History & Cultural Context
Hula is the traditional dance of Hawaii, serving as a living repository of Hawaiian history, mythology, and cultural identity. It encompasses two major forms: hula kahiko (ancient hula, performed to chanting and traditional instruments) and hula auana (modern hula, accompanied by Western instruments like ukulele and steel guitar). Far more than entertainment, hula preserves genealogies, honors deities, celebrates nature, and transmits cultural knowledge through precisely codified hand gestures, body movements, and facial expressions. After being suppressed by Christian missionaries in the 1820s, hula was revived under King David Kalakaua in the 1880s. The Merrie Monarch Festival, held annually since 1964, is the premier competitive hula event.
Track Your Hula Progress
Practice Hula figures between lessons with Figure Focus — step-by-step breakdowns, floor diagrams, and progress tracking. Free to use.
What to Wear
Attire guidance for Hula and other Global Pacific Islands & Oceania dances. Each card below is sized to the moment — class, practice, social, or competition — because the wardrobe shifts as the stakes do.
Reading the cards
In Class
Comfortable clothing allowing hip and arm movement. Pareo/sarong wraps are common for Polynesian dance class.
Social Dancing
Traditional dress appropriate to the specific island culture for performances and cultural events.
Competition
Traditional costume — Hula: ti-leaf skirts, leis, specific adornments. Tahitian: more elaborate hip ornaments (more). Maori: piupiu (flax skirts) and traditional adornments.
Shoes
Barefoot is traditional and essential across Pacific Island dance forms. The connection between feet and earth/floor is spiritually and technically integral.
In Practice
Barefoot from day one — the foot-to-floor connection is part of the technique across Pacific traditions, not removable equipment.
Price Range
- Budget: Pareo $20–60; practice clothing from existing wardrobe.
- Mid: Performance attire and adornments $150–600 depending on tradition.
- Premium: Hand-crafted ceremonial pieces (lei, headdresses, piupiu) commissioned through community networks; pricing varies significantly by tradition and craftsmanship.
Key Terms
- Pareo / sarong
- Wrap-style fabric used in Polynesian and Pacific Island dance practice and performance.
- Piupiu
- Flax skirt worn in Maori traditional dance forms.
Quick Tips
- •Suede-soled shoes allow controlled sliding and pivoting — essential for most partner dances.
- •Avoid rubber soles on dance floors; they grip too much and can cause knee injuries.
- •Bring a separate pair of clean shoes for the dance floor to keep it in good condition.
Sources & Further Reading
Official References & Syllabi
For competitive dances, official technique and choreographic standards are maintained by:
- • ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) and WDSF (World DanceSport Federation) official syllabi and technique manuals
- • DVIDA (Dance Vision International Dance Association) materials for American dance variants
- • USA Dance and other national governing body resources
- • WDC (World Dance Council) competition rules and adjudication standards
Cultural & Historical Context
Hula emerged from Hawaii during the -1000s—present day. Understanding the cultural roots, musical traditions, and social circumstances of this era enriches appreciation for the dance's characteristics and significance.
Primary Source Documents
The LODance Library contains original syllabi, instructional materials, and published references for dance technique and history. Search by dance name or codifier to discover primary source documents.
Last reviewed: May 2026 — This dance profile synthesizes historical research, cultural documentation, and contemporary practice knowledge to provide authoritative context.
More in Global Pacific Islands & Oceania
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Meke
Fijian traditional dance performed at celebrations.
Tahitian Dance (Aparima, 'Otea)
Polynesian storytelling dance with hip movements and hand gestures depicting narrative themes.