Hula kahiko is the ancient style of hula. Traditionally accompanied by chant and percussion, hula kahiko preserves the stories, history, genealogy, and traditions of the Hawaiian people.

You may notice dancers using instruments such as the ulī‘ulī, pū‘ili, and ipu. These traditional implements help add rhythm, expression, and storytelling to the performance.

As part of today’s presentation, you will hear the sounding of the conch shell, also known in Hawai’i as the pū. Traditionally, the pū is used as a ceremonial call to announce the beginning of an important gathering, ceremony, or event. Its powerful sound serves as a call to attention and a way to bring people together in unity and respect.

Today, the sounding of the pū helps welcome everyone into this special celebration of culture, storytelling, music, and dance.

Mahalo for joining us and sharing in this experience with aloha!

Hānau Pele ^(Everyone)
_{The birth chant of Pele, goddess of fire and volcanoes}

Nou Paha E ^(Everyone)
_{A chant of questioning and deep emotional calling}

E Pele E Pele ^(Kāne)
_{A powerful invocation honoring Pele’s fiery spirit}

Halema‘uma‘u ^(Kūpuna)
_{A tribute to Pele’s sacred crater at Kīlauea}

‘O Kalalau Pali ‘A‘ala ^(Wahine)
_{Honoring the fragrant cliffs of Kalalau, Kaua‘i}

A Ko‘olau Au ^{(Kāne & Wahine)}
_{A chant of strength honoring the chief Ko‘olau of O‘ahu}

Wai ‘Au‘au O Hi‘iaka ^{(Kāne & Wahina – Hula Pahu)}
_{A sacred pahu chant honoring Hi‘iaka and her bathing waters}

No Luna E Ka Hale Kai No Ka Ma‘alewa ^(Everyone)
_{A chant honoring the coastal landscapes connected to Pele’s journey}

Kīlauea ^(Keiki)
_{A keiki tribute to the power of Kīlauea volcano}

Aia Lā ‘O Pele ^{(Kupuna, then Everyone)}
_{A closing chant declaring the living presence of Pele}