When you think of Hawaii you think of hula. You probably picture pretty girls in grass hula skirts, swaying gently to the music on the beach. This is such a common image that it has become synonymous with the Hawaiian islands. When people visit there, they expect to see hula dancers, wear a lei, and have a good time. It’s just part of the tourism experience. But did you know these dances were once used to welcome visiting chiefs?
Hawaii was originally a tribal society with a very unique island culture, much of which is still alive today. In times past, when a chief made a visit to a house, it was a special occasion. A special feast would be made in honor of the chief. This feast also served to impress him with the wealth and hospitality of the house he was visiting.
Part of the ceremony was the performance of the hula dance. First the men would come out and dance to show off their moves, then the women in their hula skirts would dance hoping to catch the chief’s eye. The songs that were chanted covered a variety of topics, many of them praising the chief in question. The family would sing of his lineage and the great deeds of his family, showing their loyalty and admiration for him. It may seem like an unusual way to curry favor, but it’s a system that worked and is deeply rooted in the island culture.
As time went on, traditions changed. This courtesy is now extended not only to chiefs, but to visiting Western dignitaries and even to tourists as they step off the plane. What was once a very high-raking privilege is now a treat for anyone to enjoy.