“Oh we’re going to the hukilau…”
May 1 is Lei Day, a long celebrated tradition in Hawaii since 1927 (officially since 1929). To celebrate the occasion and learn about traditional Hawaiian culture, cast members from FRIENDS! The Musical Parody learned “The Hukilau Song” from Myra of Las Vegas Hula.
Hukilau is a way of fishing invented by the ancient Hawiaans with a net and leaves. “The Hukilau Song” was written by Jack Owens in 1948 after he attended a luau in Oahu, and the song’s dance mimics fishing with a net and eating the catches. Some key definitions from the song:
- Hukilau – to fish by casting a net and pulling it in
- Laulau – baked or steam meat and fish wrapped in leaves
- Luau – Hawaiian feast
- Kaukau – food, to eat
Las Vegas Hula’s Virtual Classes
Bring the hula to your home with Las Vegas Hula’s virtual dance classes. that include the following:
- A 15 minute dance instruction video
- Virtual classes with zoom private lessons/one on one tutor
- Song lyric sheets emailed
Classes are available Friday, May 1 at 6 p.m. (Hula lesson) and 7 p.m. (Ori lesson); Thursday, May 7 at 10 a.m. (Hula lesson) and 11 a.m. (Ori lesson); Friday, May 8 at 6 p.m. (Hula lesson) and 7 p.m. (Ori lesson). Contact myra@lasvegashula.com if interested in registering for a virtual class.
Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Hula.
