Hula Kahiko and Hula Auana

Hula is commonly divided into two types – Hula Kahiko and Hula ‘Auana. Hula Kahiko is ancient hula accompanied by chant (not music) and traditional percussion instruments. In the ancient Hawaii, hula was integrated into their lives and beliefs, and was performed in honor of specific gods. In these formal presentations, traditional steps, subject matter, costumes, and rituals were adhered to, but still encompassed a variety of moods – from solemn to sacred to frivolous. Hula kahiko was also often accompanied by drums (pahu) of various sizes and types. Dancers (usually men) adorned themselves with headbands, lei garlands, anklets, and wristlets woven from various leaves and greenery.

Hula ‘Auana is the modern form of the dance that evolved after Western influence. It is often accompanied by song and musical instruments such as the guitar, the ʻukulele, and the double bass. The harmonious island music is paired with fluid, graceful motions inspired by their origins, and Hula ʻauana still tells a story, but the stories may include modern events. The dancers often appear in elaborate, elegant costumes, and the headbands of ancient times, which were made of greenery, are now intricately braided with colorful flowers. Some percussion instruments traditionally associated with Hula Kahiko are also used in the modern form of the dance, including ipu gourds (drums), `Ili’ili (flat stone castanets), Pu’íli (bamboo rattles), and `Uli`uli (gourd rattle).

The hula continues to be a living art form, and while some innovative kumu (teachers) develop new styles, other kumu focus on preserving the old. This leads every hula dancer to learn the saying A`ohe pau ka `ike i ka halau ho`okahi (Not all knowledge is taught in one school). Most importantly, hula is storytelling, and without the story, there is no hula. Photo by Rebecca Breyer at the Merrie Monarch Festival.