The heartbeat of the Hawaiian people, hula tells stories, backed by music or oli (chanting). Years of practice allow dancers to depict crashing waves or a breeze riffling the trees with simple, graceful gestures. You can get private and group lessons in this local art form, as well as workshops in the Tahitian style. Instructors will come to you—anywhere on Maui, Oahu, or the Big Island—bringing flowers and costumes to share. After a discussion of hula’s history, they’ll review the basic steps and hand motions, then teach choreography to a Hawaiian song. Students can add on a half-hour class on making leis.
