E Hula Mau

This is home away from home for me, seeing and feeling and smelling the Aloha spirit in downtown Long Beach. I never miss an opportunity to attend this event.
Growing up in the islands, almost every day was a bbq. My dad would bust out the hibachi and grill everything. Pass by the Safeway on Pali and Vineyard and you see the smoke, that’s no fire, it’s a fundraiser for Huli huli chicken!
Manapua (though on the manini side), malasadas, spam musubi, shave ice, lilikoi juice, island plants, snacks, books, music, beauty products, flowers for your hair… ahhhhh it’s all there! I am glad they did away with the scripts cause that was too many steps to have to get them, then redeem, then stand in line, etc… the prices for the plate lunch are not too bad but I was disappointed there was no mac salad and portions were more mainland then local portions, lol…
Come out and cheer your favorite halau and talk story with the ohana.

It’s a great 3-​day hula event! If you are unfamiliar with hula, make sure which type of dancing you want to see. I have sat next to people who were expecting Lovely Hula Hands and Little Grass Shack. Be prepared, — it’s not that type of dancing. Although, you may be interested in Sunday’s performances, instead of the chant dances that go on all day Saturday. Oh, yes, and expect screaming at the tops of lungs! (It IS a competition…) I also sat next to a lady who had very sensitive hearing. She covered her ears every time the screaming started, and eventually had to leave.
There are performances in the front of the theater, as well, by many great musicians and some dancers. Even if you don’t go to see the competition, this is nice to stroll over and watch!
Besides the hula competition, I love the vendors. I always get a hoodie. Last year it said ‘Aloha’, and this year it is ‘Honu’, and I got a great pair of board shorts, too.
It’s always been fun, and I would give it 4 stars, except this year my bike basket and Hawaiian cap were stolen :(I have been to many Hawaiian events, and you could always leave anything at your seat, and nobody would think of touching it.
Unfortunately, I personally think that since the location is in downtown Long Beach, some unsavory characters went through the theater during intermission and helped themselves to goodies. I heard other things were stolen. I am very dissatisfied with the security!
So if you’re thinking of going, GO! Have a good time, cuz I know you will, but keep your belongings with you!

A Labor Day Weekend Tradition!!! …well, except for 2010. But imagine three full days of hula dancers, Hawaiian culture, food, shopping, and did I mention the hula dancers? ;D
Oh, let me clarify… hula dancing wahine AND kane! (women AND men) and let me tell you, when the kane come out to dance, you hear a lot of hoot and hollering from the audience. I’m just sayin ;D
I’ve been attending E Hula Mau for as long as I’ve been a hula dancer (2003). The hula halaus that participate are hardcore! Some of them have even competed at the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaii. That’s the largest, most prestigious hula competition in the world!
E Hula Mau is like the Merrie Monarch of the mainland showcasing the mainland’s talented hula studios. Friday night features the solo performances. Saturday features Kahiko (ancient style) and Oli (chanting). Sunday features ‘Auana, the modern style.
As a spectator, if you are determined to watch every single entry in the competition, be prepared for:
— Sitting for a large chunk of the day.
— Loud, screaming cheering from the crowd supporting their favorite hula groups.
— Auditorium air conditioning. Bring a sweater.
— Crying. Lots of crying, especially if you are so moved by the beauty, story, and dancing of the hula dancers. Bring tissues.
Like most Hawaiian events, you are bound to run into lots of people you know from other halaus at E Hula Mau, especially if you support many hula events. Just give a hug and kiss on the cheek to spread the good mana! :)
If you are a hula dancer and have the opportunity to compete in E Hula Mau, I highly recommend it! If your halau is anything like mine, you will have the most emotional, character-​building, aloha-​filled experience that will only bring you and your hula ‘ohana closer together. I was lucky to have danced in the Wahine Division with Kekaiulu Hula Studio in 2010. Woot woot!!!
If you survive the entire weekend, you’ll have so many good memories of hula girls and/​or guys dancing in your head! ;D
ALOOOOOOOOOOHA!!! :D
:flashing the shaka sign: