This past week was the Merrie Monarch Festival on the Big Island of Hawaii. The festival honors the legacy of King David Kalākaua who inspired many to move forward the traditions, native language and arts of the Hawaiian people. A big part of the festival includes dance or hula (pronounced: hoo-lah) competitions. 

The hula is not only a medium for storytelling…only one part of the connection to tradition. Many times it involves that deeper connection to Hawaiian roots, including caring for the land. For me, the hula evokes a deep emotion inside me…whenever I watch a hula being performed, I feel honored and humbled that Hawaiians are willing to share their traditions and stories with me. 

Have you watched a hula performance? How does it make you feel?

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