Cultural Experience

Aloha.
It's more than a greeting.

Yes, aloha can mean hello, good-bye and even love. But that doesn't do justice to this magnificent word. Aloha is a way of life, a spirit that inhabits the mind and heart. It was given to us by our native people, the Hawaiians, who understand it better than anyone. Fortunately, they generously passed it along to all who graced their shores. It's easier to explain than define. It's smiling at a stranger for no reason at all. It's sharing - your food, your home, your life. It's letting others see what's inside, allowing them to feel your feelings, to share your thoughts. Aloha is more than a greeting, it's a way of life.

Of Leis and Love.

The lei is a symbol of love and respect. In the Hawaiian culture, a person's head and shoulders are considered sacred parts of the body, so that placing a lei over a person's neck is a token of honor and respect. And the lei is accepted with a hug and kiss to show the love and appreciation of the receiver. Kumu hula (dance teacher) Leina'ala Heine says it best: "A lei symbolizes giving of oneself to another."

Kauai's signature lei is the mokihana and maile lei. Strands of mokihana berries and maile leaves are picked in the Kokee forest and twined together. According to legend, maile is associated with the goddess Laka and the ends of a maile garland are left open so that the energies of the goddess may enter.

The Ancient Art of Hula.

Somewhere in the deep, dark, unknowable past, Hawaiians began to dance the hula as the primary expression of the heart, their history and to communicate a special kind of poetry in motion. It is the soul of Hawaii expressed in motion. Today, it continues as Hawaii's most significant and honored tradition.

It began as a means of worship during religious ceremonies by highly-trained men and gradually evolved into a form of entertainment. It was the true performing art of old Hawaii where history was beautifully and dramatically retold to thrilled audiences.

It's believed that stately hula pahu (drum dance) originated here on Kauai and the Kaulu-O-Laka heiau (temple) above Kee Beach in Haena is possibly the most famous hula platform in the Islands.

Hawaiian Music.
The Beat Goes On.

For good reason, the missionaries are blamed for destroying much of ancient Hawaii's culture. But they did one thing which has enhanced everything since. They taught the Hawaiians the diatonic musical scale. Before their arrival, the Hawaiians knew little about melody. Their powerful mele were repetitive chants where historical accuracy was more important than "making music". Strangely, the Hawaiians did not sing.

But with the introduction of the new musical scale and church hymns, the Hawaiians finally found their voice and singing became an intrinsic part of the culture. It has evolved through the Spanish vaqueros who in Hawaii became paniolo (cowboys) and introduced the ukulele (jumping flea), King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani who were talented musicians and songwriters and the wonderful, sometimes slap-happy, hapa-haole songs of the 1920's,'30's and '40's.

Today, Hawaiian music is energized by influences from all over the world but is always deeply rooted in its diverse past.