Hula Is More Than a Dance-It's the 'Heartbeat' of the Hawaiian People | Short Film Showcase

Experience the ritual and beauty of the Hawaiian tradition of hula dancing in this immersive short film by Bradley Tangonan.
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On the Hawaiian island of Kauai, hula teacher Leina’ala Jardin guides her hālau (class) in a sunrise chant before the anniversary performance. This Kumu Hula (master teacher) holds the important responsibility of passing on the tradition of the ancient art form to her students. In this immersive short film by Bradley Tangonan, experience the ritual and beauty of the hula as Leina’ala Jardin reflects on the invaluable role the dance has played in continuing their cultural heritage. “The Hawaiian people did not have a written language, and it was the hula that kept all the stories alive.”
Produced by MVNP in partnership with Hawaii Tourism USA.
www.mvnp.com/
www.gohawaii.com/
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National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.
Hula Is More Than a Dance-It's the 'Heartbeat' of the Hawaiian People | Short Film Showcase
• Hula Is More Than a Da...
National Geographic
/ natgeo

[@NatGeo]

For the Hawaiian people, hula is not just a hobby or a pastime, but the heartbeat of the community. What do you think of the significance of hula in Hawaii?

[@msmicheal2321]

National Geographic - Their dances, music, language, customs... They were allowed to keep, which is awesome beyond belief; but all that is what keeps them grounded, in a way, i guess... It's part of who they are, it's literally in their blood. ✌&💜

[@akehapkap6143]

It’s also about health, the social network, family...They really know how to take care of each other. And I wish I was born on an island in the Pacific. But I’m a norsewoman, with a stiff upper lip end a bad back.

[@user-jy9cr8qp2e]

omg you two just gave the the answers to my geography project hehe ty

[@ripseven]

I think it is a huge part of Hawaiian people and should always be respected always 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@yogalover2753]

I definitely think that it shouldn't have been banned just because of Christian missionaries thinking that it's vulgar or provocative. Especially since hula is a part of the Hawaiian culture.

[@user-fu5cd8bp1v]

i'm glad they're protecting the culture. cause culture keeps the history alive, and it's the history that keeps people together.

[@NatGeo]

Excellent point! There was a time when the written language did not exist to Hawaiians, so hula was what kept the history and culture alive.

[@trinityguiao370]

the video is an absolute masterpiece.

[@NatGeo]

Thank you for the high praise, Trinity! We love seeing the beautiful tradition of the Hula come alive in this video.

[@kellythayer9069]

Mahalo for the honor of this hula presentation as Lahaina is rising from the ashes this morning.The crisis is real on Maui right now. Please send your prayers and your aloha to the Maui people.

[@KKnits]

May the hula and Hawaiian people live long and always. So much grace and beauty. Thanks for sharing this beautiful clip.

[@KHobbies_cina]

Them in a circle and dipping in the ocean is so majestic and tranquil

[@thestreetdisciple3955]

I wanna see it live!

[@aliciasoriano9325]

The Street Disciple #3 We usually do this before competition at beaches either at Merrie Monarch or at the Bay Area competition.

[@kuolamakahanakaike8879]

@@aliciasoriano9325 auau I ke Kapu kai. No ka hemo nā pilikia ma mua e hula.

[@eam5608]

And the US tried to destroy this beautiful culture :( so happy to see that a lot of their history and tradition hasn't been forgotten and still lives on

[@Nicole-ju3zb]

That never happened though lol It’s been at least more than hundred years too? You people can’t appreciate beauty, it’s about bringing bitterness or hate

[@Hawaii808dakine]

@@Nicole-ju3zb You’re 1000% wrong. Watch a documentary it was pure evil what they did.

[@sadem1045]

Like with the rest of the States, the taking of Hawai'i caused unspeakable pain and suffering. It's important to remember that the mainland Americans who chose to rip Hawai'i from her Indigenous people are gone now. The mainland is a different place now.

[@dasiajb]

@@Nicole-ju3zb girl shut up. This person’s comment is true.

