Standing Into Danger: Hula

Showing posts with label Hula. Show all posts

Friday, March 13, 2026

Making the Best of It!

Aloha from rainy Honolulu!

It's been raining frequently since Tuesday evening,

and we are under a flash flood warning.

Periodically we get a glimpse of sunshine, but that's a tease.

The governor of Hawaii, Josh Green, ordered all state offices,

University of Hawaii campuses, public and charter schools on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui

closed on Friday, because an incredible amount of rain and high winds are expected.

We shall see. I'm looking at patches of blue sky as I write.

A Rainy Thursday Morning

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

March 12, 2026

Meanwhile we're making the best of it.

I've been working with my friend Carolyn on hula chants and dancing,

and we continue to enjoy kanikapila at the Royal Grove

(although Wednesday's was cancelled because of rain).

Carolyn and I at Kanikapila

Royal Grove, Waikiki

February 25, 2026

Mariko, Vanessa, and Donna Lee Perform a Hula

Carolyn and I Are in the Audience

March 5, 2026

Photo by Sachiko Miyoshi

And yes, DRUM ROLL, I earned my pā'u hula, my dance skirt!

Besides showing commitment and learning hula steps and dances,

I had to memorize a traditional Hawaiian oli and perform it in front of the class.

This oli requests permission to enter the dancing space.

You have no idea how much practice I put into this oli.

The Oli "Liuliu"

I thought I would be performing it at the end of the class,

but I had to hop up unexpectedly and do it earlier.

That meant the only video I have was taken

by my iPhone standing on the floor from across the room.

To post it here I had to film a video of my video.

Whatever works! 😂

Likewise, the next photo is a still I captured from my double-iPhone video.

Admiring My pā'u hula

Kainoa and I

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

March 12, 2026

I'm linking to Gillena's Lunch Break, Nicole's Friday Face Off, Tom's Aloha Friday, and Debra's She Who Seeks.

For Gillena ~ A Great Meal ~ Happy Hour chicken nachos at the Yard House ~ generous with chicken and fresh veggies, delicious! This popular special is so big, Terry and I were challenged to finish one shared serving.

Yummy Nachos!

The Yard House

Waikiki, Hawaii, USA

February 27, 2026

For Nicole ~ Little Laki, a favorite kitty at Cat Café MOFF. He's a pistol, which is why I love him. 😂 The Japanese really enjoy relaxing with cats, so there are several of these cafés in Honolulu.

Little Laki!

Cat Café Moff, International Market Place

Waikiki, Hawaii, USA

March 9, 2026

For Tom ~ The Aloha Spirit ~ Terry's pickleball buds had a happy hour get-together on March 10th at the Secret Spot for Terry's 75th birthday. Terry's birthday was actually the 11th, but that's when we could all meet. The guys are the pickleball players. I knew Val and Edna through hula. Many people like to meet during happy hour because the food and drink specials are so much cheaper. At the Secret Spot you can get a personal pizza and a mai tai for $12 or a beer and personal pizza for $10. We are experts at Happy Hour! 😂

Terry's Pickleball Friends Celebrate His Birthday

Terry (front left), Me, Val, Edna, Ted, John, Kerrie, and Jim

The Secret Spot

Waikiki, Hawaii, USA

March 10, 2026

For Debra ~ I spotted Hula Dog! He's an old guy now, but he accompanies his Hula Auntie as she drapes Hawaiian icons located in Waikiki with leis. Hula Dog has a younger Hula Buddy now who has joined them on their walks. Hula Dog enjoys sneaking naps whenever he can. He's one of my favorite locals.

Hula Dog at the Feet of Prince Kūhiō

Waikiki, Hawaii, USA

February 6, 2026

Hula Dog and Hula Buddy

Waikiki, Hawaii, USA

February 6, 2026

Hula Auntie Drapes Flowers on Prince Kūhiō's Statue #1

Waikiki, Hawaii, USA

February 6, 2026

It's lovely to see Hula Auntie honoring people like Prince Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole. His birthday on March 26th is a state holiday. Prince Kūhiō was a champion for native Hawaiian rights. He served as the Territorial Delegate from Hawaii in the U.S. House of Representatives for 10 consecutive terms from 1903 until he died in office in 1922. He is the only one born into royalty who has served in the U.S. Congress.

