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History of the Hula Hoop Fad
Hula hoops are simple hoops that are kept around the waist by swinging the hips in a hula-like motion. Although hula hoops became a cultural craze during the 1950s, the toy actually dates back much earlier. While modern versions are made of plastic tubing, originally hula hoops were formed from rattan, grapevines, or stiff grasses, among other natural materials.
Using hoops as a toy dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt as well as several Native American cultures, where the hoop dance was...
An Introduction to Polynesian Music
Polynesian music is a fun and vibrant musical style originating from the Polynesian islands of the South Pacific. The sounds of this ancient culture have begun to find their way into modern music, reflected by the tiki craze of the 1950s and 1960s and even in today's pop culture. Even the Beastie Boys have sampled traditional Polynesian music in their songs. In Polynesia, western-style music, instruments, and rhythms have made an impact on the traditional songs found here.
Polynesia actually...
Visiting Waikiki
Waikiki is perhaps the most famous beach in the Hawaiian islands. Each year, thousands of tourists from all over the world flock to this stretch of beautiful white sand and clear blue waters. Most people plan to spend at least a couple of days sitting at the beach when planning their Hawaiian vacation. The temperature in Waikiki averages 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making the beach popular all year long. Whether you wish to sip a tropical drink while sitting under a palm tree, or...
Polynesian Cultural Center A Popular Hawaiian Tourist Destination
If you are planning a visit to O'ahu, Hawaii, and are in love with island culture, including all things Tiki, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. This museum located on 42 acres of land opened in 1963 and is dedicated to displaying the local history and traditional culture from Hawaii as well as other islands in the Pacific Ocean.
PCC is owned by Bringham Young University-Hawaii, and many of the performers you'll see during your visit are student there. The...
From Tiki Huts to Temples
Have you ever wondered where the tiki hut style of building comes from? Though the tiki hut bar is a relatively modern invention, its architecural roots can be traced back to ancient Hawaii. For centuries, traditional Hawaiian structures had thatched roofs made of pili grass. Often, a large fishing net covered the grass to keep it in place.
The most important building in ancient Hawaiian civilization was the home of the chief. The Hale Ali'i could be found on a hill, with a stone foundation to...
Decorating a Tiki Themed Bedroom
A tiki-themed bedroom is a great choice for girls, boys, or couples. Everyone loves an island getaway. A tiki-themed bedroom is a beautiful and relaxing place to hang out. Tiki dιcor goes great with other island or beach-themed decorations. Focus on bright tropical colors and tiki or beach-style details, and youll feel like you are living in a tiki hut.
Begin by transforming the furniture. You can use a tiki headboard and decorate the rest of the furniture with tiki style. Be resourceful and...
Tiki Bar Essentials
Tiki bars are a great way to add a little bit of paradise into your backyard or even your living room. You can even make a tiki bar in a weekend using bamboo and other tropically-inspired elements. Since the 1950s, people on the mainland have been drawn to tiki bars as an out-of-the-ordinary escape from daily life. Once you have constructed your tiki bar, you can give it a truly authentic feeling with a few key accessories. To complete the tiki bar environment, look for the following...
What is the Limbo Dance
Limbo is a traditional dance that actually originated on the island of Trinidad, in the Caribbean. However, it is often associated with the island of Hawaii, where the limbo dance is very popular. The name limbo is from the Trinidad English dialect, and comes from the word limber. It is also known as the under stick dance, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago. Although the dance was not well-known outside the Caribbean until the mid-twentieth century, it actually dates to the early or mid...
Hawaiian Language
Hawaii is officially known as the Aloha State, and undoubtedly travelers to the islands will soon learn the meaning of aloha. This is perhaps the most famous word in the Hawaiian language, although its meaning is not well understood by many visitors. Aloha has many different meanings in the culture of Hawaii, including hello, goodbye, and love, among other uses. Many everyday greetings incorporate this word, such as 'aloha kakou,' which is translated as Greetings between you and I. 'Aloha...
Very Popular Tiki Movies
Since the very beginning of the tiki craze in the 1930s, tiki-related themes have figured prominently in dozens of popular movies. One of the earliest movies to feature a tiki theme was Hei Tiki, shot in 1935. A classic tiki movie still popular among tiki aficionados, Hei Tiki features a mysterious neck pendant said to be a love charm. The hei tiki originates with the Maori of New Zealand, and is believed to be related to the tiki statues found in Polynesia.
Another well-known tiki movie from...
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