Hula, the Hawaiian dance, has its own annual international competition in Hilo each spring. But you don't have to wait until the Merrie Monarch Festival to see the graceful art. Waikiki is a hotbed of hula — if you know where to look.

Whether you're looking for day or evening performances, there's a show for you.

Start your hula education at he Kuhio Beach Hula Mound, near the Duke Kahanamoku statue. At 6:30 each evening (weather permitting), a torchlighting ceremony and hula performance unfolds. Don't forget to bring your camera — the strong, elegant dancers are very photogenic.

Come cocktail hour, locals and visitors take a seat on the big terrace at the Halekulani's House Without a Key, a revered beachfront spot beneath a venerable kiawe tree. Kanoe Miller (a former Miss Hawaii) and Debbie Nakanelua dance between 5 and 8:30 p.m., with Pa'ahana, Po'okela, the Aloha Serenaders or the Hiram Olsen Trio providing the music.

Equally lovely: the Veranda and Banyan Court of the Sheraton Moana Surfrider hotel. The Banyan Serenaders play at brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays; the Pu'uhonua Trio normally has a hula component, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sundays.

Kahale Richardson's Kuhai Halau Kahelepuna Pa 'Olapa Kahiko — a children's group — dance at the Sheraton Waikiki hotel's poolside lounge 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays.

When a local doffs shoes to share improvised hula, that's a moment to cherish. It's a Hawaiian tradition.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.