The History of the Hula Dance

The hula dance is one of the most iconic cultural expressions of Hawaii. It is an art form that has been handed down through generations, and one that continues to captivate and inspire audiences today. In this blog post, we will explore the rich history of the hula dance in Hawaii.

The History of the Hula Dance in Hawaii

The hula dance has a long and complex history. While many people associate the dance with Hawaii, it is believed to have originated in other Polynesian islands before making its way to Hawaii. The first recorded evidence of hula in Hawaii dates back to the arrival of the Polynesians in the islands around 400 AD. The dance was used to tell stories, celebrate important events, and honor the gods.

At this time, hula was performed by men and women, but over time, it became a predominantly female art form. The dance was an important part of Hawaiian culture, and was passed down from generation to generation through oral tradition. The stories and songs that accompanied the hula dance were used to teach important cultural values and pass on historical knowledge.

The Arrival of Westerners

The arrival of Western explorers in Hawaii in the late 18th century had a significant impact on the hula dance. Christian missionaries who arrived in Hawaii in the early 19th century saw the hula dance as a sinful and immoral practice, and sought to suppress it. They believed that the dance was a form of heathen worship, and that it promoted promiscuity and other immoral behaviors.

As a result of this negative view of hula, many Hawaiians began to distance themselves from the dance. Some even went so far as to burn their hula implements and destroy their costumes. However, the dance continued to be practiced in secret, and was eventually brought back into the mainstream by King David Kalakaua, who reigned from 1874 to 1891.

The Hawaiian Renaissance

In the early 20th century, there was a renewed interest in Hawaiian culture, and the hula dance experienced a resurgence in popularity. This cultural movement, known as the Hawaiian Renaissance, was characterized by a renewed pride in Hawaiian language, music, and dance. The hula dance was a central part of this movement, and was seen as an important way to preserve and celebrate Hawaiian culture.

During this time, many hula schools were founded, and the dance was once again passed down through generations. The costumes and implements used in the hula dance were also revived, and new dances were created that celebrated important events and historical figures in Hawaiian culture.

The Modern Hula Dance

Today, the hula dance is a beloved and integral part of Hawaiian culture. It is performed at festivals, weddings, and other important events, and is often accompanied by traditional Hawaiian music. The dance has also evolved over time, and there are now two main forms of hula: the traditional hula, known as hula kahiko, and the modern hula, known as hula ‘auana.

Hula kahiko is the more traditional form of hula, and is performed to the beat of ancient Hawaiian instruments, such as the ipu (gourd drum) and pahu (drum). The costumes and movements in hula kahiko are also more traditional, and the dances often tell stories from Hawaiian mythology and history.

Hula ‘auana, on the other hand, is the modern form of hula, and is performed to contemporary music. The costumes and movements in hula ‘auana are often more elaborate and colorful than those in hula kahiko, and the dances often tell stories about contemporary Hawaiian life and culture.