There are many stories of how the hula began, and many locations claim the honor of being the first place where hula was danced. And each on, it is firmly believed, is true. Probably, each of the stories tells how the dance came to each of the different groups of people who share the dance.
In some `ohana, families, the hula was passed down as temple dances reserved for the men. In others, it was danced by the women. In yet others, both men and women danced. How each of these traditions came to their practitioners is reflected in their own stories and legends.
One such story comes from the tradition of Pele, the volcano goddess who lives at Kilauea, on the island of Hawai`i. In it, Pele’s youngest, and favorite, sister, Hi`iaka, and her best friend, the mortal woman Hopoe, are credited with bringing the hula to the Hawaiian people.
Hi`iaka and Hopoe were best friends. They were always together, and both loved the deep mysterious forest, older than any being they knew. When they traveled in the forest, they always were respectful and kindly to its inhabitants, both plant and animal.
They admired the forest for its beauty and great age. As they rested in its shade, they listened to the branches creaking and watched them sway. They saw the shadows of birds flitting about, and heard the murmur of the streams. It was as if the forest had a language of its own. They would say to each other, “I wish we could understand the language of the forest – it is so old, it must be very wise and able to teach us many things.”
Laka, the goddess of the forest was so impressed with the two young woman, and how deeply they loved the ancient forest. They were always respectful upon entering, and never harmed any part of it. Laka decided to grant them their wish. In a dream, Hopoe found she could understand the forest. The swaying branches told a story, to which the wind set a melody. The stones, rolling downstream, sounded like drumbeats keeping rhythm.
When Hopoe awoke, she shared her dream with Hi`iaka, and the two young women were then able to tell the stories of the forest with the movements of their hands and bodies.
One day, Pele was bored and wanted a new amusement to entertain herself. She had heard rumors of a new entertainment. She asked each of her sisters to show it to her, but each claimed to know nothing. Finally, Hi`iaka was asked. She modestly arose and danced for her sisters, composing the beautiful hula classic, Ke Ha`a La Puna.
Dancers today still perform Hi`iaka’s hula and the chants she composed.