Hula Auntie Drapes Flowers on Prince Kūhiō's Statue #2

Waikiki, Hawaii, USA

February 6, 2026

Prince Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole

Wikipedia Commons ~ License

I hate to think our time here is winding down.

And more rain is coming next week, our last week.

But that's okay. Friends, get-togethers, hula, maybe some pickleball,

and happy hours will keep us hopping despite the rain.

Terry and I at the Hideout

Waikiki, Hawaii, USA

March 3, 2026

Have a great weekend!

Till next time ~

Fundy Blue

Standing Into Danger https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com

My next post will be

Friday, March 20th. 🤞

On the Bay of Fundy
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved

Friday, January 30, 2026

Out and About In Waikiki

I remembered at the last minute I had to do a portrait for my friend Nicole's challenge.

There went any chance for a written post, because I'm meeting a good friend

at an informal jam session of music and hula at the Royal Grove.

I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of familiar faces and friends!

Kanikapila Night at the Royal Grove Hotel

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

March 26, 2018

So I'm sharing some photos from this past week in Waikiki:

A Woman Sculling in a Single-Person Racing Shell

Ala Wai Canal

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 24, 2026

Pink Ginger at Hale Koa

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 28, 2026

A Fun Event at Our Favorite Hideout

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 24, 2026

Three Golden Retrievers Enjoying Happy Hour

The Hideout at the Laylow

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 24, 2026

Aloha Ambassadors Clean Up an Abandoned Homeless Shopping Cart

The Ala Wai Canal

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 24, 2026

An Egret Near Hale Koa

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 28, 2026

A Kitty Enjoys the Morning

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 24, 2026

A Delicious Pineapple Margarita

Margaritas

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 27, 2026

Beautiful Lines

Hale Koa Grounds

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 28, 2026

A Calm Pacific Ocean

Outrigger Breakwater

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 28, 2026

John and Kerry Celebrate Their Birthdays while Ted Looks On

Margaritas

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 27, 2026

Enjoying the Morning

Fort DeRussy Beach

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 28, 2026

I'm linking to Gillena's Lunch Break, Nicole's Friday Face Off, and Tom's Aloha Friday.

For Gillena ~ A Great Meal ~ Tuesday Taco Special at Margaritas ~ chicken, steak, and pork belly ~ so delicious!

Yummy Tacos!

Margaritas

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 27, 2026

For Nicole ~ Birthday Celebration Faces

Terry's Pickleball Friends Celebrate John and Kerrie's Birthdays

Ted (front left), John, Kerrie, Me, Val, Jim, Terry, and Emily

Margaritas

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 27, 2026

My portrait of G. W. F. Hegel based on a photo in Philosophy Now: The Ultimate Guide Issue 7, Ancient Greek Philosophy. For some reason Hegel's portrait spoke to me. No mapping grid this time. I only had 40 minutes of which 20 I spent erasing. 😂

My Portrait of GFW Hegel

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

January 28, 2026

For Tom ~ A Beautiful Mural ~ It is painted in the parking lot of Margaritas where we celebrated our friends' birthdays at 808 Sheridan Street. I could not find any reliable information about the mural or who the artist was. The neighborhood around Sheridan Street and nearby Kaka‘ako has become known for vibrant street art and murals. Business owners will sometimes commission artists to paint murals on their properties. The meaning of the information in the lower left is unknown, except the mural may be called "Blume."

A Street Mural in Margaritas' Parking Lot

Honolulu, ⁨Hawaii⁩, ⁨United States⁩

January 27, 2026

My evening at the Royal Grove with my friends was wonderful.

The songs and dances are not professional, only spontaneous presentations.

One week a few musicians and dancers may come, or, like last night, many.

Each person in turn chooses a song, and everyone plays, sings, or dances.

They all participate for the love of Hawaiian language, music, and dance.

Here is one video I took. The link will take you to the video on YouTube,

if the play button doesn't work.

Royal Grove 1/28/26 Jam Session

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBlmOOHKu3k

Note: My computer still needs some serious repair work, and I may be without it this week.

Have a great weekend!

