People from all around the world come to watch men and women shake their groove thang in the most prestigious hula competition of the year. The 41st Merrie Monarch Festival is held in Hilo, Hawaii the week after Easter Sunday for over three nights.
My friend used to have a plastic Hawaiian hula girl on the dashboard of her car, and I never thought I’d actually see one come to life. Before I witnessed this event, I envisioned a Hawaiian girl in a grass skirt swaying her hips to the melody of a ukulele. My hula stereotype came crashing down like MC Hammer when he went bankrupt after I observed a bona fide competition.
As a gift to the public, a free hula exhibition was held to start off the week. Being a poor college student, free equals my presence. Tickets for the rest of the week were completely sold out on the first day. The huge event is sacred to their heritage, and the support from the community is incredible.
The best hula dancers on the island perform both ancient and modern hula. The modern hula uses musical instruments and vocals, whereas the old style of hula consists of chants and is accompanied by percussion only.
When I entered the stadium of thousands of eager faces, folds of peach and violet reached across the sky as the sun set behind the stage. A group of about 20 girls adorned with tropical flowers around their heads and neck entered the stage as the live ancient Hawaiian music began. It was interesting to learn that the hula is used to tell stories.
They delicately moved their hands, and the simultaneous control over their bodies was pleasant to watch. I sat in awe questioning how their hips and legs were attached to the rest of their body.
As I sat surrounded by people of cultures from around the world, a feeling of satisfaction and bliss changed quickly as two women in their late 70s captivated the audience with their somewhat unpleasant seductive dance moves. Loud whistles from the crowd were frequent, and these women were the only ones to receive a standing ovation at the end of their performance — most likely due to their enticing kisses directed to the old men in the front row.
Although hula can be graceful, it can be somewhat intense as the women shake their hips from the rhythm of their knees. They must take dance classes from Beyonce.
I was utterly dazzled by the beauty of these men and women bringing back centuries of time by their representation of each particular culture. All in all, it was an amazing experience, but, sorry boys, no coconut bras.