skekoa:

Hula Kahiko (Hula in the Ancient Style)

Don’t let the eerie invocation chant in the beginning fool you. What comes next is nothing short of spectacular and it is as close to ancient Hawaiian hula as it gets.

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Halau Ka Ua Kani Lehua
Kumu Hula: Johnny Lum Ho
Miss Aloha Hula: Natasha Kamalamalamaokalailokokapu‘uwaimehanaokekeikipunahele Oda
Kahiko: “Mele Aloha No Kaulana-i-ka-poki’i E Keaomelemele”

2001 Merrie Monarch Hula Festival | Hilo, Hawaii (Big Island)

This now legendary performance of “Mele Aloha No Kaulanaikapoki’i E Keaomelemele” by Natasha Oda recants a story that goes deep into Hawaiian mythology. It centers around the offspring of the Gods Ku and Hina, the two mentioned in the title, Keaomelemele (golden cloud) and Kaulanaikipoki‘i (beloved little one of the sunset).  It tells of the Mo’oinanea dragon creature who acts as the guardian and protector to the Gods in their formative years. It details how Pele’s sisters (the shadow bearers) Hi‘iaka, Laka, and Kapo instruct the daughter’s of Ku and Hina in the art of Hula. And yet all of this is nothing but a crude introduction to what this story is really about.

The entire storyline encompassed by this tale and their full metaphorical meanings and what they reveal about Hawaiian culture and traditions is far too vast and complex to be conveyed in this short summary in any truly meaningful way. Suffice it to say, however, this performance provides a glimpse backward in time, back to Hawaii’s ancient past.  Miss Oda’s performance is done in the old style of hula and with the old form of chanting which we now call “kahiko.”.

It is should not be mistaken, however, for a rendition of an ancient hula or a repetition of ancient kapu (taboo) hula that was done in the past.  Such hulas carry the strictest kapu and can never, nor will ever, be performed in public. Their creation was not for any sort of vicarious voyeuristic exhibition or entertainment purpose.  To do so, would be unforgivable sacrilege and the violation of the kapu would mean certain death. They are so sacred and so secretive, in fact, that their continued existence is considered only myth today - a contention I’m perfectly happy with.