Among the hula of ancient times were the hula 'uli'uli, hula Pele, pu'ili, kolani, ala'apapa, 'olapa, pa'iumauma. The seated performers strike first the hand of the one opposite them, then their own chest (umauma). The kakala'au is similar, only that sticks (la'au) are used and struck (kaka), first together, then on the floor. In the hula 'ili'ili pebbles ('ili'ili) are held in the hand and struck together as gestures follow the words of the chant. In the hula pu'ili, split bamboos are hit one against another. In the hula 'uli'uli, a gourd filled with pebbles and wreathed with ti leaves is shaken in time to the chant. These last are modern hula and are performed seated. Both the 'olapa and the ala'apapa are standing dances. The master strikes the gourd and the pupils gesture, slightly bending the knee or making rotary motions.
Source: HULA Historical Perspectives
Go to the current issue of HULA MAI 'OE - Hula Newsletter