What is the Hula ʻAuana?

The modern, post-contact form of Hawaiian hula—softer, melodic movement performed to string-band music and song while preserving traditional storytelling.

Where did the Hula ʻAuana originate?

The Hula ʻAuana originated in Hawaiʻi in 1874.

What time signature is the Hula ʻAuana danced in?

The Hula ʻAuana is danced in Hawaiian song / string band.

What tempo is the Hula ʻAuana danced at?

The Hula ʻAuana is typically danced at Melodic, moderate.

What is the character of the Hula ʻAuana?

The Hula ʻAuana is characterized as flowing, graceful, lyrical.

Dance History›Sacred & Ceremonial Dance›Hula ʻAuana

Sacred & Ceremonial DanceSCD-HAU

Hula ʻAuana

Also known as: Modern hula, ʻAuana

OriginHawaiʻi

Era1874–Present

RhythmHawaiian song / string band

TempoMelodic, moderate

CharacterFlowing, graceful, lyrical

History & Cultural Context

Hula ʻauana is the modern form of hula that developed after Western contact, danced to melodic string-band music and song (with instruments such as guitar, ʻukulele, and bass) rather than chant alone. Its movement is softer and more flowing than kahiko while preserving hula's narrative hand and hip vocabulary. It is the hula most often seen in public performance, yet remains rooted in Hawaiian culture and language.

Cultural Significance

A living Native Hawaiian cultural form; though secular relative to kahiko, it carries Hawaiian language, story, and identity.

Characteristic Movement & Technique

Flowing hand and hip motions narrating song lyrics; melodic phrasing.

Partnering Dynamics

Solo and group.

Competitive Context

Widely performed publicly; ʻauana competition categories (e.g. Merrie Monarch).

Regional Variations

Hālau and island lineages.

Common Misconceptions

ʻAuana is the modern secular form—not 'fake' or lesser hula—and is distinct from the ancient sacred kahiko; both are authentic.

Dance Lineage

Evolved from:Hula

Hula ʻAuana Music & Tempo

Drawn from 15 Hula ʻAuana tracks in the LODance music library.

Example tracks at practice tempo

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel — George Kahumoku, Jr. & Daniel Ho
E Hihiwai — George Kahumoku, Jr. & Daniel Ho
Kaimanahila — George Kahumoku, Jr. & Daniel Ho
Kealia — George Kahumoku, Jr. & Daniel Ho
Pua Hone — George Kahumoku, Jr. & Daniel Ho
Ka Lehua I Milia — George Kahumoku, Jr. & Daniel Ho

Browse & play all 15 Hula ʻAuanatracks in the Music Library →

Who governs Hula ʻAuana

Federations, councils and examining bodies with a recorded role in this style. No single organisation can tell you this — each one knows only itself.

Merrie Monarch FestivalChampionship · USASanctions competition in what it calls Hula 'Auana

Legends of Hula ʻAuana

Dancers, choreographers and teachers whose work shaped this style.

George NaopeLegend of DanceTaught · taught modern hula internationally while grounding it in Hawaiian cultural responsibility

Hula ʻAuana on screen

Films and television where Hula ʻAuana appears, with the sequences worth watching for.

Nā Kamalei: The Men of Hula (2006)1 sequence indexedMerrie Monarch — Hula ʻAuana performance

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Sources & Further Reading

Cultural & Historical Context

Hula ʻAuana emerged from Hawaiʻi during 1874—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 Library of Dance contains public-domain primary sources for dance history. Copyrighted modern syllabi are indexed with purchase links to their respective copyright owners. Search by dance name or codifier to discover primary source documents.

Last reviewed: September 2026 — This dance profile synthesizes historical research, cultural documentation, and contemporary practice knowledge to provide authoritative context.