“WORSHIP” HULA DEFINED

Naleonuoliakeakua Hula Ministry at the Pacific Islander Festival 2011, Ski Beach in Mission Bay

In my last two posts, I gave you a brief overview about the history of hula and Christianity in Hawai’i.  So now you’re wondering, “What is this ‘worship’ hula?”  Worship hula is simply a unique way of expressing our love and adoration to the Lord Jesus Christ – both in Christian and non-Christian (or secular) settings.

Today, worship hula is incorporated into many churches on the islands and in select areas of the continental U.S. as a regular part of the worship services.  In place of the traditional Hawaiian songs, the hula is choreographed to songs of faith with Christian lyrics in both Hawaiian and English.  In contrast to the ancient hula and its use to worship the deities, worship hula is used to glorify and honor the One true God – the Lord Jesus Christ.

Share Da Aloha 2012, Worship Event

My hula background started when I was 4 years old.  I not only danced hula, but other Polynesian dances of Tahiti, New Zealand, and Samoa.  As a member of a variety of Polynesian groups and halaus, I have performed in all sorts of venues.  More recently I studied traditional hula with Halau Hula Na Lei O Liana, with Kumu Hula Liana Iona, whose hula lineage comes through the late Kumu Ray Fonseca of Hilo, Hawai’i.  Through my experience, I have gained an incredible amount of respect for the hula, the Hawaiian culture, and the protocol of respecting my kumu hula and remaining loyal to my halau. 

When I became a born-again Christian in 1989, two women in my Bible study performed “creative dance”.  When I saw what they did, I told them they were actually dancing hula noho (hula on bended knees) and I was hooked.  Since then, that small group has grown into the current hula ministry, Naleonuoliakeakua (The Voices that Bring the Good News of God).  I have led this ministry since 1995 and it consists of hula sisters who represent various non-denominational churches throughout San Diego, such as:  Eastlake Church, Calvary Chapel San Diego, The Rock San Diego, San Diego Japanese Christian Church, Alpine Christian Fellowship, Nestor United Methodist, and Journey Community Church.  We have opportunities to worship (not perform) for church events, hula festivals, weddings, birthdays, luaus, etc., throughout Southern California.

Share Da Aloha 2012, Hula Ministry Conference

Our Purpose:  We exist to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and to glorify our Heavenly Father.

Our Mission:  We are appointed and anointed to share the Gospel by keeping our hearts and minds focused on Jesus Christ and honoring Him through this unique expression of worship – the beautiful hula!

The hula ministry is not just something I do, but it is an integral part of my life!  Just as hula is a part of the Hawaiian culture – expressing my love for my Lord and Savior through worship hula is what makes my heart beat.  That same respect I extend to my Kumu Hula is multiplied in honor of my God, the KUMUKAHI (the number one Source) . . . the Creator of the universe.