Hula Kahiko

The source of Hawaiian Hula

Hula Kahiko, or 'ancient hula' is the oldest form of Hula in the Hawaiian Islands. It was danced long before the islands were discovered.

Hula dominated the live of Hawaiian people and the dances were used to honour their gods. Extensive rituals were performed before Hula was carried out. These rituals had to be performed very precisely. Laka, goddess of Hula, was worshipped and her blessing was asked for. This remained this way until Hawai´i was discovered by the rest of the world. After the missionaries came to the Islands the singing of chants and the performing of Hula as a religious service was forbidden. That is why a lot of chants are lost. Hula Kahiko, as it is carried out nowadays, treats mainly of non-religious subjects.

Haku en ti-leaves

Costumes from nature

Hawai´i owes her beauty especially to her remarkable luxurious and various vegetation. A lot of the most beautiful flowers and plants are unique for Hawai´i. This enormous variety in native flora is also found in the costuming of hula dancers. Most of the time natural materials are used, such as colourful flowers and leaves for the 'haku' (headband), the 'lei' (necklace) and 'kupe'e' (bracelet for wrists and ankles).

The skirts, which sometimes consist of over hundreds of 'ti-leaves' (banana leaves) are heavy to dance with and require some balancing of the dancers. The effects of these skirts is beautiful as the dancers move and turn powerful.

Chant and oli

Stories and legends

According to tradition Hawai´i was inhabited by 40.000 gods and goddesses, who were manifested in every aspect of nature. Creatures in the ocean, at land, in the sky, in plants and animals, in rocks and in earth it self. They were all considered to be ancestors of Hawaiian people and therefore respected and honoured.

In chants often legends are told about these gods and goddesses. The dancer tells the story in the Hula. Most wellknown goddess is Pele, goddess of fire and vulcanos. She plays a leading part in many stories. The chant is being accompanied by a 'ipu heke' (hollowed out gourd).

A 'chant' in which the dancers great the spectators, without dancing, is called 'oli'. A 'chant' which is composed to dance to and tell a story is called 'mele hula'. While dancing the dancers introduce every verse by calling out the first line of the verse. This is called to 'kahea'.