Hawaiian Culture & Traditions - The Hula

The Hula
The hula is a beautiful flowing Hawaiian dance that tells a story. The music is comprised of repetitive chants, called mele, either alone or combined with music. The hula began in ancient Hawaii as a form of worship. The musical instruments were often made of gourds, coconuts, or logs covered with shark-skin membrane - and of course, the ukelele. The hand and leg movement combined with facial expressions and the dance itself tell the story of the hula. The hula survives today through study, competitions, shows, and the dances for the visitors enjoyment.