The Art of Hawai‘i’s Hula Tradition
Hawai‘i’s hula tradition represents a beautifully unique expression of culture, spirituality, and storytelling that has been passed down for generations. More than just a dance, hula is a deeply symbolic and sacred practice that preserves the language, history, and values of the Hawaiian people. Believed to be a living representation of Hawai‘i’s ancestral knowledge and wisdom, the art of Hula combines dance and music to deliver symbolic stories surrounding the Islands’ power and history. Prior to the early 1800s, Hawai‘i had no written language, making hula a vital means of preserving and passing down knowledge, stories, and traditions from one generation to the next. Despite periods of suppression and colonization, hula has endured and flourished, becoming a powerful symbol of cultural identity and resilience. Whether you’re researching the powerful history of hula, or searching for the best lūʻau on Oʻahu, follow along to learn more about the origins of hula, and the role it plays in modern Hawaiian culture today.
Origin of Hula
The ancient art of Hula has existed since the inception and beginning of Hawaiian culture. Hula dancing is an art form that is equal parts dancing as it is storytelling. Ancient Hawaiian cultures used Hula as a way to explain not only the birth of the Hawaiian Islands, but also the birth of the Hula itself. Hula’s origin is saturated in myth and spirituality. According to one Hawaiian legend, the dance was first performed by the goddess Laka, who is honored as the patron of hula. Other stories tell of Hi‘iaka, the sister of Pele, the volcano goddess, dancing to soothe her powerful sibling. These legends are not mere stories, but foundational beliefs that highlight hula’s divine origin and sacred role in Hawaiian culture. At the turn of the 19th century, Hawai‘i was colonized by Christian settlers who feared the art of Hula, deeming it a pagan practice. For the decades that followed, the Hula tradition was altered beyond recognition, and the practice that once honored the bond between ancient Hawaiian gods and native people turned into a celebration of Hawaiian monarchs and rulers. The art of Hula saw a hike in popularity at the turn of the 20th century with the rise of picture films and the growing popularity of Hollywood. Unfortunately, this only led to a white-washed appreciation of Hula, promoting inaccurate and harmful stereotypes about Hawaiian cultures and traditions. Although the evolution of hula has seen periods of suppression, condemnation, and exploitation from western colonists and settlers, the tradition has persisted through these hardships; returning to its origins and emphasizing the importance of cultural accuracy and respect. Today, Hula is a living example of Hawaiian resilience and strength.
Hawai‘i’s Hula Tradition – A Living History
One of the many beauties of Hawai‘i’s Hula tradition lies in its ability to synthesize storytelling in music and dance. While some forms of Hula incorporate contemporary music with calm dancing and slow movements, others are less peaceful, blending loud chants with upbeat powerful dance moves and fast movements. While these dances may differ by island and context, they all represent a living expression of Hawaiian culture, history, and aloha. Hula is not just a dance; it is an art form that weaves together stories through movement and sound, honoring a legacy that stretches back for thousands of years.
Hula Terminology
Today, Hula storytelling has shifted back towards its traditional roots, incorporating traditional themes, clothing, music, dance, and more. The art of Hula is an educational way to learn more about Hawaiian tradition, and is used as a tool for preserving Hawaiian culture. If you’re interested in learning more about the ancient art of Hula, here are a few basic Hawaiian terms to get you started. Hula performances are often accompanied by slow hymns or upbeat chants, the songs or chants you heard throughout a Hula performance are called mele and set the tone for the performance to come. You may hear the words kahiko or auana to describe Hula performances, kahiko represents ancient and traditional variations of Hula dancing; while auana represents modern Hula styles and often incorporates western influences. If you have the privilege of taking a Hula class, a kumu hula, or teacher will be there to guide you through the art form. Thank your kumu hula with a simple mahalo, a hawaiian word used to express gratitude and respect.
The Art of Hula – Tradition, Variety, Culture
Hula is far more than a dance, it is a profound cultural expression that encompasses the foundation of Hawaiian identity. Shaped by Polynesian traditions and the spiritual beliefs of the Hawaiian people, hula is a sacred vessel for storytelling, worship, history, and celebration of Hawaiian culture. Over several centuries, hula has withstood immense external pressures, including colonial suppression and cultural appropriation and commercialization. Despite these attempts to erase or dilute the significance of hula, the resilience of the Hawaiian people has kept hula alive and thriving today. Although hula has changed and evolved throughout history, it hasn’t lost sight of its roots, emerging today as a symbol of Hawaiian culture and a tool for education and preservation. The dual styles of hula kahiko and hula ʻauana reflect this balance, and exemplify the importance of honoring tradition while embracing adaptation. Modern hula today embraces these unique styles while retaining its sacred essence. As interest in Hawaiian culture grows, so does a renewed emphasis on cultural accuracy, respect, and the reclamation of hula’s original purpose. Hula remains a vital expression of the Hawaiian spirit, inviting both Hawaiians and visitors to connect through the movement, sound, and story of Hawaiian legacy and history. More than just a dance, hula is the embodiment of culture and expression. If you have the pleasure of attending an Oʻahu lūʻau, We encourage you to listen, learn, and connect through hula’s powerful storytelling.
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