Till next time ~

Fundy Blue

Standing Into Danger https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com

My next post will be

Wednesday, February 4, IWSG Day. 🤞

On the Bay of Fundy
© M. Louise (MacBeath) Barbour/Fundy Blue
All Rights Reserved

Friday, February 21, 2025

Good for the Body, Good for the Mind

Wednesday marked the halfway point in our stay in Waikiki.

It's gone so fast I can't believe it.

I still haven't gotten up on a paddle board or climbed Diamond Head.

Beautiful Diamond Head

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

February 14, 2025

It's not that I haven't been busy. I've been doing a lot.

Mostly I've been working on my anti-dementia plan.

Say what? Every time I forget something, I worry.

Every time I have trouble figuring something out, I worry.

Even though dementia doesn't run in my family, I worry.

So I've been doing things that are good for the body, good for the mind ~

As in learning hula dances, Hawaiian words, and a Hawaiian chant.

Kilohana Hula Show

Prince Kuhio Beach, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

February 12, 2025

Kilohana Hula Show

Prince Kuhio Beach, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

February 12, 2025

That will make my family members laugh!

They know I can't dance, can't carry a tune, and am terrible at learning languages.

But they cheer me on, because I don't give up.

I can't dance, but I still try!

Me (Louise) During Our "Thriller" Rehearsal

270º East ~ Ovation of the Seas

South Pacific Near New Zealand October 28, 2023

So, I have a round of hula lessons: One on Tuesday and two on Sunday.

I catch hula shows like the Kilohana show on the mound at Prince Kuhio Beach

and the Wednesday night hula show at the Royal Hawaiian Center.

I even try to catch the performance class following my class on Sunday night.

My Sunday night class is two hours long and is taught by Pono,

the resident manager at the Royal Kuhio where Terry and I are staying.

He teaches using the method that Hawaiians have used for centuries,

which means you watch and then try it, practicing until you get it right.

The most advanced students line up in the front,

and the other lines form according to the students' progress.

Guess where I am?

I'm the very last line, standing behind four and six year old Hawaiians. 😂

But I don't mind! I consider it a privilege.

Pono at the Lunar New Year Lion Dance

Royal Kuhio, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

February 1, 2025

And I practice, practice, practice, especially in the pool.

I walk up and down in the pool chanting and working on flexibility in my feet.

I stand by the side of the pool and drill the various steps:

kāholo, hela, ami, kā'o, lele, uwehe, and combinations of these steps.

The uwehe (oo weh' heh) is the most challenging for me.

When doing the uwehe, you lift one foot, lower it, and shift your weight to the opposite hip.

Then you raise your heels and push your knees forward while swaying your hips.

All of this is done with your knees slightly bent.

And sometimes you do step, owehe, step, owehe a number of times to a fast beat.

Kilohana Hula Show ~ uwehe Step

Prince Kuhio Beach, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

February 12, 2025

I've really struggled with the owehe.

A couple of days ago, Pono told me what owehe means in Hawaiian.

I thought it meant this complicated step.

No.

Pono told me it means the splash a raindrop makes when it hits the ground.

Isn't that beautiful?

Now I'm telling myself step, splash, step, splash which makes me faster.

I think I'm finally getting it!

uwehe ~ Pinterest

Oh, there's one harder step, and I don't remember what it is called.

It's only appeared in one of Pono's drills in one class.

You crouch down, and remaining in the crouch,

take eights steps around clockwise until you're back where you started,

followed by eight steps anti-clockwise to do a complete circle to the left.

This takes knee bends to a new level!

Repeat, repeat, repeat ...

I just laughed. 😂

I crouched for about 20 seconds, but couldn't move anything.

Then I toppled over. 😂

So I have more exercises to do in my daily stretching session.

Source

Pono is an excellent teacher.

He keeps us all engaged, from 4 years old to me.

He makes it fun, but everyone knows when he's serious,

and he can silence everyone with one word.

Well, maybe not the tiny toddlers who have escaped from their mothers' carriages.

They are celebrated as the gifts they are and run, giggle, shriek, and laugh freely.

Pono says things like:

"There is no shame in our culture. Leave your shame at home."

"All we can do is try. What's the key word? ... "

"After the first e komo, take a big breath and run to the end of the sentence."

That last quote refers to the longest sentence in our permission chant:

e komo, e komo aku ho'i au ma loko inā ka pu'u nui waho nei lā lē

We say the chant at the beginning of each class

to ask permission to enter the space and dance.

