Sports and Entertainment: Pre-Contact
There were many simple things that were done for enjoyment in ancient Hawaii. One of the most notable sport that was developed in Hawaii was surfing. Surfing was reserved for the ali'i, which was why it was called "the sport of kings". There are also many other things that Hawaiians did for enjoyment, like string figures, wrestling and boxing. Hawaiians also used a pala'ie to play various games. Many of these sports were played during the makahiki, or the festival of the harvest.
Hula was also a form of entertainment in Hawaii. In fact, Hula was a profession that was taught to young children, and took many, many years to master, but died with the arrival of the missionaries.
Hula was also a form of entertainment in Hawaii. In fact, Hula was a profession that was taught to young children, and took many, many years to master, but died with the arrival of the missionaries.
Sports and Entertainment: Post-Contact
After the missionaries came to Hawaii, many of the cultural sports and means of entertainment were suppressed. Hula was looked down upon by the missionaries because they defined it as uncivilized. Ka'ahumanu's orally proclaimed law code prohibited boxing and fighting of any kind.
When David Kalakaua became king, he tried to revive some of the cultural aspects of Hawaii. He revived Hula by having a festival that went on for two weeks, and had hula danced every night. Because of this, Kalakaua became known as the Merrie Monarch, and this event may have established the Merrie Monarch Festival which is still broadcasted all over Hawaii to this day.
When David Kalakaua became king, he tried to revive some of the cultural aspects of Hawaii. He revived Hula by having a festival that went on for two weeks, and had hula danced every night. Because of this, Kalakaua became known as the Merrie Monarch, and this event may have established the Merrie Monarch Festival which is still broadcasted all over Hawaii to this day.
Sports and Entertainment Today
Today, surfing and hula are the most notable form of sport and entertainment in Hawaii. Hula is still practiced by many and still taught to many children. Surfing has become one of the most popular activities in Hawaii, mostly because of the amazing surf spots that are scattered all across the island. For example, Maui is most known for Honolua Bay, which is classified as one of the best waves in the world, and Ma'alaea Freight Trains, which is rumored to be the fastest wave on Maui. Oahu is also known for its surf spots, the most notorious being Pipeline. Other famous surf spots include Sunset Beach, Ali'i Beach Park, Waimea Bay, Ala Moana Bowls and Kaisers. Prestigious competitions like the Pipeline Masters and the Eddie Aikau at Waimea Bay have been run in Hawaii for many years.
Sports and Entertainment in the Future
I think that surfing in Hawaii is only going to grow. With the media, many surf spots are showcased to people from different countries and they will all come to Hawaii to surf and spend their money, which will also help us economically. I also hope that Hula is kept in Hawaii in the future as it is one of the only cultural links we have with the past.