The music is one of the most memorable parts of a hula performance.
Besides the beautiful scenery and rich history, one of the things Hawaii is most known for is its signature hula performances. The hula is a show which involves songs and chants while dancers perform interpretative movements which illustrate the traditions and culture of Hawaii. One of the most memorable parts of any hula show is the live music. The instruments used in hula create beautiful and distinct sounds.
Drums
Drums are one of the most important instruments used in creating hula music. In ancient times, pahu drums were typically made from breadfruit trees and sharks' skin. Today, these bass drums are usually made with coconut wood and covered with cow skin. Another drum is the fa'atete. This drum is known for its high timbre and is played by using two light sticks. A puniu drum is much smaller. It's made from half a coconut shell as the body and its skin is created from Kala fish. The musician straps it to his knee and plays it by strumming his hands on the drum.
Rattles
The most common rattle used in a hula dance is called an uli uli. It contains ali'ipoe or canna seeds which, when shaken, give the uli uli its distinct sound. Canna seeds are dark, small and round seeds that have a hard outer coating and are the sole member of the Cannaceae family of plants. Uli uli rattles have a rounded bottom, a woven handle and a flat disc-shaped top. Sometimes they are embellished with colorful feathers at the top to add an aesthetic element to the show when they are used.
Dancing Sticks
Dancing sticks are carved sticks, typically made from bamboo and are used in pairs. In ancient times sticks were made with the wood from the then common milo trees and had tiki carvings on one end. They were sometimes rubbed together in a back and forth motion to create a clacking sound. Today, performers use the sticks by holding one in each hand and striking them together in the shape of an "X." Performers may also toss and flip the sticks into the air to add another element to the show.
More Variety
Other musical instruments may be used in a hula show. For example, a hano is a three-holed nose flute that only reaches one octave. Bamboo pipes are used to make a deep resonating tone. The longer the sticks are, the deeper the tone becomes. Performers strike them against a mat or on the ground. Ukeleles are one of the most well-known hula instruments. This musical bow has two or three strings drawn through holes at one end. The strings are strummed to create the soft sounding music. Musicians use a conch shell to create a penetrating and distinct sound.
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