[@LiquetteDumitrina]

​@@Nicole-ju3zb the last residential school closed in 1996

[@tjreid2517]

Words alone cant describe how mesmerizing and illuminating watching such grace in movement is.. Breath taking to see all the formation of Hawaiian people as they walk into the Ocean . Thank You National Geographic For sharing such Visuals Sincerely Tanja

[@NatGeo]

We're so happy to hear you enjoyed watching this enchanting video of the hula dancers, Tanja! The Hula is not only a beautiful form of song and dance, but also a meaningful medium for storytelling.

[@bhuthemanakuma7557]

I don't know everytime I hear the chant of the Hawaiian music I feel at home and I'm not even close to being an Islander

[@ajachaney37]

bhutheman Akuma sane

[@Freya1412]

I think it's because at our very core we can all relate to each other on a deeper level than race or culture. Spirit recognises spirit. 😊

[@Freya1412]

@Unknown gacha I mean that's your opinion but would you care to elaborate on why you're " pretty sure" ?

[@salenebrom6476]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@AzlianaLyana]

This is so beautiful. I hope this tradition will continue to be passed on generations to come. It's a very interesting way to keep the history of Hawaiian people alive. Thanks National Geographic for sharing.

[@NatGeo]

We too are in awe of how the community upholds the hula as a means to carry down the unique stories of its people across generations, Azliana. What a beautiful tradition!

[@SgtSplatter782]

the Merrie Monarch Festival is from April 1st to 7th this year. Tune in and check it out.

[@angiannah228]

I've been dancing hula for 8 years now and this is so inspiring.

[@debbierojas-7qsca802]

Very emotional - culture should always be preserved.

[@dannyy3438]

I always thought that the Hawaiian culture is one of the most beautiful in the world!! Hula is such a beautiful form of art and expression

[@msmicheal2321]

Beautiful place, beautiful people & beautiful music... Just awesome, Thx so much, NatGeo✌&♥

[@NatGeo]

Isn't the Hula such an engaging form of song and storytelling, Ms Michael?

[@msmicheal2321]

National Geographic- Absolutely, as well as with many of our Native American peoples... They all have some amazing, interpretive dances. I find them all mesmerizing; thx again NatGeo, for sharing so much of this world with us! ✌&💜fromTn

[@kap0no22]

This brought me to tears. Being a Hawaiian myself, growing up I wanted little to nothing to do with the Hawaiian culture. Now, I regret that I didn’t spend more time exploring my Hawaiian identify with the cultural practices such as hula.

[@jennisilberstein9795]

You still can.

[@richardcogbill6791]

It's not too late to start.

[@noorgonzalez1076]

😢

[@I.LOVE.halloween]

same here im mixed with other cultures but i feel so connected to my hawaiian side

[@kap0no22]

Not that it matters but life update. I was impacted by the Lahaina wild fires that happened August 2023 but now I am doing what I can to support the community and finding more pride in my Hawaiian heritage and culture ❤️

[@tamaraharris937]

Hawaiians have a lovely culture 💚❤

[@amicifriends9857]

I saw this on a movie 5 mins ago, I liked it so much to come here and search its meaning. It’s one of the best traditions I’ve ever heard in my life… I don’t know the right words to express how amazed I am, but I can say that it is absolutely fantastic. I would love to see it in real life and learn more traditions of your beautiful country😍

[@SaronTweya]

Hello from Namibia! This was really beautiful. All my life, I never knew the meaning behind this tradition. Now I know, I'm so enriched. What a rich history 💖

[@myaaroha3448]

just like the Hula, the Haka is the heartbeat of the Māori people. there was a time when Haka was forbidden and it was also a sad time. with Hawai’i and Māori culture, i see so many similarities. i’m not hawaiian myself however i speak a small majority of my ancestors tongue (Te Reo Māori) and still i see so many similarities between both cultures. simple things like counting to 10 & more complex things. the respect we have for our culture and the respect that the Hawaiians have for theirs is so similar. not only do we relate through the good, but also through the mamae (pain, hurt, bad). i am not Hawaiian but i would one day love to learn the language and the Hula’s. aroha nui❣️

[@Kahumpton11]

Captured the essence and importance of hula for kanaka maoli (native Hawaiians). Sadly, this art form was almost destroyed by colonization and Christian influence. Grateful our people still resisted and practiced in hiding to keep our language, our histories, and our spirit alive. Hula is more than a dance...thank you for educating the masses in a powerful way.

