Hula is one of Hawaii’s most recognizable cultural traditions, but its journey through history has not always been easy. From periods of suppression to a powerful cultural revival and worldwide appreciation, hula has endured because generations of practitioners continued to preserve its stories, chants, movements and meaning.
The 19th century brought major challenges for hula. Christian missionaries arriving in Hawaii viewed many traditional Hawaiian practices as incompatible with their religious teachings and strongly discouraged hula performances. Public attitudes and restrictions changed the way hula was practiced and presented.
Despite these pressures, hula did not disappear. Hawaiian practitioners continued teaching chants, movements and traditions within their communities, allowing the art form to survive and be passed from one generation to the next.
The late 19th century marked an important turning point under King David Kalakaua, often called the “Merrie Monarch.” Kalakaua strongly supported Hawaiian language, music, dance and other cultural traditions, and hula once again became a visible part of public celebrations.
His support helped renew interest in hula and contributed to the preservation of Hawaiian cultural practices during a period of tremendous change. The revival also helped establish hula as an important expression of Hawaiian identity rather than simply entertainment.
Hula continued to evolve during the 20th century. Hula kahiko generally refers to older forms associated with chant and traditional instruments, while hula auana developed alongside newer Hawaiian music and often incorporates instruments such as the ukulele and guitar. Both styles use movement to communicate stories, places, emotions and cultural traditions.
Visitors to Hawaii can experience hula in many settings, including cultural festivals and evening performances. Many Hawaii luaus include hula and other Polynesian dances as part of their entertainment, giving travelers an introduction to the performance traditions found throughout the islands.
Today, hula is practiced far beyond Hawaii. The Merrie Monarch Festival has become one of the most celebrated showcases of hula, while halau hula, or hula schools, teach students in Hawaii and around the world. These schools help preserve not only dance movements but also Hawaiian language, chants, music and the stories connected with each performance.
As hula has become more widely known, practitioners continue to emphasize its deeper cultural significance. Learning hula involves much more than memorizing choreography. Traditional knowledge, language, chants, history and respect for the stories being presented remain important parts of the practice.
Hula’s journey through suppression, revival and worldwide recognition reflects the resilience of Hawaiian culture. Today, it remains a powerful way to preserve and share stories, history and connections to place. Whether experienced at a cultural festival, studied within a halau or seen during a Hawaii performance, hula continues to connect new generations with the traditions and spirit of the Hawaiian Islands.