When people think of Hawaii, they often envision palm trees, luaus, snorkels, and, of course, dancing performed by hula dancers. What most people do not understand is that the honored tradition of the hula dance originated as a form of nonverbal communication. The hula dance is just as vital to the preservation of Hawaii’s culture as written accounts of history are. The beauty of this dance often obscures the reality that each performance articulates a story associated with the island’s unique traditions and history. Unfortunately, much of this history was lost in the early 1800s when western missionaries overtook the island and forced their values and traditions upon the island’s locals. Hula dancing, along with many other cultural rituals, were outlawed and thus forgotten for decades. It was not until the arrival of King David Kalakaua in 1874 that the revival of traditional Hawaiian customs, including the hula dance, occurred. The good news is that these traditions have continued to flourish ever since.
Hula dancing is customarily divided into two categories: Hula Kahiko and Hula Auana. Hula Kahiko is the more traditional genre. It is characterized by the use of chants and tropical drums. Those performing this style are required to have a deep knowledge of Hawaii’s past as each movement is symbolic of a specific event or story. Even the outfits worn are symbolic of historical events. For example, when dancers are portraying a story about Pele, the goddess of the Kilauea volcano, the dancers will adorn themselves in red lehua blossoms.
On the other hand, Hula Auana is a more inclusive style of Hula. This style is performed to ukulele, guitar, or piano music, and it utilizes more modern movements. Instead of portraying stories that are symbolized by each step, this style is intended for the pure enjoyment of the audience. A move that can commonly be seen in such performances is the “Luha,” in which the dancer vigorously sways their hips from side to side. Another common move is the “Lele” in which the performer walks and simultaneously taps their heels.
The hula dance takes everyday movements and adds a flare to them. The intricate footwork and successive hip roles are the most prominent of movements, but what little people realize is that hula dancing can be performed sitting, standing, or kneeling. The use of a pa`u, the traditional dress wear of hula dancers, further emphasizes the historical roots of this dance. Known for its skirt made of hau bark or banana leaves, this traditional outfit is made of many of the natural resources of Hawaii. Kupes are worn around the dancers’ ankles and wrists. These accessories are made of whale teeth or bones, and they make a “klank” sound to add to the musical rhythm of the performance.
This genre of dance has weaved itself into the fabric of Hawaii’s identity. The artform has established itself as a staple at locals at festivals, weddings, and celebrations of any kind. Nearly all Hawaiian resorts have hula performances as a part of their entertainment resumes. The most notable hula dancing occasions are found on the big island of Hawaii. It is here that the celebration of the Merrie-Monarch festival takes place. This festival honors King Kalakaua and all of the culturally rich activities that he brought back to Hawaii. The island’s largest hula dancing competition takes place here, along with numerous other craft shows and performances. However, tickets must be ordered months in advance due to the fact that attending this event is considered an honor amongst locals.
Clearly, hula dancing requires a lot more than a grass skirt and a coconut bra. It requires a deep appreciation for Hawaii’s roots and the intricate knowledge of the subtleties of each movement. While many cultures struggle to preserve their roots amongst various invasions and takeovers, I am continually impressed by Hawaii’s ability to preserve its roots amongst the chaos of the rest of the world.