Adventure 13
It is a Friday night and the community center is packed with people. They are lively and kind, warm and welcoming- with great enthusiasm for Hawaiian culture.
Many people gather with one overarching goal: to support the local Hula school.
The traditional Luau dinner is unveiled as a line of buffet trays are opened and ready to be served. The feast begins.
There is poi, lomi-lomi salmon, Kalua pork with cabbage, squid, rice noodles with sauce and rice. Each dish is unique and absolutely delicious. The squid dish is a quick favorite of mine. It is a smooth, creamy blend of tastes that mixes the sweetness of coconut with richness as of taro leaves, reminiscent of spinach. For dessert the delectable coconut pudding, Haupia.
We effortlessly dance to the live music as it fills the air with the tropical sounds of laid back Hawaiian tunes played on guitar and ukulele.
Ferns and crab claw flowers are used as decor, bringing a vibrant aliveness to the room.
As dinner concludes, the show begins. The children are truly inspiring as they chant (Oli) and dance hula. Led by their Kumu (teacher), who accompanies the hula with a single gourd drum. There are many different dances with colorful garb. One group performs in ti leave skirts. Another uses split bamboo sticks with a rhythmic addition to their dance. Each piece of Hula is strong, graceful, and expressive. It is beautifully authentic and moving.
Later in the show, there is a intergenerational piece in which a mother and grandmother become welcome participants. These lovely women have also been in the school preparing for months. It is touching to witness the willingness of the troupe to share the experience of these cultural practices.
These young girls are reaching for big goals, with the aims to travel to Japan to share their culture with Japanese school children.
The passion and love of Hula radiates from the performers, filling the entire room. It is contagious heartwarming, and awe-inspiring.
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