Hula in the Coola Day – February 1, 2025

History of Hula in the Coola Day

Hula in the Coola is a day we throw our cautions to the winter wind and dance the Hula dance. The holiday cannot be traced to anyone or a specific time but is attributed to the Hawaiian dance, Hula.

Hula is an ancient Hawaiian dance performed mainly by women in Hawaii. They are dressed in grass skirts with colorful blouses and lei adornments on their heads and wrists. The Hula dance is accompanied by a chant called ‘Oli’ and a song, ‘Mele’, which is expressed in body movements.

There are two types of the Hula dance: ‘Hula kahiko’ and ‘Hula ‘auana.’ ‘Hula kahiko’ is ancient Hula performed by island natives, with chants and local musical instruments. Meanwhile, the ‘Hula ‘auana’ derives its influence from the Western culture using modern instruments like the ukulele, guitar, and double bass.

Hula dance performed while standing is called the ‘Luna’ dance, while the one performed on the seat is called the ‘Noho’ dance. Some Hula dance types can be performed in both positions. The Hula dance was observed by the first European in Hawaii, James Cook, in 1778. He made notes about the dance and its peculiarities. Later on, missionaries arrived and made moves to ban the dance as it appeared immoral to them. The newly converted Queen Regent Ka’ahumanu banned the dance from being performed in public. In 1874, King David Kalakaua restored the dance to public performances and was praised for maintaining the cultural dance and preserving the history of Hawaii.

The Hula dance has since spread all over the world and is now taught in dance schools.