Kahiko is the most ancient form of hula and it is never performed with a grass skirt nor accompanied by a ukulele and steel guitar. It is, rather, a solemn Hula with sacred ties and strong purpose. Kahiko Hula is danced to the chanting of the Kumu Hula or Hula Master Teacher.
Today, this ancient form of hula is still being performed and it is the pride and favorite of the Hawaiian people. Although the chants are called “oli” when they are added to song they are called “mele” making it a poetic song that beckons the listener to pay attention. The common reference to this form of hula is “Mele Hula” meaning “song dance” or “Kahiko” but the correct reference is “Hula Kahiko.”
One of the best venues to see Hula Kahiko performed is during the Merrie Monarch Festival held each year in Hilo, Hawaii for an entire week. In many ways the Merrie Monarch Festival is a symbol of survival for the Hawaiian people and a beloved example of the rich culture by all inhabitants of the islands. The festival is in honor of King David Kalakaua (Kah-lay-kowa) who restored the ancient Hawaiian traditions and hula that had been forbidden for over 70 years by Protestant religions who sought to destroy the heritage of the Hawaiian people. With their quest, they almost destroyed Hawaiian history altogether, but King Kalakaua overturned this ban, and began the arduous task of restoring pride to the Hawaiians.
Today, this ancient form of hula is still being performed and it is the pride and favorite of the Hawaiian people. Although the chants are called “oli” when they are added to song they are called “mele” making it a poetic song that beckons the listener to pay attention. The common reference to this form of hula is “Mele Hula” meaning “song dance” or “Kahiko” but the correct reference is “Hula Kahiko.”
One of the best venues to see Hula Kahiko performed is during the Merrie Monarch Festival held each year in Hilo, Hawaii for an entire week. In many ways the Merrie Monarch Festival is a symbol of survival for the Hawaiian people and a beloved example of the rich culture by all inhabitants of the islands. The festival is in honor of King David Kalakaua (Kah-lay-kowa) who restored the ancient Hawaiian traditions and hula that had been forbidden for over 70 years by Protestant religions who sought to destroy the heritage of the Hawaiian people. With their quest, they almost destroyed Hawaiian history altogether, but King Kalakaua overturned this ban, and began the arduous task of restoring pride to the Hawaiians.
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