The hula today is just thought of as an entertaining dance by many tourists, however it has a very long and interesting history. The hula in fact began as a worship dance and evolved into a story telling dance that was accompanied with mele or chants. The hula is not just a woman dancing with a grass skirt on and moving her hips in a provocative way. In fact, there are two types of hula. The modern hula and the hula kahiko.

The Modern Hula
The modern hula is also called the hula ‘auana. This hula was introduced in the Hawaiian Islands not long after westerners visited the area. It uses instruments and vocal chants to emphasize the dancers movements. Missionaries on the islands were not supporters of the hula and did all they could to eliminate it. However, the hula didn’t disappear although it became more of an underground event. The Hawaiians who practiced the hula did not use grass skirts. This was something that was introduced by individuals who arrived on Hawaii from the Gilbert Islands.

Hula Kahiko
The hula kahiko is the old style and is completely different than the modern hula. In fact, to learn the old style it takes many years of training and practice. This hula is perfectly synchronized and all movements are in harmony. Percussion but nothing else supplement the chants.

This type of hula is for both men and women and although both styles are a little different they both require significant dedication and practice. The women’s hula is smoother while the men’s hula is active and full of movements. There is even keiki hula, which is for children, that is interesting. In order to learn this type of hula the individual must be dedicated, strong and willing to concentrate on the hula 100%.

The Best Hula School
Long ago the best hula school on all of the islands was located on Kauai. Everyone who wanted to learn to hula wanted to do so on Kauai and as a result many individuals came from other islands to learn from Ka-ulu-Paoa. This school was located above Ke’e Beach and if you visit the area you can still see where it existed. The hula teachers were strict and students were required to concentrate and focus.

Where to Catch a Hula Show
If you go to a luau then you will more than likely see a hula show. There are also other hula shows throughout the island at different times of the year. All you have to do is pay attention and you can find out when they are happening. These shows are entertaining and a lot of fun, however they are not the authentic hula that was once practiced. Regardless, you will have a lot of fun watching a hula show and if you try some of the moves at home you will be surprised at how difficult it can be to move your body like that!

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