There are several dances that come from the many Polynesian Islands, such as Hawaii, Samoa, and Tahiti.
Hula is a dance that is unique to the Hawaiian Islands, and is accompanied by a Mele (a song or a chant). Hula is generally divided into 2 categories:
1. Kahiko, the ancient hula, was performed before Western influence. It is accompanied by traditional instruments (such as ipu, uli uli, pahu, and puili) and chant, which told stories of royalty, mythology, creation, and historical events.
2. 'Auana, the modern hula, uses Western instruments (such as the ukulele, guitar, steel guitar, and the double-bass) and harmony, and still tells a story, but may include more recent events in history, modern topics, ideas, and stories.
Generally, Hula is performed at celebrations and family gatherings. It can be performed for pure entertainment and amusement, exercise, or at competitions and festivals.
Hula is taught in a Halau, or a school. And, the teacher is called the Kumu Hula. Kumu means source of knowledge.
Hula dancing uses a combination of many different hand motions to narrate a story and to signify the many aspects of nature and emotion, and basic leg steps such as the Kaholo (side step), Ami (move hips in circle), Ka'o (lift hips side to side), Hela (point your toes) and Uwehe (to puff the skirt).