In its authentic form, HULA is the most powerful expression of indigenous Hawaiian culture that exists. The CHANTS and MUSIC accompanying hula are, in essence, ORAL HISTORY OF HAWAI‘I’S NATIVE PEOPLE, passed down from one kumu hula (hula teacher) to another. King David Kālakaua, who came to the throne in 1874, is credited with reviving hula after it had been declared illegal at the insistence of Christian missionaries. Embodying hula’s significance in Hawaiian culture, MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL , named for King Kālakaua, was established on Hawai‘i Island in 1963 as an annual showcase for both kahiko (traditional) and ‘auana (contemporary) hula.
