For those who enjoy classical music and dance, some of the more popular O'ahu venues include the Hawaii Opera Theatre, Hawaii Ballet Theatre and the Hawaii State Ballet. For visitors interested in fine arts, Oahu boasts a number of mainstream and avant-garde galleries, including the Nohea Gallery, Wyland Galleries Hawaii, Livingston Galleries, Island Art Gallery and many others. Theatre-goers can enjoy a wide variety of both local and touring theatrical companies at the Blaisdell Concert Hall or at the fantastic Hawaii Theatre.
Oahu also boast some of the finest contemporary dance performers in North America. The IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre is dedicated to the creation and performance of innovative dance and theatre works that provide transformational imagery and messages. The Tau Dance Theatre explores traditional Hawaiian themes in a stunning contemporary format.
Immerse yourself in the arts and culture of Oahu during your visit. Explore our Calendar of Events in the back of this Vacation Planner for the listings of events throughout the year.
During pre-contact Hawaii, Hawaiians had the beat of the drum or trill of the nose flute and variations of melodic vocal accompaniments as their form of "music". The Hawaiian music we know today didn't come into being until after American mussionaries arrived in the early mid-1880s, and the introduction of stringed instruments. Specific form, melody, harmony and rhythm are combined with Hawaiian words and poetry that are often taken from traditional Hawaiian oli (chants.)
Four of the most prolific baku mele (composers) were referred to as Na Lani Eha, the Royal Four and lived in the late 19th Century. These were King Kalakaua, Queen Lili'uokalani, Princess Likelike and Prince Leleiohoku II, siblings with a musical passion and talent like no other at the time. Their music is still very popular today. And if you happen to visit O'ahu in July, be sure to attend the Annual 'Ukelele Festival at the Kapi'olani Park Bandstand in Waikiki. You'll hear the finest players in the world, celebrity entertainers, plus an ukelele ensemble of over 300 children.
Hula
Few things are as universally symbolic of the Hawaiian Islands as the long-held traditions of hula. Samoans, Maori, Tongans, Tahitans and other Pacific cultures dance. but only Hawaiian hula. In the last 40 years, hula has come to embody the aloha spirit and its rich tradition has been treasured and enjoyed by all who experience it. Spititual uplifting, hula conveys the essence of aloha-great love, caring, sharing, charity, kindness, compassion, mercy, humility.
While hula kahiko'olapa (traditional hula) is accompanied by chants and percussion sounds mimicking wind and surf, modern hula often includes singing and musical instruments. Costume is also important, and both male and female dancers adorn themselves with lei, anklets, shells, feathers and flowers.
Wherever you see hula, if you like what you see, feel free to shout "Hana hou!"-a great compliment to the dancers that means "Do it again!".
The giving and receiving of lei, whether made of flowers, leaves, shells, nuts, seeds, feather or other materials is a special way to express aloha between two individuals. Lei are sign of welcome, congratulation, commemoration of something or for no reason at all. They always creates a special feeling and bond.
Traditionally, lei are not gender specific and given to men and women equally. when given a lei, regardless of material, wear it proudly. Also, be mindful of what can and cannot leave the state of Hawaii or enter your part of the world as there are some restrictions. Most shops selling lei can arrange for your lei to be packaged and shipped directly to your home.
