The History of Hula Dancing

Hula is a dance form accompanied by chant or song. It was developed in the Hawaiian Islands by the Polynesians who originally settled there. The chant or song is called a mele. The hula dramatizes or comments on the mele.

There are many styles of hula. They are commonly divided into two broad categories: Ancient hula, as performed before Western encounters with Hawaii, is called kahiko. It is accompanied by chant and traditional instruments. Hula as it evolved under Western influence, in the 19th and 20th centuries, is called auana. It is accompanied by song and Western-influenced musical instruments such as the guitar, the ukulele, and the double bass.

Terminology for two main additional categories is beginning to enter the hula lexicon: “Monarchy” includes many hula which were composed and choreographed during the 19th century. During that time the influx of Western culture created significant changes in the formal Hawaiian arts, including hula. “Ai Kahiko“, meaning “in the ancient style” are those hula written in the 20th and 21st centuries that follow the stylistic protocols of the ancient hula kahiko.

Hula is taught in schools called halau. The teacher of hula is the kumu hula, where kumu means source of knowledge. Hula dancing is a complex art form, and there are many hand motions used to signify aspects of nature, such as the basic Hula and Coconut Tree motions, or the basic leg steps, such as the Kaholo, Ka’o, and Ami.

There are other dances that come from other Polynesian islands such as Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga and Aotearoa (New Zealand); however, the hula is unique to the Hawaiian Islands.

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Explore Hidden Gems of the South Pacific Islands

Join Zegrahm Expeditions, the Experts in Adventure & jump onboard the Clipper Odyssey this fall.  The ship departs the islands of Fiji 19/September, 2010, setting sail for an in-depth exploration of the islands and remote atolls of the legendary South Pacific, ending in the islands of Tahiti.

The cruise includes Bora Bora, the Cook Islands, Tonga, and Wallis and Futuna. Join expert leaders, naturalists, marine biologists, and ornithologists as we step ashore on idyllic isles to meet Polynesia’s warm and welcoming people, hike through lush volcanic landscapes, and snorkel or dive sapphire waters teeming with marine life.

Activities- Birding, Diving, Hiking, Natural history, Photography, Snorkeling, Zodiac cruises

Day by Day Itinerary

September 19-20 -USA / Nadi, Viti Levu, Fiji
September 21 -Nadi / Lautoka / Embark Clipper Odyssey
September 22 -Taveuni Island
September 23 -Futuna, Territory of Wallis & Futuna
September 24 -Wallis
September 25 -Niuafo’ou, Kingdom of Tonga
September 26 -At Sea
September 27 -Neiafu, Vava’u Islands
September 28 -Sailing the South Pacific Ocean
September 29 -Palmerston, Cook Islands
September 30 -Aitutaki
October 1 -Atiu
October 2 -Sailing the South Pacific Ocean
October 3 -Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia
October 4-5 -Papeete, Tahiti / USA [Read more]

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Reserve Paul Gauguin Cruise by 18/December for 50% Savings & 2 for 1 Airfare from LAX!

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the m/s Paul Gauguin - the highest-rated luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific - has announced that the company has been acquired by Pacific Beachcomber, the leading luxury hotel operator in the destination the m/s Paul Gauguin calls home - including the InterContinental Resorts on the islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea. The m/s Paul Gauguin features award-winning itineraries to Tahiti, the Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand.

You may rest assured that the ship’s all-inclusive value, dedicated officers and crew members, and unparalleled amenities will remain unchanged.

To celebrate the acquisition, Paul Gauguin Cruises is offering Early Booking Savings with unprecedented value. Reserve by December 18, 2009 and save up to 50% plus receive TWO-FOR-ONE Roundtrip airfare from LAX on select cruises!

Merry Christmas!!

What a great gift to give your sweetie and you don’t even have to go to the Mall!!

Call the Travelgal at 800 644-6659 to reserve your cruise today!

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Paul Gauguin now combines Fiji Islands, Cook Islands & Islands of Tahiti all within 2 weeks

The luxury small cruise ship Paul Gauguin has expanded South Pacific itineraries where it is now possible to cruise from the Fiji Islands, thru the Cook Islands and end in the islands of Tahiti all within 2 weeks!

There is no other ship offering the extensive menu of 38 extraordinary itineraries ranging from 7 to 15 nights, highlighting such exquisite destinations as Tahiti, the Society Islands, Tuamotus, the Cook Islands, Marquesas, Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand - spectacular cruises that cater to the tastes of discerning travelers seeking a legendary small ship experience.

Highlights of the 2010 sailing season include:
• Sixteen classic 7-night departures featuring Tahiti and Society Islands;
• Six 10-night and two 9-night voyages of Tuamotus and Society Islands;
• Five 11-night Cook Islands adventures;
• Four 14-night sailings featuring the Marquesas Islands;
• In-depth 13- and 15-night discoveries of Fiji, Tonga and the Cook and Society Islands;
• Two exclusive 14-night cruises featuring New Zealand, Tonga, the Cook and Society Islands;

Since the Paul Gauguin carries a maximum of 332 Guests onboard and is offering outstanding savings, including free airfare on some of the departures, these sailing are a sure bet to sell out. Call us at 800 644-6659 for more details.

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Where are the Cook Islands?

The Cook Islands are closely associated to New Zealand. Air New Zealand is the only air carrier that flies directly from the U.S. to the Cook Islands. As you will see below, the Cook Islands use the NZD as their currency.

Despite some 90,000 visitors a year to the capital island, Rarotonga, the Cook Islands are largely unspoiled by tourism. There are no high-rise hotels, only four beach buggies and very little hype. The Cook Islands offer a rare opportunity for an authentic island holiday.

There are a total of 15 islands in the heart of the South Pacific spread over 850,000 square miles with a population of approximately 15,000. The Islands most visited are Rarotonga and Aitutaki which are only 140 miles apart.

Cook Island History
Ru, from Tupua’i in French Polynesia, is believed to have landed on Aitutaki, and Tangiia, also from French Polynesia, is believed to have arrived on Rarotonga around 800 AD. Similarly, the northern islands were probably settled by expeditions from Samoa and Tonga.

Cook Island Climate
Cooled by the gentle breezes of the Pacific, the climate of these islands is sunny and pleasant. Roughly speaking, there are two seasons: from November through May the climate is hot and humid, and from June through October the climate is warm and dry. Most of the rain falls during the hot season, but there are also many lovely sunny days during these months, with refreshing trade-winds.

Cook Island Geography
The Cook Islands consists of two main groups, one in the north and one in the south. The southern group is nine “high” islands mainly of volcanic origin although some are virtually atolls. The majority of the population lives in the southern group. The northern group comprises six true atolls.

Cook Island Southern Group
Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Manuae, Mauke, Mitiaro, Palmerston, Rarotonga (the capital island), Takutea.

Cook Island Northern Group
Manihiki, Nassau, Tongareva (Penrhyn) also known as Mangarongaro, Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Suwarrow

Cook Island Time Zones
Rarotonga and Aitutaki are in the same time zone.

Cook Island Currency
New Zealand dollar.

Cook Island Language
English and Cook Island Maori.

Call the “Island Travel Gal” at 800 644-6659 or email teresa@luxuryhideaways.net

to secure your seats to the idyllic Cook Islands

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