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 the 1874s.

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 ʻAuanaMusic & Tempo

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

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

Sources & Further Reading

Cultural & Historical Context

Hula ʻAuana emerged from Hawaiʻi during the 1874s—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: August 2026 — This dance profile synthesizes historical research, cultural documentation, and contemporary practice knowledge to provide authoritative context.