Hawaiian chant

Hawaiian chant, known as "oli" or "mele"), is a traditional oral art form that combines poetry, music, and storytelling to preserve history, honor deities, or mark significant events. These chants use specific melodies, rhythms, and Hawaiian language to convey cultural values, spiritual beliefs, and ancestral knowledge. Performed with vocal expression and often accompanied by percussion or instruments, Hawaiian chant serves as a sacred means of connecting the community, honoring nature, and maintaining cultural identity across generations.