Ka Pa Hula O Manulani

King David Laʻamea Kamananakapu Mahinulani Naloiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua

The ancient Hawaiian history was oral, and chants were memorized and passed down. In the absence of a written language, this was the only available method of ensuring accuracy. Chants told the stories of creation, mythology, royalty, and other significant events and people. The hula dramatizes or portrays the words of the chants or songs in a visual dance form

Ancient Hula

Hula Kahiko is the dance of old Hawai'i. These dances are done in the old energetic style, accompanied by chants and percussion instruments, but no music. Dances were not for entertainment, but rather to appease the gods and goddesses of Hawai`i, or in honor of the reigning king and queen, or their mighty warriors or chiefs.

Modern Hula

In the 19th and 20th centuries, hula evolved under Western influence and became a modern form of entertainment. Hula 'auana was performed to melodious mele which included stanzas, poetry and consistent rhythm. This modern style of Hawaiian dance features beautiful flowers, graceful movements and is often done to the romantic sounds of the steel guitar, 'ukulele or bass.