The Ancient Art of Hula: More Than Just a Dance, It’s Hawaiian History in Motion

Hula is far more than just swaying hips and graceful hands; it’s a living, breathing embodiment of Hawaiian history, culture, and spirituality. It’s a powerful storyteller, a preserver of genealogy, and a sacred practice that connects Hawaiians to their ancestors and the natural world. Learning about hula is immersing yourself in the very soul of Hawai’i.

The Origins of Hula: A Creation Story

Like many ancient traditions, the precise origins of hula are shrouded in myth and legend. Oral tradition tells of Laka, the goddess of hula, who is said to have first danced the hula on the island of Molokaʻi. According to legend, Laka’s dance brought forth the first plants, symbolizing the life-giving power of hula. Another popular story attributes the origin of hula to Pele, the volcano goddess, who danced to appease her fiery temper (a performance that could be quite the show!). These stories highlight the sacred connection between hula, the land, and the divine.

Two Main Styles: Hula Kahiko and Hula ʻAuana

Over time, hula evolved into two distinct styles: Hula Kahiko (ancient hula) and Hula ʻAuana (modern hula). Understanding the difference is crucial to appreciating the art form.

Hula Kahiko: This is the traditional style, performed as it was for centuries. It’s characterized by strong, powerful movements, often accompanied by chanting (oli) and percussion instruments such as the ipu heke (gourd drum), pahu (sharkskin drum), and ʻiliʻili (water-worn pebbles). Hula Kahiko is typically performed to honor the gods, chiefs, or important events. The costumes are often made of natural materials like tapa cloth, leaves, and feathers. Think of it as a powerful, visceral connection to the past.

Hula ʻAuana: This is the more contemporary style, influenced by Western music and instruments like the ukulele and guitar. The movements are generally more fluid and graceful, and the songs (mele) are often more romantic and lyrical. Costumes for Hula ʻAuana are usually made of softer, more flowing fabrics, like cotton or silk. If Hula Kahiko is a powerful shout, Hula ʻAuana is a soothing melody. You can often catch it at luaus.

The Language of Movement: Telling Stories with the Body

Every movement in hula has a specific meaning, transforming the dance into a visual language. The hands tell stories, the feet connect to the earth, and the hips sway with the rhythm of life. Here are a few examples:

• Hands: Hand gestures can represent everything from plants and animals to emotions and natural phenomena. For instance, a hand gesture mimicking a fluttering bird might tell a story about a messenger or a joyful spirit.
• Feet: The footwork in hula, often grounded and strong, symbolizes the dancer’s connection to the earth and their ancestors. Different foot patterns signify different aspects of the story.
• Hips: The swaying of the hips, a signature element of hula, represents the rhythm of life, the movement of water, and the fertility of the land.

Learning to “read” hula takes time and dedication, but even a basic understanding can greatly enhance your appreciation for the art form. For example, if you see dancers using their hands to mimic the motion of waves, you know the mele (song) is likely about the ocean. A skilled kumu hula (hula teacher) can guide you through the nuances of this complex language.

The Role of the Kumu Hula: A Keeper of Knowledge

The kumu hula is more than just a dance teacher; they are a guardian of Hawaiian culture, history, and spirituality. They pass down the knowledge of hula through generations, ensuring that the traditions are preserved. Becoming a kumu hula requires years of dedicated study and a deep understanding of Hawaiian language, history, and culture. It’s a serious commitment, a lifelong journey of learning and sharing.

Participating in Hula: How to Get Involved

Want to experience hula firsthand? Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Take a Hula Lesson: Many hotels, cultural centers, and dance studios offer introductory hula lessons for visitors. These lessons provide a fun and engaging way to learn the basic steps and gestures. For instance, at the Polynesian Cultural Center on Oahu, you can join a group hula lesson that introduces you to the fundamentals of both Hula Kahiko and Hula ʻAuana. Check their website for schedules and pricing.
• Attend a Hula Performance: Watching a live hula performance is an excellent way to appreciate the artistry and beauty of the dance. From small community performances to large-scale festivals like the Merrie Monarch Festival, there are many opportunities to witness hula firsthand. The annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawai’i Island, is considered the most prestigious hula competition in the world, offering a stunning display of both Hula Kahiko and Hula ʻAuana. Tickets sell out far in advance–but you can often catch tv coverage from home.
• Visit a Cultural Center: Cultural centers like the Bishop Museum in Honolulu offer exhibits and programs that explore the history and significance of hula. They can provide deeper insights into the cultural context of the dance.
• Learn a Few Basic Steps: Even learning a few basic steps can deepen your understanding of hula. Start with the kaholo (a basic step moving side to side) or the hela (a hip movement). There are many online tutorials that can guide you through these basic steps. Just remember to approach it with respect and a willingness to learn.

