Some people travel for Taylor Swift. I travel for hula.

When it comes to tropical vacations, ocean waves and palm trees exude main character energy. As much as I love the beach, what gives me the most satisfaction are authentic experiences that open a window into local culture. That’s why I went to Maui for a kid’s hula competition. 

The Taylor Swift effect 

Thanks to Taylor Swift, it’s no longer unusual to journey to a faraway city to watch your favorite artist perform. I know fans who have flown to different continents to see the Eras Tour. If they can travel for Taylor Swift, I thought, why couldn’t I travel to Hawaii for hula? 

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A lifelong love of Hawaii and hula

I first visited Hawaii when I was a little girl in the 1970s. My aunt and uncle lived in the small town of Waianae on Oahu. Much to the relief of my working parents, I was invited to spend a whole summer with them on the island. While my NYC friends were going to day camp, I was going barefoot, eating poi, and falling in love with Hawaii and hula. 

Hula connects Hawaiians to their heritage

You may know hula as a dance form, which it is. However, it transcends physical movement, acting as a vehicle to preserve traditions. Under colonization, Hawaiian culture and language were actively suppressed, nearly to the point of extinction. The resurgence of the Hawaiian language and the popularity of hula are particularly meaningful when seen through this lens. 

OUTRIGGER is committed to sharing Hawaiian culture 

I had already experienced OUTRIGGER—a brand born in Hawaii—and its commitment to preserving Hawaiian culture when my family and I vacationed at the OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort last year. We were wowed by the array of experiential guest offerings that respectfully dove into Hawaii’s heritage, from lei-making workshops to ukulele lessons. At the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa, we participated in immersive programming rooted in Hawaiian language, history, and mythology, all led by a team of cultural practitioners. 

When I learned OUTRIGGER has hosted the annual children’s hula competition at its Kā‘anapali Beach Resort in Maui each fall since 1993, I correctly suspected it would be 100% authentic.  

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Kids compete solo

OUTRIGGER’s Hula O Nā Keiki is a hula competition for ages 6-17. The competition takes place over two days. Contestants are divided into two groups, one for younger children and one for teens. Everyone performs both hula kahiko (ancient hula) and hula ʻauana (a modern-style hula). 

Unique among hula events, young performers are solo. However, while competitors are alone on stage, the importance of mentorship is at its core. Each child’s kuma hula (hula teacher) is present and honored. As a former teacher, this respect really hit home.  

Entertaining but not entertainment 

Keep in mind, this is not a luau crafted for your entertainment. It’s a non-touristy community celebration that aims to weave Hawaii’s past to its present. This translates into singing Hawaii’s state anthem (formerly the national anthem of the Hawaiian Kingdom), Hawaiian words sprinkled throughout, and plenty of inside jokes told by the MC. There were many families, former contestants, and past winners present. Tickets are reasonably priced to encourage inclusivity. 

The hula competition begins

The event started at 4 pm and ended at 8 pm both days, allowing me plenty of time to enjoy stunning Kā‘anapali Beach beforehand. Held in the hotel’s auditorium, seating was first-come, first-served. I arrived early and nabbed a blue-chip seat in the front row right behind the judges. 

The judges and many audience members wore lei, Hawaiian shirts or muumuus, and adorned their hair with fragrant flowers that scented the entire auditorium. In an attempt to blend in, I wore a long pink dress with a bold floral print, very different from my usual all-black attire. As I waited for the competitors to take the stage, the panel of six esteemed judges rose from their seats for an impromptu hula dance as the three-piece band played Hawaiian music. 

After about an hour of music, socializing, and casual banter, the young contestants began to appear. One by one, each bravely took to the stage with the utmost poise. 

Night One was devoted to hula kahiko, a venerable form of hula that echoes the past with chanting, songs, and percussion instruments to pass down stories that are deeply rooted in Hawaii’s history. This is the sort of pure hula that was performed before encounters with Western cultures. 

Night Two featured hula’ auana, a more modern evolution of hula developed in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. It presents fluid movements and space for personal expression, often accompanied by the sounds of the ukulele. This is the style of hula you may have seen on TV or at popular luaus.

I found both forms of hula riveting to watch.

Hands don’t lie

Swaying hips are a well-known feature of hula, though it’s the expressive hand gestures that are the foundation of this art form. Seeing hula up-close, I noticed the hands as a visual dictionary telling the story with great nuance. 

And the winner is…..

After the last contestant had performed on day Two, there was an intermission so the judges could deliberate. This gave me time to browse the Hawaiian Arts Market that’s held alongside the competition, where local artisans sell food, clothing, and crafts. I saw several of the young contestants strolling around the market. On stage, they appeared to be young goddesses; in the real world, they looked like normal kids. 

After a refreshing glass of POG, the acronym for a refreshing local concoction made from passion fruit, orange, and guava, I was ready for the competition to reconvene. 

The big moment had finally arrived. Winners were announced in several categories. The overall winner was 17-year-old Elizabeth Kamaile Kahailihauwelo Kekahuna. She was crowned, kissed, and showered with prizes. I know it sounds corny, but in my eyes, each child was a winner for being prepared, serious, and exuding a palpable sense of pride.

I’m glad I traveled for hula

Seeing these young performers’ dedication to their ancestral legacy was captivating. I felt privileged witnessing such a culturally relevant event. I learned so much about hula and Hawaiian values. If you’re interested in digging below the surface and opening your eyes to authentic Hawaiian culture, start planning a trip to Maui next fall.  

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