Hula Dance, the Spirit of Hawaii, Part 2 of 2

As mentioned in the previous episode, Hawaiian mythologies, history, genealogies, and traditions were passed down from generation to generation through chant, or “oli,” and accompanying dance called “hula.” Today we are honored to have on our show Kumu Hula (master hula teacher) and choreographer, Ms. Nawahine Kuraoka. Ms. Kuraoka is here to share with us her knowledge of the beautiful hula dance. “We all got to love hula as much as we love our family, as hula is part of our life. And hula is not just hula. Hula is life for us. Everything is Hula.” “We talk about the ancient ways of hula Kahiko with ipu, ipu heke and the pahu drum. And we use these instruments to dance ancient hula.” “Everything is alive, living plants, living hula, that’s what we do. Living hula each and every day, from morning to sunset. We thank God each and every day with ‘pule’ or pray to give thanks for all that we have. That's why I tell a lot of people, ‘Don't take for granted where you live, that we are so lucky, so lucky!’”