Some people travel for Taylor Swift. I travel for hula.

When it comes to a tropical vacation, ocean waves and palm trees radiate the energy of the main character. As much as I love the beach, what gives me the most satisfaction is an authentic experience that opens a window into the local culture. That’s why I went to Maui to take part in a children’s hula competition.

The Taylor Swift Effect

Thanks to Taylor Swift, it’s no longer unusual to travel to a faraway city to see your favorite artist perform. I know fans who have flown to different continents to watch the Eras Tour. If they could travel for Taylor Swift, I thought, why can’t I travel to Hawaii for hula?

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A lifelong love of Hawaii and hula

I first visited Hawaii when I was a child in the 1970s. My aunt and uncle live in the small town of Waianae on Oahu. My working parents were so relieved that I was invited to spend the whole summer with them on the island. While my NYC friends went to camp, I went barefoot, ate poi, and fell in love with Hawaii and hula.

Hula connects Hawaiians to their cultural heritage

You may know hula as a form of dance. However, this goes beyond physical movement, and acts as a means of preserving tradition. Under colonization, Hawaiian culture and language were actively suppressed, almost to the point of extinction. The rise of the Hawaiian language and the popularity of hula is significant when viewed through this lens.

OUTRIGGER is committed to sharing Hawaiian culture

I experienced OUTRIGGER—a Hawaiian-born brand—and its commitment to preserving Hawaiian culture when my family and I vacationed at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort last year. We were amazed by the variety of experiences on offer that respectfully dive into Hawaiian heritage, from lei-making workshops to ukulele lessons. At OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, we participate in immersive programs rooted in Hawaiian language, history and mythology, all led by a team of cultural practitioners.

When I learned OUTRIGGER had hosted an annual children’s hula competition at Kā’anapali Beach Resort on Maui every fall since 1993, I assumed it was 100% authentic.

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Children compete alone

Hula O Nā Keiki OUTRIGGER is a hula competition for ages 6-17. The competition lasted for two days. Contestants were divided into two groups, one for young children and one for teenagers. Each person performed hula kahiko (ancient hula) and hula ʻauana (modern style hula).

Unique among hula events, young performers perform solo. However, when competitors are alone on stage, the importance of mentoring is of the essence. Every child’s kuma hula (hula teacher) is present and respected. As a former teacher, this respect is deeply felt.

Entertaining but not entertainment

Keep in mind, this is not a luau created for your entertainment. This is not a tourist spot a community celebration that aims to weave Hawaii’s past into the present. This translates to the singing of the Hawaiian national anthem (formerly the national anthem of the Kingdom of Hawaii), Hawaiian words sprinkled throughout, and many jokes told by the MC. There were many families, former contestants, and past winners in attendance. Ticket prices are reasonable to encourage inclusivity.

The hula competition begins

The event started at 4pm and ended at 8pm on both days, so I had plenty of time to enjoy the stunning Kā’anapali Beach beforehand. Held in the hotel auditorium, seats are first come first serve. I arrived early and got a blue-chip seat in the front row right behind the judges.

The judges and many audience members wore leis, Hawaiian shirts or muumuus, and decorated their hair with fragrant flowers that scented the entire auditorium. In an attempt to blend in, I wore a long pink dress with a bold floral print, a stark contrast to my usual all-black outfit. As I waited for the competitors to take the stage, a panel of six esteemed judges rose from their seats to perform an impromptu hula dance as the three-piece band played Hawaiian music.

After about an hour of music, socializing and light-hearted bantering, the young contestants started to emerge. One by one, each of them bravely stepped onto the stage with great poise.

Night One is devoted to hula kahiko, a venerable form of hula that echoes the past with chants, songs and percussion instruments to pass on stories deeply rooted in Hawaiian history. This is a pure type of hula that was practiced before encountering Western culture.

Night Two featured hula’ auana, a more modern evolution of hula developed in the 19th^th and 20^th centuries. It presents fluid movements and space for personal expression, often accompanied by the sound of the ukulele. This is a style of hula you may have seen on TV or in popular luaus.

I find both forms of hula interesting to watch.

Hands don’t lie

Hip swaying is a characteristic feature of hula, although it is expressive hand movements that are the basis of this art form. Seeing hula up close, I noticed the hands as a visual dictionary that tells a story with nuance.

And the winner is…..

After the last contestant performs on the second day, there is a break so that the jury can deliberate. This gave me time to browse the Hawaiian Arts Market held in conjunction with the competition, where local artisans sold food, clothing and crafts. I saw some of the young contestants walking around the market. On stage, they looked like young goddesses; in the real world, they seem like normal kids.

After enjoying a refreshing glass of POG, an acronym for a refreshing local concoction made from passion fruit, orange and guava, I was ready to return to the competition.

The big moment finally arrived. Winners were announced in several categories. The overall winner was 17-year-old Elizabeth Kamaile Kahailihauwelo Kekahuna. He was crowned, kissed, and showered with gifts. I know this sounds cliche, but in my eyes, every child is a winner because of their readiness, seriousness, and exuding a real sense of pride.

I’m glad I traveled for hula

Seeing the dedication of these young players to their ancestral heritage is truly captivating. I was honored to witness such a culturally relevant event. I learned a lot about hula and Hawaiian values. If you’re interested in digging deeper and opening your eyes to native Hawaiian culture, start planning a trip to Maui next fall.

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