When Pono chants it with his melodic voice coming deep from his belly,

the chant is a thing of beauty, ancient and mysterious.

A male hula dancer or hula kāne dances to the beat of an ipu hula or large gourd drum.

Hyatt Regency, Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

March 3, 2015

You can hear an example of a chant and hula here .

where the 2024 Merrie Monarch Kahiko (first place) winners perform He Inoa No Hina

to honor Hina, the Hawaiian Moon Goddess.

Hina is the mother of the island of Moloka'i.

The Merrie Monarch Festival is a non-profit organization

honoring the legacy of King David Kalākaua.

The king inspired the perpetuation of Hawaiian traditions, native language, and arts.

I have been making recordings wherever I can, so I can practice hula at home in Aurora.

The hula offerings online are not the best.

I have finally grasped enough that I think can really learn.

Here is a quick, simple, and touristy hula taught by the Kilohana singers and dancers:

Simple hula lesson given during the Kilohana Hula Show

YouTube

There's a big contrast between the two videos, I know,

but Waikiki performers make experiencing hula fun for visitors from around the world

and continue the long tradition of extending Hawaiian aloha to visitors.

I'm participating n a hula Class at the Royal Hawaiian Center.

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

February 1, 2025

I'm linking to Rain's Thursday Art and Dinner Date, Tom's Aloha Friday, and Nicole's Friday Face Off.

For Rain: Favorite Animal ~ My favorite animal is the platypus, and my favorite platypus is Tilly whom I saw in the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia in 2023. Tilly was swimming too fast for me to catch a photo of her.

Tilly, rescued in the wild at four months old, is treated at Taronga's Wildlife Hospital.

Taronga Conservation Society

For Tom: Aloha ~ Aloha is a complex word and its meaning goes beyond "Hello" and "Goodbye." To Hawaiians it has a deeper cultural and spiritual meaning as a force that holds existence together. It encompasses love, affection, peace, compassion, and mercy. Source

The following photos are a sequence of steps for "When I say aloha to you."

They are performed by the daughter of my hula instructor at the Royal Hawaiian Center.

(The photos aren't as sharp as I'd like, but I was taking screen shots of my video.)

When I Say ...

Aloha ...

To ...

You.

For Nicole: Friendly Faces! ~ Spending a lovely afternoon with friends. Kathy and I knew each other in 1963-64. She was in my brother Roy's 7th grade class and I was in grade 8 at Wolfville High School. Her father baptized me. We reconnected in Honolulu where she and her husband live, and we have been getting together for several years.

Terry, Kathy, and Bruce

Magic Island

February 20, 2025

Bruce, Me, and Kathy

Magic Island

February 20, 2025

See you next time! ❤️🌺🍀

A Wave Breaks on Magic Island ~ Sweeping in from Māmala Bay

Oʻahu⁩, ⁨Honolulu⁩, ⁨Hawaiʻi⁩, ⁨United States⁩

February 20, 2025

Till next time ~

Fundy Blue

Standing Into Danger https://selkiegrey4.blogspot.com

My next post will be

Friday, February 28th. 🤞

Books Read in 2026

"18 Days in Heaven" by Gale Poirot
"A Serial Killer's Daughter: My Story of Hope, Love, and Overcoming" by Kerrie Rawson
"Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life" by Ezekiel J. Emanuel, MD.
"Is Math Real? How Simple Questions Lead Us to Mathematics Deepest Truths" by Eugenia Cheng
"Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir
"Tell Me Everything" by Elizabeth Strout
"The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese
"The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity" by David Graeber and David Wengrow
"The Life Impossible" by Matthew Haig
"The Lord go the Rings" by JRR Tolkien
"The Match" by Harlan Corben
"The Night the Path Disappeared" by Terri Bergen
"The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper" by Roland Allen
"Theo of Golden" by Allen Levi
"Think Twice" by Harlan Corben
"Why Christianity Must Change Or Die" by John Shelby Spong

Standing Into Danger

Pages

Friday, March 13, 2026

Making the Best of It!

Friday, January 30, 2026

Out and About In Waikiki

Friday, February 21, 2025

Good for the Body, Good for the Mind

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