[@thedarkseid9872]

still first time watch this, so beautiful, so harmonious

[@ButtersTheBean]

It's a beautiful dance.

[@georgeallen369]

This is cultural identity preservation DONE RIGHT! 👌 Salute!

[@jaerinnegot7198]

BEAUTIFUL CULTURE and PEOPLE.

[@willowclay5406]

Flowers!

[@obviouslyblack]

Hey National Geographic or whoever is responsible for the editing, the ʻokina should like an open single quotation mark. You have an apostrophe instead of an ʻokina.

[@VERSHJ]

Fantastic, Powerful. Much Aloha from Vancouver B.C. Turtle Island.

[@troyhagen587]

Mahalo my PEAPLE, from Hana Maui Hawaii. Beautiful sister's. THANKS.

[@michelesaladino1970]

Thanks Beautiful video

[@ikaikaxkeahi]

Proud to be Hawaiian, God bless us Hawaiians and this Kingdom!!!!!!

[@CheshireCesare]

Extraordinary. I love this ❤️🌺

[@maxinewest1326]

The hula dance is very entertaining to watch

[@sylviababajide7660]

Never forget your Culture no one should impose restriction against another group of people. That is the embodiment of Evil!

[@user-rf7xp7bp3w]

심영회 준비 드가자~

[@lifeinkorea333]

Dancing helps you to stay physically and mentally fit. Even more so, dancing regularly can improve your general well-being, boosts your self-esteem and has also been shown to improve your social skills. Love from Korea🇰🇷💕

[@davescheer5038]

It would be fantastic if some one not only showed hula but the meanings of the hands and foot placements if your telling a story have some one translate the story so those that don't know will and they can enjoy the dance and meaning ,

[@NoName-em2gr]

Give hawaii back to the hawaiians

[@muchofas]

as a islander ( I'm tongan 🇹🇴 ) I really have great respect for my polynesian brother and sisters !

[@countryball-enjoyer]

Hawaiian Brada here! Much respect to you and all of our Polynesian family as well!

[@abbydoodles6902]

This was so beautiful. Culture is incredible. People are amazing (some people).

[@groovygrapegramma7161]

Luv it💃Miigwetch for Share 💜✌️🌸🌻

[@MJBlueThunder]

Groovy Grape Gramma!! Oh my gawd are you Lakota!?😱😱😊

[@groovygrapegramma7161]

Mo Sook LoL, No ✌️

[@hiddengems4720]

beautiful

[@ceceandkaykay6202]

I'm half hawaiian , this is made me cry.

[@serenarossi8480]

Must be so fulfilling and reassuring to live such a sisterhood, which is totally absent and yet so much needed in western culture

[@xochitllee24]

Indigenous stories must be preserved in tradition. I am so glad they are able to carry this one into the next generation. It’s how we show the oppressor we are not gone 🙏💯

[@pareshlama1055]

the beginning gave me goosebumps

[@jhondesir8108]

I had to write a essay on this video😭

[@JackCamino]

is this the full length of the short film or where can I find the complete movie?

[@tamarabrennan1988]

Oh that was a gorgeous experience and it moved me to tears. Celebrating the resistance and survival of the original peoples of Hawaii. Thank you for holding the space of love, for everyone.

[@marknoble1220]

I totally applaud the efforts to re-ignite Hawaiian culture. When I first visited Oahu, the guidebook said there was no such thing as a “pure” Hawaiian, after the European smallpox contaminated blankets wiped out a huge portion of the native population, the Hawaiian blood became so irreversibly mixed with the rest of Polynesia and beyond that not even the king’s bloodline was pure Hawaiian. I wonder where all of today’s “pure blood” Hawaiians came from? I am very pleased, however, that the culture of hula and aloha has not been lost.

[@mr.personhumanson6871]

You call it Hula I call it polynesian ballet also I was waiting for the hula guys, they're awsome

[@Simplelove]

Yes the heart beat , the breath and the heart of the of life for Hawaii's culture . Aloha from Hawaii 🌺

[@celebritypredictions]

Love my people, love my aina.

[@minimalistdanse]

KAHIKO is my favorite!!

[@anaiya432]

not even close to being an islander and i memorized the whole chant in the beginning

[@Crystalkelela]

anaiya What’s the chant called?

