Moloka’i tradition of Laka

Hula has been part of Hawaiian culture since ancient times. Various places like islands of Hawai`i, Moloka`i, O`ahu, and Kaua`i claim to be a birthplace of Hula. They each has a different story and different Gods and human involved. Some say that Hi`iaka’s friend Hopoe was the first dancer. Others call Kapo’ulakina’u the first divine patron of hula, or some say the long and beautiful story of Keaomelemele as the foundation myth of dance.

But, today I would like to share the Molokaʻi story which uncle John Kaimikaua shared to my Kumu during the session of Kuhi Laka…