Oahu Travel Planner 2008 - (Page 34) MUSIC THE DISTINCTIVE SOUNDS OF ‘UKULELE AND SLACK KEY GUITAR DRIFT THROUGH THE AIR along with the fragrance of flowers and the low murmur of waves lapping the shore. Along with traditional chant and song, they permeate and enrich the island experience and the vibrant contemporary music scene. The slack key guitar has been called Hawai‘i’s back porch, folk and soul music, and has become another way for native Hawaiians to tell their story and pass the passion of the culture from one generation to the next. From Gabby Pahinui, the instrument’s first virtuoso, to contemporary guitar master Raymond Kane, slack key is uniquely Hawaiian. Introduced to Hawai‘i by the Portuguese in 1879, the ‘ukulele or “leaping flea” was adopted wholeheartedly by the musically adept Hawaiians. Today the versatile ‘ukulele is played in a surprisingly wide variety of musical photo courtesy of Polynesian Cultural Center styles, from traditional Hawaiian to pop and rock, classics and jazz. The ‘Ukulele House in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center offers free lessons. And if you happen to visit O‘ahu in July, be sure to attend the Annual ‘Ukulele Festival at the Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand in Waikıkı. You’ll hear the finest ¯¯ players in the world, celebrity entertainers, plus a ‘ukulele ensemble of over 300 children. ALL ABOUT THE HULA FEW THINGS ARE AS UNIVERSALLY SYMBOLIC OF THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS AS THE LONG-HELD TRADITIONS OF HULA. Samoans, Maoris, Tongans, Tahitians, and other Pacific cultures dance, but only Hawaiians hula. In the last 40 years, hula has come to embody the aloha spirit and its rich tradition has been treasured and enjoyed by kama‘aina and malihini alike. Hula was originally recognized as the dance of warriors and nobility, but later became a spiritual dance performed to Hawaiian melodies sung with English words, a style known as hapa haole. Spiritually uplifting, hula conveys the essence of aloha — great love, caring, sharing, charity, kindness, compassion, mercy, humility. While traditional hula (hula kahiko) is accompanied by chants and percussion sounds mimicking wind and surf, modern hula (hula ‘auwana) often includes singing and musical instruments. Costume is also important, and both male and female dancers adorn themselves with lei, anklets, shells, feathers, and flowers. Wherever you see hula, if you like what you see, feel free to shout “Hana hou!”— a great compliment to the dancers that means “Do it again!” 34 THE ISLAND OF O‘AHU
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