Hana Aloha Festival Lu'au

While we're in Maui, enjoy reading about the first real lu'au we ever attended. The same Aloha Festival may be going on during part of our trip, if we're lucky. But dates often change due to weather and other community matters in Hana.

The Aloha Festivals are local Hawai'ian culture events that take place on all the islands, across different dates. In Hana, where we spent most of our time on Maui, there is a parade with horses, lots of kids and ti leaf floats. There is a lei making contest. And there is a Lu'au.

We happened upon it 5 years ago, and we were the only haoles there, besides the local herb grower. I will never forget watching the progression of hula dancers and the deep gratitude I continue to feel for the experience they gave us.

First, the keikis (children) show what they've been learning. Hula is usually taught by a teacher giving instruction and correction, and students listening carefully. Students do not ask questions. The keikis are incredibly cute, and considered a cherished part of the community.

Groups of students continue coming on stage, dancing, and then sitting near the stage to watch. They watch all the students who are older than them. By the time the older teenagers are performing, you're watching a very technically proficient group of dancers. Both boys and girls dance. They look like classic Hawai'ian beauties (indeed, they are!) and they can hula!

The real masters of the hula, though, are the grandmothers -- big, polynesian women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond, wearing long skirts that amplify every curve. They hold the Aloha for the entire community. When they step on the stage, even little babies are quiet for a moment.

And then, they begin to dance.

Their hula is beyond technical perfection. With every movement, they are opening your heart -- indeed the heart of the entire community. As you watch, completely attentive to their every movement, your heart begins to expand beyond your body, to the entire community, and beyond. This is what the people of Hana are about -- the spirit of Ohana (family) and Aloha.