This exhibit is a collaboration between Kumu Hulu Nui Rick San Nicolas, Kumu Hula Chinky Mahoe, and Kumu Hula Kauila Kawelu Barber, with costumes designed by Mahoe and the exhibit’s visual concept developed by Barber.
Visitors embark on a visual journey through the evolution of hula, from the sacred dances of the Royal Court before Western contact (pre-1778) to its modern expressions and competitive stage.
Each costume displayed was worn in performances at the prestigious Merrie Monarch Festival, celebrating both the festival and legacy of hula.
Hula Kahiko (Traditional Hula)
The wāhine (female) is wearing a handmade kapa top and an orange pāʻū made with pelon. The kāne (male) wears a kapa malo with hand-printed flaunts. His lei is made with niho ‘ilio (coyote teeth to represent dogs teeth in that time). Both ‘uli ‘uli (feathered gourd rattle) are made with natural kapa that is hand stamped and with hulu moa (chicken feathers).
Hawaiian Monarchy Era (Kalākaua Dynasty 1875-1893)
The wāhine (female) dancer is wearing a beige pinned stripe outfit with brown hau lei poʻo (floral crown) and kupe’e (wrist lei).
The kāne (male) wears a white pinned stripe shirt with black denim pant and hau skirt. He is wearing a red carnation lei poʻo and kupe’e set. Featured instruments include a hula pahu (traditional drum), lapaiki (a coconut-shell drum), ipu heke (double-gourd percussion instrument), and pūʻuli (split bamboo rattles).
Hula ‘Auana (1940s)
The final dancer represents the transition from the Kalākaua era to the 1940s, a time of early tourism.
The wāhine (female) dancer is wearing the iconic cellophane skirt, a hallmark of hula’s adaptation during this period, paired with a plumeria lei – symbols of the warm welcome offered to arriving visitors at docks and airports.
