of pandemic. This yr it was again in entrance of a dwell viewers.
“Behind the Scenes of Hula” is complimentary and one of many many cultural and education-driven actions the Resort is providing this yr, together with 4 Seasons Maui Academy’s “Ocean Aloha” and “Hawaiian Star Tales” instructional applications, which intention to instill a deeper appreciation of the vacation spot for younger guests.
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