Hula dancing is one of the most well-known Hawaiian dance traditions. If you’re looking to add a little culture to your island vacation, try taking a hula dance Lesson. Popularized by movies and popular culture, what most of us know about the hula dance has little resemblance to the spirit, grace, history, or sacredness that personifies this ancient art.
The ancient form of the dance, or “hula kahiko”, is performed in traditional costume, accompanied by chanting and traditional percussion instruments. The more modern and popular form of the dance that most of us know, or the “hula ‘auana”, is usually accompanied by instruments such as the ukelele and guitar. We encourage you to take a class of this beautiful part of our culture while you’re here. You will learn a lot, work off some calories, and have loads of fun!
1. Still and Moving Center
Well we guarantee that you’ll be doing a lot more moving than sitting still at this hula class. This top-rated spot offers a lot more than hula dance, including aerial silk, latin moves, martial arts, massage, and yoga so plan ahead and book a spot at this popular Kaka’ako neighborhood studio. And bring the kids – Still and Moving Center offers kids classes, too so this is something the whole family will enjoy together!
2. Royal Hawaiian Center
If you’re looking for a hula class with a little more culture, then check out the hula dance classes at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki. They have a full calendar with complimentary hula classes, along with Hawaiian quilt making, lei making, Lauhala Weaving, ukelele classes and more! There’s also some options for dining and shopping on site, so make this a day excursion with the family and learn all about Hawaiian culture and arts.
3. Polynesian Cultural Center
Ok, so maybe you’re tired from swimming with the dolphins, surfing, snorkeling or hiking around Oahu and you’d rather just take in some hula dancing and watch the pros do it. The top destination for watching hula dancing, and all of the other Hawaiian arts, is the Polynesian Cultural Center. This mecca for everything related to the islands, including Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti, Hawai’i, Aotearoa (New Zealand), and Samoa, offers an unforgettable cultural exploration finishing with a breathtaking luau where you’ll watch some hula dancing while enjoying a delicious traditional meal.
