Na Mele Hula: Hawaiian Hula Rituals and Chants (vol. 2)

In her long-awaited second volume, the noted chanter, dancer, and educator Nona Beamer lovingly presents thirty-six more of Hawaii's cherished hula chants. The richly poetic Hawaiian text of each chant is presented alongside full English translations, annotations, and Nona's highly personal commentaries on historical background and performance context.

Included in this collection and its accompanying audio recording are treasured traditional Hawaiian dance chants and many of the most revered oli, the ancient nondance chants integral to the beautiful rituals and ceremonies that form the cornerstone of the learning and performance of hula. Blending vivid recollections of growing up in the Beamer family hula tradition and reminiscences of contemporary performances, Nona also shares details of hula protocol such as altar rituals, entrances, and dressing ceremonies as well as technical essentials on instrumentation, including selection and rhythm patterns for six of the most popular hula hookani (percussion dances).

Book & CD

• Nona K. Beamer, Author

  Nona Kapuailohia Desha Beamer began her study of hula at the age of three. She is noted for her many contributions to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture.

• Students of Hawaiian culture will find a gold mine as noted scholar Beamer presents and dissects 36 well-known chants.
  —Honolulu Star-Bulletin