Hawaiian Hula Bands FAQs

Your questions about the hire of Hawaiian Hula bands answered!

Hula band image1) What Hawaiian music can I expect when I hire UK hula bands?

ANSWER: Our Hawaiian hula bands play the traditional music of the Polynesian islands of Hawaii. This music became popular in the US in the 1930s and 1940s. The music includes chanting (mele) but we feature more the music intended for highly ritualized dance- which is called ‘hula’. It typically features gentle rhythms and poetic lyrics that celebrate island life. An excellent band, the Hula UK Players, play this music and you can hire them from us for your event.

2) What instruments typify Hawaiian Hula UK Players and the bands I can hire?

ANSWER: Their trademark instrumentation includes ukulele which is Hawaiian music's ultimate symbol and is synonymous with island aloha. However, the steel guitar, which Hawaiian teenager Joseph Kekuku invented and a musician plays on the lap, is also typical. It's arguable that the steel guitar has been the most influential musical element from Hawaii. Various genres of American music as diverse as Country, Blues and Rock ‘n’ Roll have used it.

3) Will my party’s guests want to dance to a Hawaiian hula band if I hire one?

ANSWER: They may want to and are likely to have some idea of the hand movements. Yet still they are most likely to require some training from our professional Hula Dancers! It's rare that the Hawaiian Hula UK Players or similar bands are hired without our Hula Dancers. When they are booked just to play music, clients have them play background reception music rather than music for dancing.

4) What events would best feature a Hawaiian band?

ANSWER: Any private or corporate party that is Hawaiian or Tiki-themed in terms of its decor. Likewise a general tropical theme may also be very suitable to support its performance.

5) Can I request a song from your Hula UK Players?

ANSWER: Yes, but we cannot guarantee that the song you require is one the bandleader will find suitable. It may fall outside the typical repertoire of a Hawaiian Hula band. Unfortunately, it might involve an additional cost for a band to learn it.

6) Are there soloist options from your Hawaiian Hula UK players?

ANSWER: We have an excellent solo ukulele player who sings and who we highly recommend.

7) Do your Hawaiian Hula UK bands require a lot of space for their performance?

ANSWER: They require no more than 1.5m x 1.5m for each musician- plus maybe another 2 square metres for their sound equipment.

8) Are all the Hawaiian Hula UK Players' musicians male?

ANSWER: Predominantly so, I'm afraid- with all-female dancers being the norm.

9) Do your Hula UK Players play as a mobile unit rather than just in a staging area?

ANSWER: A strolling ukulele player who sings is currently the only mobile option we are able to offer, I’m afraid.

10) Would a Hawaiian Hula band be good for my event if I want audience participation?

ANSWER: They don't offer workshops on their instruments, so you will need to find audience participation at your event elsewhere- ideally, our Hawaiian hula dancers!