Hula: A Hawaiian Story

Hula dancing is an ancient story-telling device developed by the Polynesian people of Hawaii.  Its origins are uncertain, but Hawaiian tradition states that it was first practiced by the gods, and is therefore religious in nature.  Early in its history it was performed primarily by men, and was accompanied by a chant or song called a “mele.”   The mele was the most important part of the hula, and the dancing served to illustrate various aspects of the story using very precise body motions and hand gestures.

Hula was used for numerous purposes and occasions.  There are many forms of hula, from calm and serene, to vigorous and grandiose.  The Hula ku’i Molokai was a fast, energetic hula danced by the people of the island of Molokai who were well known for their involvement in sports.  The Hula kuhi Lima was performed while sitting and swaying and making elaborate hand gestures.  One type of hula, Hula ki’i was performed by dancers in very stiff postures.  Hula was used to close ceremonies and was accompanied by an ever accelerating rhythm and was a test of stamina.  Over 300 forms of hula have been recorded by the Hawaiian Preservation Society.

Originally religious in nature, hula came to be used more and more as an entertainment for visitors and guests.  Today, it has lost most of its religious significance, and there is little or no ceremony involved.  Hula ‘auana, or modern hula, is very free form and is accompanied by western instruments such as the guitar or the ukulele.  The Hawaiian people are very proud of their traditions, and today there are several hundred hula schools, called halau hula, which teach the art of hula and keep alive this uniquely Hawaiian art form.