What is Hula and why does it mean so much to Hawaiians?
Hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance that is danced either in chant (oli) or song (mele). It is a highly stylised art form that presents stories, feelings or history through movement, gesture and rhythm. Hula is an important part of Hawaiian culture — it’s used not just as a way to entertain, but also to preserve and pass on Hawaiian history, language and culture. The dance relates closely to religion, nature and the ancestors, and every move and gesture is symbolic.