[@USAFAboxing]

@@Crystalkelela It is called E Ala E the words are here: E Ala e Ka la I kahikina I ka moana, ka moana hohonu Pii ka lewa ka lewa nuu I ka hikina, Aia ka La.

[@Kava650]

Love my Hawaiian cousins, much love from another fellow Tongan (Polynesian) cousin. Maika’i

[@air1jwp]

My heart goes out to the people of Hawaii 💗

[@laisbranco7174]

This is beautiful.

[@evilsonic9999]

do they still use the hula intro in hawaii cinema? so epic

[@Internet-Alias]

they still do...

[@angelawhite3769]

This was so beautiful, I wish It was longer.

[@christy_yms]

WOW. This video just got me in tears. Thanks for sharing!

[@TulsaTaurus]

Can anyone tell me what the chant at the beginning is and what it means?

[@countryball-enjoyer]

E Ala E I believe

[@willowclay5406]

You're so beautiful!

[@marie-lynnissa656]

i fell in love just right now

[@cyny6305]

Where can I see more?!!!!!

[@nild_aa74]

a

[@Yourcosmicsoulsister]

This made me cry

[@ThePowerInYourVoiceWithDrCindy]

Beautiful!!!

[@Mysterialic]

Majestic!

[@Niumatalolo]

This is beautiful.

[@cynthiacuriel540]

This video gave me such an awesome ❤️ feel ing of something so powerful. Thank everything that is good and right you are giving to your youth their hertage and sharing with all the world this moment. Many blessings.

[@xnxnx22]

❤

[@longviet1475]

This remind me of Lilo and Sticht

[@brandonio_granger]

Christianity did it's best to try and destroy Hawaiian culture, luckily it didn't though.

[@josiaha7783]

Yep this is accurate 👍🏽

[@angielockets7840]

Beautiful !!

[@robinehood6494]

❤

[@Crystalkelela]

Does anyone know what the song was playing in the beginning.

[@honeybadgermerriemonarch2388]

Yes I have a link to a video with translation if you want it

[@ar92109]

What is the name of this film called?

[@soundadapter]

Thank you for your wonderful video I wish you a nice Sunday evening friendly regards Frank

[@ikaikaxkeahi]

Proud strong HAWAIIANS

[@Internet-Alias]

HOLY CRAP THEY SAID HAWAI'I CORRECTLY

[@grace-zb5zx]

Yang IM ALWAYS AFRAID TO SAY HAWAIʻI THE CORRECT WAY CUZ PEOPLE MAKE FUN OF ME BUT OMG I LOVE IT

[@jennisilberstein9795]

This is traditional hula. There is also modern hula which is danced to the ukulele or guitar and the subject matter is often romance, humor or celebration of Hawaii's beauty. Traditional hula is spiritual in nature which is why the missionaries suppressed it. Both forms of hula are wonderful in their own way.

[@tavioka6243]

Emercing urself in the ocean early in the morning before sunrise is a very healthy thing to do. It makes ur body strong. In the ancient time & even today the women would bring their new borns & toddlers to the ocean & bathe & massage their babies in the ocean so they can have strong legs & be active.

[@paulhetherington3854]

LU'-- I believe, is food? Screwy Lewie-- sabotaged food.

[@mlh3604]

'dance as one, think as one, our souls need to be as one'. Question: doing the hula, they feel like one organism?

[@11ascoltare]

How beautiful. I learned something good today.

[@paulhetherington3854]

B'HU'LU'--Existence of, hawaiians -- left of.

[@doyouevenrespecroundhere1399]

The KZbin involved is official These times on the videos aren't random. Hehe

[@YL-jf1mm]

Thought this was the trailer of a documentary film. So wanted to see the whole film!

[@Buckettmerc]

hi poppa

[@_wamon_]

Lovely!

[@Gary_HTX]

[@aldrinedsouza7922]

Lilo and stitch

[@Moonchiilldxo]

She couldn’t have said it any better

[@kaycox5555]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@theokchannel2081]

🌈

[@desanjosekristina5110]

HawaiiVolcano erupted years ago

[@DaniYvonne]

❤

[@najibelmaghraoui3132]

Me parece regular este vídeo

[@richardghosting1230]

This made me cry so bad

[@georgewashington8184]

T25 Hen being teased. D