Hula

Lore & Background

Hula was developed in the Hawaiian Islands by Native Hawaiians. It dramatizes or portrays the words of the oli or mele in a visual dance form. There are many sub-styles, with the two main categories being Hula ʻAuana and Hula Kahiko. Ancient hula, performed before Western encounters with Hawaiʻi, is called kahiko and is accompanied by chant and traditional instruments. Hula that evolved under Western influence in the 19th and 20th centuries is called ʻauana, accompanied by song and Western-influenced instruments such as the guitar, ʻukulele, and double bass. Additional categories include 'Monarchy' (19th-century hula) and 'Ai Kahiko' (20th- and 21st-century hula in ancient style).

Reader's Guide

Hula is significant as a central expression of Native Hawaiian culture, preserving oral history through chant and dance. It was developed in the Hawaiian Islands and remains unique to them, despite related dances elsewhere in Polynesia. The dance uses hand motions to represent words, with foot and hip movements from a basic library of steps. Many hula dances are considered religious performances, dedicated to Hawaiian deities, and errors were thought to invalidate the performance or bring bad luck. Hula continues to be performed today, with traditional costuming and reverence for spiritual roots.

Did You Know?

• Hula is unique to the Hawaiian Islands, distinct from other Polynesian dances such as tamure, hura, and haka.
• Ancient hula (kahiko) was performed before Western encounters with Hawaiʻi and is accompanied by chant and traditional instruments.
• Hula ʻauana, meaning 'to wander' or 'drift,' evolved under Western influence in the 19th and 20th centuries and uses instruments like guitar, ʻukulele, and double bass.