The hula dance is iconic, instantly evoking images of warm Hawaiian evenings and the rhythmic sway of dancers under a starlit sky. However, there’s much more to hula than its surface beauty. Beyond being a staple of luau entertainment, hula reflects centuries of Hawaiian history, culture, and spirituality. Here are five fascinating facts about this mesmerizing art form that may surprise you.
Hula Tells Stories Through Movement
Unlike many dances around the world, hula is not just about movement for movement’s sake. Every gesture, from a delicate hand wave to a dramatic foot stomp, symbolizes words, emotions, or elements of a story. Hula was, and still is, an important tool for passing down Hawaiian traditions, history, and mythology, especially in pre-writing Hawaii where oral storytelling was central to the culture. Dancers describe epic battles, love stories, and even the creation of the islands themselves through the poetry of movement.
There Are Two Main Types of Hula
Hula falls into two distinct categories:
- Hula Kahiko is the traditional form of hula. It is deeply tied to Hawaiian chants (mele) and uses instruments such as the pahu (a wooden drum) and ipu (a gourd drum). This form pays homage to Hawaiian gods, legends, and cultural ceremonies.
- Hula Auana, meaning “to wander,” emerged later with Western influences like melodic guitars and ukuleles. This modern take on hula often tells more contemporary stories and is the style people are more likely to see at luau performances today.
While one is ancient and ceremonial and the other is light and melodic, both forms are deeply revered by practitioners and audiences alike.
Hula Was Once Banned
It’s hard to imagine a time when the lively and expressive hula dance was forbidden, but during the 19th century, it was banned. With the arrival of Christian missionaries in Hawaii, traditional Hawaiian practices, including hula, were viewed as pagan and immoral. Public performances of hula were discouraged, and it was pushed to the fringes of society. But hula endured. Practitioners secretly preserved the art, and by the late 19th century, it saw a revival thanks to King Kalākaua, who supported its reemergence as an important cultural expression. Today, the hula is celebrated as a vital aspect of Hawaii’s heritage.
Costumes Are More Than Just Decorative
The iconic grass skirt and flower lei are instantly associated with hula, but traditional costumes go beyond visual appeal. Every element of hula attire is symbolic and often handmade using natural materials. For hula kahiko, dancers may wear skirts woven from tī leaves and adorn themselves with kukui nut necklaces or bracelets made of shells. Each piece is chosen based on the story being told, aligning with the natural elements of the narrative.
Hula auana costumes, on the other hand, are much more modernized, incorporating vibrant fabrics, colorful floral patterns, and flowing dresses. Whether traditional or contemporary, the costumes work harmoniously with the dance to deepen the storytelling impact.
Hula Requires Precision and Dedication
Though its graceful movements might make hula look effortless, mastering the art takes incredible precision and practice. The posture alone requires strength and control, as hula dancers often stay in a low, grounded stance to maintain connection with the earth. Dances are meticulously choreographed to follow the mele (chants or songs), and accuracy is highly valued. Many students (known as haumana) dedicate years under a kumu hula (hula teacher) to hone both their technique and understanding of Hawaiian culture.
Why Hula Continues to Capture Hearts
For both locals and visitors to Hawaii, the hula dance is far more than entertainment. It’s an invitation to explore a culture rooted in storytelling, spirituality, and a profound respect for nature. Whether performed at an authentic luau or during a competitive hula festival, its timeless beauty serves as a bridge connecting Hawaii’s rich past with its present.