Hula and Health

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicineʻs Department of Native Hawaiian Health scientists, in collaboration with many kumu hula (hula experts and educators) and community leaders, developed and implemented culturally-based health interventions based on the iconic Hawaiian dance of hula over the past two decades. This innovation and the powerful findings have been followed by scientists across the globe.

It began when the Hawaiian community asked the scientists not to just focus on disease, but to find ways to restore health before people got really sick. Hula experts explain that this cultural dance incorporates the integrated Hawaiian view of health where aspects of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development are intrinsically connected.

Through a series of foundational studies, then rigorous randomized controlled trials many health benefits have been proven. Hula-based health programs have been developed and tested for hypertension management, cardiac rehabilitation, and Alzheimerʻs Disease prevention. In addition, the UH-JABSOM scientists have advised, supported, and collaborated with other scientists for new hula-based health research in fall-prevention, breast cancer recovery, and Parkinsonʻs Disease treatment.

So far, more than 60 kumu hula and others have been trained and more than 16 organizations including community health centers, offer the hula-based health programs across the Hawaiʻi. View curriculum and program resources.