Most visitors to Hawaii recognize the Hula as a native dance of the Islands, which had its origins with the first Polynesians to inhabit Hawaii thousands of years ago. It is believed that the ancient Hula began as a ritual dance to honor the volcano goddess named Pele.
Hula is performed at luaus throughout Hawaii, such as at the Royal Kona Resort on the “Big Island,” telling in dance the stories of the Islands and its history.
Before Western contact in the 1800s, Hula was danced to pay religious homage to the natives’ gods, island chiefs and other Alii. The chants they performed were played out in dance and as a way to preserve tales of heroism, myths, history, and philosophy. The stories were passed on for generations through Hula, since the Hawaiians had no written language in ancient times before the Westerners arrived.
A dancer’s rigorous training and performance were taken seriously and they were often paid and supported by the ruling Alii. Originally, hula was danced exclusively by men, accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as gourds, sharkskin drums, bamboo rattles, and rock castanets.
The modern Hula or Hula Auana still tells stories of Hawaii, but has lost almost all of its religious significance. With the Western influences in the 19th and 20th centuries, Hula Auana emerged with song and non-traditional musical instruments like the guitar, ukulele, and bass.
The exciting war dance is one of many hula exhibitions seen at luaus and festivals everywhere in Hawaii, such at as the Royal Lahaina Resort.
Some Hawaiians still practice Hula Kahiko (ancient Hula) and go to a Hulau (Hula school) for many, many years. The Kumu (teacher) is usually very serious and strict in passing on the history of the dance and the performance of its many forms. The hands and distinct body movements represent the words in songs and chants. For example, hand movements can signify aspects of nature, such as the swaying of a palm tree in the breeze, fish swimming, a wave in the ocean or a feeling or emotion.
Much of the history was lost after Hula was banned in the early part of the 19th century, when Christian missionaries arrived in Hawaii. They converted many Hawaiians to Christianity, including King Kamehameha I’s wife Queen Kaahumanu. She ordered the temples and images of gods and goddesses destroyed and banned Hula as a pagan dance that the missionaries thought was vulgar.
Hula was still taught, but performed only in secret, until King Kamehameha III reinstated Hula in the 1830s, when he insisted on religious freedom. The last king of Hawaii, David Kalakaua, who reigned from 1874 to 1891, brought Hula back into the open, encouraging its performance and adding dance moves, costumes, and songs. Known as the “Merry Monarch,” King Kalakaua loved to party and enjoyed festivals and other celebrations, which were often danced in his honor.
Each year, the Big Island of Hawaii celebrates with the Merry Monarch Festival. In 2016, the dates are March 27 through April 2 on the Hilo side of the island. The days are filled with exhibitions and Hula competitions from groups and hulaus, great music, tasty foods (grinds), and lots more. The Miss Aloha Hula contest is March 31, wherein contestants will vie for the title, performing Hula Kahiko, Hula Auana, and Oli (chanting). The festival wraps up April 2 with a spectacular Merry Monarch Royal Parade. For more information and tickets, go to http://www.merriemonarch.com/the-festival.
Though modern influences have touched Hula, its beauty and power remains. Its ancient roots come to life at Hula festivals and luaus throughout the Islands. From movements mimicking nature to explosive war dances, Hula is alive and well in Hawaii.
Two of the best luaus are those at the Royal Lahaina Resort on Maui’s beautiful Kaanapali Beach and the Royal Kona Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii, overlooking the Pacific. For more information, go to www.hawaiihotels.com.