MAUI — Clipped into hair and strung into leis, fresh plumerias fill the banquet hall with a sweet scent. Soon, the dim stage lights brighten and the audience quiets. A group of 10 or so kaikamahine, or girls, take the stage outfitted in ruffled off-the-shoulder tops with vintage-inspired bloomers that peek out from their pāʻū lāʻī, or skirt made of green ti leaves. The hula dancers get into position.and the dancers are all smiles.
The crowd erupts loudly – not just into claps and cheers, but deafening"chee-hoos," a shout of excitement in Hawaii with roots in Polynesian war cries. The audience comprises others from the dancers' hālau, or hula school, and their ʻohana, or family. The energy is palpable. It is the second day of performances for, the only Maui-based hula competition for children ages 5 through 17.
Gracing the stage this year were solo dancers competing to be Miss and Master Hula O Nā Keiki, and for the first time, group performances, like the one who performed to"Swingtime in Honolulu." Not only does the event push haumana, or students, to put on their best hula performance, but also to reflect on their relationship with hula and their identity as Hawaiian. Ultimately, it’s an opportunity to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and prove that the visually captivating art of hula is alive and evolving.
Where are the other races of children? This isn't diverse at all. It's racist..🤔
Just like Africa.