The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Hula Hooping

Hawaii, an archipelago known for its vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes, is home to a rich and diverse intangible cultural heritage. One such element is the traditional Hawaiian Hula Hooping, a practice that transcends beyond mere play and permeates deep into the social fabric of Hawaiian society. Hula hooping is a fun and challenging activity that people of all ages can enjoy. It is also a form of intangible cultural heritage deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. 

The history of hula hooping in Hawaii dates back to the early 1900s. Unlike the modern sport, Hawaiian Hula Hooping is rooted in the ancient Hawaiian Hula dance. The hoop, symbolic of the eternal cycle of life, is gracefully manipulated around the dancer's body, mirroring the rhythmic ebb and flow of the ocean waves. The early hula hoops were made from traditional coconut shells and bamboo materials. The first hula hoops were often decorated with traditional Hawaiian symbols such as flowers. In the 1950s, hula hooping became popular in the United States. However, it was in the 1970s that hula hooping began to be seen as a form of Hawaiian cultural expression. This was partly due to the work of Hula Hoops Hawaii, a company founded in 1972 to promote hula hooping to preserve Hawaiian culture. Hula hooping is a way to connect with the past, express Hawaiian identity, promote physical and mental health, and bring people together. It is a dance and a storytelling medium, an expressive art form that covers the Hawaiian people's history, beliefs, and emotions.

One of the unique aspects of the Hula Hooping tradition is its emphasis on inclusivity. It welcomes participants across all age groups and skill levels, creating a sense of community and fostering a spirit of unity. The hoop becomes a social catalyst, bridging the gap between generations and reinforcing cultural continuity. Despite its significance, Hawaiian hula hooping is facing several challenges. One challenge is the commercialization of hula hooping. In recent years, a growing trend of mass-produced hula hoops is made from cheap materials. These hula hoops are often not durable and can be dangerous to use. Another challenge facing Hawaiian hula hooping is the loss of traditional knowledge. Many traditional techniques and skills associated with hula hooping are lost as the older generations pass away. As the world rapidly urbanizes and globalizes, the younger generation is increasingly drawn towards modern forms of entertainment, often overlooking the value of their cultural heritage. Like many other intangible cultural heritages, Hawaiian Hula Hooping risks becoming a relic of the past, its nuanced language of movement forgotten.

In 2016, hula hooping was added to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition is a testament to the importance of hula hooping in Hawaiian culture and its potential to bring people together worldwide. However, there is an urgent need for a more inclusive global approach to safeguard such intangible cultural heritages. The UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage serves as a beacon of hope, facilitating international cooperation to protect these living embodiments of cultural diversity.

In 2011, I visited Maui, Hawaii, and saw a hula dance. Even though it has been over a decade, I still remember it like yesterday. It was a surreal opportunity, and I hope to visit again soon.