Ulalena-Must See Show On Maui

By Dave Huffman

Ulalena has many meanings on the island of Maui. Ulalena is a state-of-the-art venue that was built for a phenomenal show idea, but it also has another meaning. Ulalena is said to be a special wind that only occurs in Maui. According to Ancient Hawaiian creation chants, it is also a form of rain that is colored reddish yellow when revealed during the twilight hours. This wind carries people to other times and places through memories and mythical means.

The show, Ulalena, offers some of the best entertainment in Maui. If you see one show that celebrates Hawaiian culture, this should be the show you go see. The venue where the show is performed was built specifically for the show. This allows each seat to have a special sense of intimacy and interaction as the show goes on.

Ulalena takes the traditional Butoh theatre and adds acrobatic moves, hula, and modern dance. Vivid, rich costume design and intense lighting and stage design are all blended together to make the perfect scene for a show based on Hawaiian history and legends. You will have the chance to watch a show so amazing, you cannot help but feel like you are right there in the middle of it all. Critics have said that Ulalena is the best show to come from Hawaii in years. It has been called magical and powerful. What started as a myth has come to the stage in a glowing portrait of Hawaiian beliefs. Ulalena begins with a man on a spiritual quest who is heading for an unknown destination. As he walks, taro, a food staple of Hawaii, appears from the ground, and shows the audience, the beginning of life.

Also discussed or made use of is the ocean, a mythical forest, a village, and much more. Each area seems to progress the story and teach something unique and intimate about Hawaii. The Ocean is used to bring the first immigrants from Tahiti. These immigrants come to the area after following visions of the volcano Goddess, Pele, and the shark God, Kamohali’l. Once this happens, Maui, the demi-god, is able to pull the islands from the ocean. The forest comes next when ali’I dreams of Mo’o. Mo’o is a guardian spirit that takes the form of a lizard and lives in a waterfall. Trees in the rainforest come to life. During this time, the gods reflect upon pleasure and passion. The village is shown with music, as men pound poi from taro root and women beat kapa to show simple Hawaiian life.

The next portion of the Ulalena leads into the Makahiki festival. This harvest festival is to celebrate thanks, sports, and place a taboo on war. However, an explorer from Europe comes along and interrupts the festival at its peak moments. The residents vow to respect the man, thinking he is a God coming from above and turning to human form.

The shadows arrive showing the old world, the new, and the differences that arise once the King has died and the system of the old ways is overthrown. The Hawaiian Monarchy brings people from around the world to work in the sugar cane fields, as sugar becomes an important product. As Ulalena comes near the end, Pele explodes and devastation comes with her. However, this devastation brings contemplation and then a rebuilding of life. Finally, we have Ulalena, a new era of golden people. These people are embraced by the Ulalena, the rain, and they are melded into a life that is close to nature and built of spirit.

Dave Huffman owns and operates rental by owner websites. For great lodging on Maui visit http://www.mauirentalbyowner.com