The Importance of Respect: Approaching Hula with Humility

Hula is not just entertainment; it’s a sacred practice with deep cultural significance. It’s essential to approach it with respect and humility. Here are a few guidelines:

• Dress Appropriately: When participating in a hula lesson or performance, dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing revealing clothing or anything that might be considered disrespectful to Hawaiian culture.
• Listen Attentively: Pay attention to the kumu hula and follow their instructions carefully. They are sharing their knowledge and heritage with you, so it’s important to be a good student.
• Avoid Imitating or Mocking: Hula is a sacred art form, not a costume party. Avoid imitating or mocking the movements or gestures, as this can be deeply offensive.
• Learn About the Culture: Take the time to learn about Hawaiian history, culture, and language. This will help you understand the deeper meaning of hula and appreciate its significance.

Preserving Hula for Future Generations: Ensuring its Survival

Hula has faced many challenges throughout its history, including suppression by missionaries in the 19th century. However, thanks to the dedication of kumu hula and cultural practitioners, hula has not only survived but thrived. Today, there is a renewed interest in hula and Hawaiian culture, and efforts are being made to ensure that it is preserved for future generations. This includes supporting hula schools, promoting cultural education, and advocating for the protection of sacred sites.

Beyond the Dance: Hula as a Way of Life

For many Hawaiians, hula is more than just a dance; it’s a way of life. It’s a connection to their ancestors, their culture, and the natural world. It’s a way to express their emotions, share their stories, and celebrate their heritage. It’s a reminder of the importance of aloha (love, compassion, and respect) and kuleana (responsibility) to the ʻaina (land) and the Hawaiian community.

The Merrie Monarch Festival: A Celebration of Hula

The Merrie Monarch Festival, held annually in Hilo, Hawai’i Island, is the world’s most prestigious hula competition. Named in honor of King David Kalākaua, known as the “Merrie Monarch” for his love of the arts, the festival showcases the best hula hālau (schools) from across Hawai’i and the world. It’s a week-long celebration of hula, Hawaiian culture, and the spirit of aloha.

Attending the Merrie Monarch Festival is an incredible experience, but tickets are highly sought after and often sell out far in advance. However, you can still experience the magic of the festival by watching the live broadcast on television or online. It’s a chance to witness the beauty, artistry, and power of hula firsthand and to learn more about Hawaiian culture.

Finding Authentic Hula Experiences: Avoiding Tourist Traps

While many tourist venues offer hula performances, it’s important to seek out authentic experiences that are rooted in Hawaiian culture. Here are a few tips:

• Research the Performers: Look for hula hālau that have a strong reputation and a commitment to preserving traditional practices. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from locals.
• Attend Community Events: Local community events often feature authentic hula performances. Check local event listings or ask at your hotel for information.
• Support Local Businesses: Choose businesses that are owned and operated by Hawaiians and that support the local community. These businesses are more likely to offer authentic cultural experiences.
• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the hula and its significance. This shows that you are genuinely interested in learning about Hawaiian culture.

Learning the Language: Enhancing Your Hula Experience

Learning even a few basic Hawaiian words can significantly enhance your appreciation for hula. Here are a few essential terms to know:

• Aloha: Love, compassion, greeting, farewell.
• Mahalo: Thank you.
• Kumu: Teacher, source of knowledge.
• Hālau: Hula school.
• Mele: Song, chant, poem.
• ʻĀina: Land, earth.
• Ohana: Family, community.

By learning these words, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the language of hula and the values that are important to Hawaiian culture.

The Future of Hula: Continuing the Legacy

The future of hula is bright, thanks to the dedication of kumu hula, cultural practitioners, and the Hawaiian community. As more people learn about the cultural significance of hula, its importance in preserving Hawaiian identity will continue to grow. By supporting hula schools, cultural centers, and community events, we can all play a role in ensuring that this ancient art form continues to thrive for generations to come.

Hula and Mental Wellness: A Holistic Practice

Beyond its cultural and historical significance, hula can also be a powerful tool for promoting mental and emotional well-being. The rhythmic movements, the connection to nature, and the sense of community can all contribute to a feeling of peace and harmony. In fact, some studies have shown that hula can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost self-esteem.

The focus on breath control and body awareness in hula can also help cultivate mindfulness and promote relaxation. The act of learning and memorizing the movements and lyrics can also improve cognitive function. For many, hula is a form of moving meditation, a way to connect with their inner selves and find solace in the present moment.

Hula as a Form of Activism: Protecting Hawaiian Culture

In recent years, hula has also become a form of activism, used to raise awareness about important issues facing the Hawaiian community, such as land rights, environmental protection, and cultural preservation. Hula performances have been used to protest development projects, to commemorate historical events, and to celebrate Hawaiian sovereignty.

By using hula as a platform for activism, Hawaiian cultural practitioners are demonstrating the power of art to effect social change and to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Hula is not just a dance; it’s a powerful tool for preserving identity, promoting justice, and protecting the cultural heritage of Hawai’i.

Haku Lei Making: An Essential Complement to Hula

Creating and wearing a haku lei (a head lei) is deeply intertwined with the practice of hula. The lei isn’t just an accessory; it’s a physical manifestation of the connection between the dancer, the land, and the spirit of the dance.

Haku lei making is an art in itself, requiring knowledge of native plants and the traditional techniques for weaving them together. The process is often seen as a meditative and spiritual practice, as each flower and leaf is carefully selected and placed with intention. The act of creating the lei is an act of preparation for the hula, a way to connect with the energy of the ʻāina and to honor the deities associated with the dance.

