Polynesian Music History

The word Polynesia means "many islands: in Greek and when observed on a may connects the islands of Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Easter Island located in the Pacific. Polynesian music dates back as far as the late 1760's when Capt. James Hook and other explorers has settled in Polynesia during their voyage to the Pacific Islands. These settlers had brought a musical style called hymns due to their Christian influences and were intrigued by the style of music the Polynesians were performing. The Polynesian music were known as "chants" to describe their every day lives from work, celebrations, and even the birth of a child. What is unique of the Polynesian music is that there is no written format of their music however it is passed on from one generation to another to keep the cultural traditions alive. There are many dances performed to Polynesian music, most commonly known as the Hula. The two types of Hula dances are  Hula Kahiko (ancient Hula) which is performed with vigorous body and hand movements when performed to chants plus there is also the Hula Auana (modern Hula) which is performed in a soft and gentle flowing manner. The musical tones portrayed in Polynesian music is harmonic which include the vibrant timbre of the Gourd Drum, gentle melodies of the Ukelele, the sound of the Slit Drum that has two distinct pitch tones, and soft tone of the Nose Flute. The Polynesian music is a unique blend of various instruments that blend together with amazing tones and harmony. The music describes the influences and traditions of the Polynesian culture and to this day has stood the test of time.