THE OEI BULLETIN

AANHPI Heritage Month

05/2024

In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month, the OEI Reps dedicate this month’s newsletter to those who identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander. The newsletter includes a story of the traditional Hawaiian dance hula, a Q & A about the heritage month itself, an examination of AANHPI identities through visual art, and a detailed history of how the heritage month came to be. We hope you enjoy the read and join us in uplifting members of the AANHPI community this month and all months.

Hula

By Aizah Ali

The Hawaiian tradition of hula has a deep-rooted history in Hawaiian culture and stories. Unfortunately, it has been appropriated and heavily separated from its original purpose, causing the meaning to be lost with non-indigenous Hawaiians. It is vital to understand the meaning and importance of indigenous traditions so they can be properly respected and appreciated.

There are many myths and stories about the origins of hula, most of which feature Pele, the goddess of volcano and fire. These stories change how hula is preformed based on where in Hawai’i the tales originated from. Hula was one of the ways Hawaiians passed down knowledge before there was an official written language in Hawai’i. The performers would dance to chants to honor gods and chiefs or explain certain topics such as the weather, the stars, and the movement of earth and lava.

The two overarching types of hula are hula kahiko, or ancient hula, and hula ʻauana, or modern hula. Ancient and modern hula are vastly different. Hula kahiko is commonly part of or an extension of ceremonies. It is paired with chants and percussion instruments, as most hula kahiko compositions are centuries old. Though they are from the past, they are still performed and are growing in modern-day Hawai’i. Hula ‘auana is a less formal style of hula that was popularized in the 20th century. It does not need to be attached to a ceremony and is typically a story paired with song and stringed instruments.

It is important to respectfully enjoy hula. Hula dancers undergo rigorous physical and academic training before performing publicly. Additionally, hula is not always meant for the public eye, so it is preferred to keep a distance and avoid disruptions if a private hula performance is occurring. Hula is an expression of Hawaiian culture, history, and identity; it must be preserved and respected.