You can learn to make a haku lei at various workshops offered throughout Hawai’i. For example, many community centers and cultural organizations offer lei-making classes. Search online for “lei making workshop hawaii” to find options near you. The cost typically ranges from $30 to $75, depending on the materials and the length of the workshop.

The Ipu Heke: The Heartbeat of Hula

The ipu heke, a double gourd drum, is one of the most important instruments in hula kahiko. Its resonant sound provides the rhythmic foundation for the dance and serves as a symbolic representation of the earth and the connection between the upper and lower worlds.

The ipu heke is made from two gourds, carefully selected and dried. The process of making an ipu heke is a meticulous one, requiring skill and patience. The two gourds are joined together, and the instrument is then decorated with intricate designs. The sound is created by striking the ipu heke against the ground or with the hand.

The ipu heke player is an integral part of the hula performance, responsible for setting the tempo and providing the rhythmic cues for the dancers. Their skill and precision are essential to the success of the performance.

Hula and the Navigational History of Polynesia

While often overlooked, hula embodies the incredible navigational prowess of the Polynesian ancestors. The songs (mele) and dances often recount voyages across the vast Pacific Ocean, using intricate star charts and wave patterns. The dancers, through their movements, become the canoes, the sails, and the ocean currents, retelling the stories of exploration and discovery.

Consider the movements that mimic the flight of seabirds – guides for ancient navigators. Or the hand gestures that represent the stars, used to chart courses across thousands of miles. Hula, in this sense, is a living map, a testament to the ingenuity and bravery of the Polynesian people.

By understanding this connection, you begin to see hula not just as a performance, but as a repository of ancestral knowledge, passed down through generations through movement and song.

The Power of Oli (Chant): Setting the Stage for Hula

Often preceding and accompanying hula kahiko is the oli, or chant. Oli is more than just singing; it’s a powerful form of oral storytelling, a way to invoke the deities, honor the ancestors, and set the atmosphere for the dance.

Oli can be performed solo or in a group, and the chants are often recited in a rhythmic and melodic style. The words of the oli are carefully chosen to convey a specific message, whether it’s a prayer, a historical account, or a description of the natural world.

The oli serves as a powerful introduction to the hula, setting the stage for the story that is about to be told through movement and music. It’s an integral part of the hula experience, adding depth and meaning to the dance.

Hula and the Concept of “Mana”: Spiritual Power

In Hawaiian culture, mana is a spiritual power, a life force that resides in all things, both animate and inanimate. Hula is seen as a way to connect with and cultivate mana, to tap into the spiritual energy of the ʻaina and the ancestors.

Through the movements of the dance, the chants, and the wearing of lei, hula dancers strive to embody mana and to channel it for the purpose of healing, celebration, or honoring the gods. The kumu hula plays a crucial role in guiding the dancers to connect with their own mana and to use it responsibly.

The concept of mana adds another layer of depth to the understanding of hula, highlighting its spiritual significance and its connection to the core values of Hawaiian culture.

FAQ Section: Your Hula Questions Answered

What is the main difference between Hula Kahiko and Hula ʻAuana?

Hula Kahiko is the ancient, traditional style, performed with chanting and percussion instruments. It’s typically more powerful and ritualistic. Hula ʻAuana is the modern style, influenced by Western music and instruments, and is generally more graceful and lyrical.

How can I find an authentic hula performance?

Research the performers, attend community events, support local businesses, and ask questions. Look for hula hālau with a strong reputation and a commitment to preserving traditional practices.

Is it disrespectful to participate in a hula lesson as a tourist?

No, as long as you approach it with respect and a willingness to learn. Dress appropriately, listen attentively to the kumu hula, and avoid imitating or mocking the movements.

What is the significance of the lei in hula?

The lei is an important adornment in hula, often made of flowers, leaves, or shells. It represents the connection between the dancer, the land, and the spirit of the dance. It’s considered a sacred object and is treated with respect.

Where can I learn more about Hawaiian culture and hula?

Visit cultural centers like the Bishop Museum, take hula lessons from reputable kumu hula, read books about Hawaiian history and culture, and attend cultural events and festivals.

References List

• Barrère, Dorothy B. Hula: Historical Perspectives. Bishop Museum Press, 2000.
• Emerson, Nathaniel B. Unwritten Literature of Hawaii: The Sacred Songs of the Hula. Charles E. Tuttle Company, 1965.
• Kanahele, George S. Ku Kanaka, Stand Tall: A Search for Hawaiian Values. University of Hawai’i Press, 1986.
• Tatar, Elizabeth. Hawaiian Music and Hula. Bess Press, 2005.

Ready to experience the magic of hula for yourself? Don’t just be a spectator; become part of the story. Seek out authentic experiences, support local hula schools, and embrace the spirit of Aloha. Whether you take a lesson, attend a performance, or simply learn a few basic steps, let the ancient art of hula move you, connect you, and inspire you to embrace the beauty of Hawaiian culture.