PRESENTATION OUTLINE
The state of Hawaii consists of eight main islands: Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Kahoolawe and the Big Island of Hawaii.
The first settlers to Hawaii brought with them the more ancient Polynesian traditions and lifestyles. Over generations, they adapted their beliefs by adding new gods like Pele to their pantheon and trying new skills.
Originally, Hawaiian music consisted only of beats and chants accompanied by simple drums, rocks, sticks, and gourds. However, today, the sounds of several different instruments have been intertwined.
Some Hawaiian instruments are the kâ`eke `eke which is made of bamboo pipes or tubes of varying lengths; the nî `au kani- a harp made of thin wood; and the `ohe hano ihu -- a nose-flute made of bamboo
Hawaiian children are educated just like any other children in the United States. Hawaii is the only U.S. state without local community control of public schools. Hawaiian people prayed the Ho’oponopono, which is a cultural practice of reconciliation and forgiveness, which is usually combined with prayer.
In Hawaii, traditional hula choreography uses a set of repeating steps and gestures, many of them imitate everyday movements or natural elements. Many different types of hula were performed according to purpose and some had deep religious significance while others were cheery entertainment.
Hula dancing has influenced American dancing with their hip movements and hand gestures. You can see original hula movements in interpretive dancing.
What we find interesting in this type of dance is that each move symbolizes something that relates to their culture or religion. Every dance move has a purpose and a beautiful meaning or story behind it.
