There's a lot of hoopla about hula. The art form is celebrated worldwide, from small fishing villages in Japan to dance troupes in New York City. But beyond the iconic image of grass skirts and swaying palms, hula is a deeply spiritual and cultural tradition that tells the story of Hawaii's people, land, and history.
What Most People Think of Hula
You've probably seen hula on TV or at a luau. Tanned dancers moving gracefully to island melodies. Or maybe you learned a hula routine in college for a themed party. And yes, the hip gyrating moves of the childhood hula hoop might come to mind.
Fun fact: Despite the name, hula hoops have nothing to do with Hawaiian hula! They actually trace back to ancient Greece, where hoops were used for exercise and play as early as the fifth century.
The Origins of Hula
Hula is far more than a dance, it is a living language of movement that began hundreds of years ago in ancient Hawaii. Traditionally, hula was accompanied by an oli (Hawaiian chant) or mele (Hawaiian song), serving as a way to preserve oral traditions and share stories through graceful gestures and rhythmic motion. Every movement carried meaning, symbolizing elements of nature, emotions, and historical events.
While today hula is celebrated worldwide for its flowing motions and the images it evokes: balmy breezes, swaying palms, and Mai Tais on sandy beaches, its roots are deeply spiritual. For Native Hawaiians, hula was a sacred practice, performed to honor gods, commemorate significant occasions, and connect people to the land and their ancestors. It was not entertainment; it was storytelling, prayer, and cultural identity expressed through dance.
According to Hawaiian mythology, Laka, the goddess of love and forests, is revered as the patron of hula. Legend says she gave birth to hula on the sacred hill Pu‘u Nana in Ka‘ana, Moloka‘i, making the dance not just an art form but a spiritual offering.
Two Main Styles of Hula
Hula evolved over time, and today there are two primary styles:
- Hula Kahiko (Ancient Hula):
Performed before Western influence, kahiko is accompanied by chant and traditional instruments like the pahu (drum) and ‘uli‘uli (feathered gourd rattles). It's powerful, rhythmic, and deeply ceremonial. - Hula ‘Auana (Modern Hula):
Developed in the 19th and 20th centuries under Western influence, ‘auana features melodic songs and instruments like the guitar and ‘ukulele. This is the style most visitors see at luaus and cultural shows today: graceful, flowing, and storytelling through music.
Basic Hula Movements
Every hula dance is built on foundational steps and gestures, such as:
- Ha‘a – Basic stance with bent knees
- Hela – Foot extends at a 45-degree angle
- Ka‘i – Alternating foot lifts with heel movement
- ‘Ami – Hip rotations in various styles
- Kāholo – Side-to-side traveling step
- ‘Uehe – Weight shift with knee push forward
Each movement is symbolic, often representing elements of nature or emotions in the story being told.
Hula Through History
Hula's journey hasn't always been easy. When Protestant missionaries arrived in 1820, they viewed hula as pagan and indecent, convincing Queen Ka‘ahumanu to ban public performances in 1830. For years, hula was suppressed, surviving only in secret.
The revival came under King Kalākaua, who famously declared:
"Hula is the language of the heart and therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people."
His reign restored hula to public life, and it became a proud symbol of Hawaiian identity.
By the late 19th century, hula dancers toured the U.S. mainland, introducing Hawaiian music and dance to the world. In 1963, the Merrie Monarch Festival was founded in Hilo, celebrating hula's heritage and elevating it as a respected cultural art form. Today, Merrie Monarch is considered the "Olympics of Hula," attracting dancers globally.
Hula in Modern Culture
Hula continues to inspire beyond Hawaii. From Japanese hula schools to Hollywood films, its influence is global. Movies like Hula Girls (2006) tell stories of resilience through dance, and even political moments, like Japan's "Obama Hula Girls" celebrating President Obama's election, show hula's universal appeal.
Cultural Etiquette for Watching or Participating in Hula
Hula is not just a performance; it's a cultural treasure. If you're attending a hula show or participating in a class, here are a few tips to show respect:
- Observe quietly during chants and introductions. These moments are often sacred and set the tone for the dance.
- Avoid interrupting or stepping onto the performance space. The stage or area is considered special and should not be entered casually.
- Ask before taking photos or videos. Some performances, especially traditional hula kahiko, may prohibit recording.
- Show appreciation with applause at the end, not during the dance. Hula is storytelling, and interruptions can break the flow.
- If you join a hula lesson, embrace the spirit of aloha. Move with intention, listen to the instructor, and respect the cultural significance behind each gesture.
Why Hula Matters
Hula is more than a performance, it's a living tradition that connects people to the land, ancestors, and spirit of aloha. When you watch hula, you're witnessing history, storytelling, and the heartbeat of Hawaii.