Hawaiian Culture and Music

Samoa, a small island nation found in the southern end of Pacific Ocean. Although, what they lack in size is compensated by their rich, Polynesian culture. Music is a powerful force in Samoan culture, and shapes their identity with the use of resonant lyrics sung in their native tongue, song, and dance used to parallel their everyday lives and beliefs. Storytelling is as big of an element to Samoan music and dance as any rhythm produced by their instrumentation, and if it is not directly addressed through the lyrics, is implied through action. The line between daily life and music is blurred in Samoan culture through the use of their instrumentation and a vast variety of dances performed to tell their story.

Hula: Hawaii is known for hula dancing and local halaus (hula schools) in Maui often have demonstrations.

Hawaiian Folk music was first documented around 1778. Hawaii began a period of acculturation, with the opening of many styles in European music, including the hymns introduced by Protestant missionary choirs. Paniolos, Spanish-speaking Mexican cowboys, were especially influential. They introduced string instruments such as the guitar, while Portuguese immigrants brought the braguinha, similar to a ukulele. In the 1880s and 90s,King David Kalakaua promoted the growth of Hawaiian culture. Throughout this period, Hawaiian music evolved into a new individual style. Hawaiian folk music includes varieties of chanting, called mele and another meant for highly dance known as hula. Traditional Hawaiian music

Hawaiian churches came into its own form. The Hawaiian church had broken away from the American ministry and customs, and formed its own Native ministry. (Mrantz) Along with guaranteeing religious freedom, King Kamehameha III was responsible for transforming the kingdom into a modern constitutional monarchy. For the first time in their history, Hawaii’s people were represented in their own government. Their constitution allowed them a House of Representatives and the right to elect their representatives. With all these changes, France, Great Britain and the United States had finally recognized Hawaii as an independent nation. (The World of Royalty Website)

Today however many new Hawaii builders have emerged, producing the finest ‘ukuleles ever made. Hawaii’s can still say that the ‘ukulele is its “own” even though ukuleles are being built around the world.

Known as Hawaii’s Kings of Swing, the members of Kahulanui connect the musical gap between the Aloha State and the mainland with their unique sound. Their blend of breezy island music with a powerful blast of swinging jazz will have you doing the hula as you “jump, jive and wail”. This nine-piece band, whose name translates to “the Big Dance”, features horns, guitar, bass, ukulele and drums accompanied by leader Lolena Naipo Jr.’s deep, resonant baritone. Don’t miss a performance you won’t experience anywhere else this side of the

When you breathe in Hawaii, you breathe in the spirit. The spirituality of the ancient Hawaiian religion can be found all over the island, infusing its peoples with their stories and energy. It is as if the island is alive itself; wherever you go, you can always feel the boost of energy that the Gods are giving off. Religion is an integral aspect of Hawaiian life, permeating every day activities and important events such as birth, marriage, and death. Early Hawaiians believe that nature and shaped events were manifestations and acts of the Gods. Similar to the Ancient Roman religion, there are many versions to the stories of the gods and goddesses consisting of themes centered on betrayal and romance (Beckwith, Ch:1). Some spirits deceive, and some are truthful. “Nothing is impossible to the akua,” gods represented by nature’s elements (Kamakua). Native Hawaiians abided the ancient Hawaiian law system, kapu akua, or laws of the gods, and would carry out appropriate ceremonies and prayers to maintain a good relation with the spirits (Hawaii-guide info). They believe that the Gods have the power to inflict injury if angered by breaking the kapu. Failure to abide this law system was also accompanied by dreadful penalties including various forms of execution (cr.nps.gov). The kapu system was religiously practiced by the early Hawaiians and sculpted Hawaii’s social and political entities until it was overthrown after the death of Kamehameha

Hula dancing is a Polynesian folk dance that includes a chant or song. There are two types of hula, Hula Kahiko,the ancient style and Hula Auana, the modern style. Hula Kahiko ties their lineage with ancient motions, rhythm, moves, choreography, and vocals. While Hula Kahiko is regarded as being a dance of spiritual connection to ancient Hawaii, Hula Auana is a combination of the modern times and old knowledge. Hula Auana uses new choreography and music with modern instruments such as the bass, guitar, ukulele, or piano.

Sophie – Hula Hula dancing originated in the Hawaiian islands by the Polynesians who first settled there. Hula’s are not just a dance the origin was of a religious ceremony. In the ancient Hawaii, a time when written language did not exist, hula and its chants played an important role in keeping history, mythology, genealogy and culture alive. With each movement – a hand gesture, swaying of hips, step of the foot – a story would unfold. Through the hula, the native Hawaiians connected with their gods and their land (Creations, 2018).

The Hawaiian Hula is very similar to the Mele dance. They both use hip movements and hands for telling stories.

The state instrument of Hawaii is the ukulele. It is traditional to the people of the state. Historically, the ukulele is a string instrument used for Hawaiian and folk songs. One famous song played on the ukulele is ¨Somewhere Over The Rainbow¨ by Israel Kamakawiwo. `who made the ukulele - Google Search.` who made the ukulele - Google Search.Google Search n.d. Web. 29 November 2015.

B. Dancers use instruments in their dance because it is needed to tell the story. One common instrument is the ipu or ipu heke. An ipu is a double gourd that is used for sound in hula kahiko, an ancient form of dance. The kumu, or teacher usually plays the ipu heke and the dancers chant mele oli or mele hula. According to KamehamehaFestival.org, last accessed on May 11, 2016, mele oli is a chant delivered with no instruments and are performed by a single individual. However, mele hula is a chant where it is accompanied by a dance and musical instruments and are performed by a group.

I agree with your response, my family is from Hawaii as well and people will always play the ukelele not only at gatherings, even the boys at school. It is a form of art for them and for the girls that dances hula as well. I used to like Japanese rock music when I was younger and I could never understood a word from it, but I really like the rhythm and how it flows. Nowadays with the power of technology, I just go online and search for the translation of the lyrics and have it translated to my language for better understanding of the story behind the song.

Music is one of the most influential parts of cultures all over the world, but to the Native Americans it is pivotal. Native American tribal music is a very important part of most Native Americans' history, culture, and societies.

Dance in the Maori culture is very important part and is popularly practiced. The Kappa Haka translates to line dance. It is a type of dance that typically includes singing, dancing, and facial expressions. Each movement of the Kappa Haka has a meaning to it, which is why they hold the dance to such a great importance. Another type