Newer song-accompanied hula captured the attention of tourists and Hollywood film audiences, which contributed to a growing entertainment industry in Hawaii. Perhaps the most enduring images of hula in the 1930s and 1940s are those of dancers in cellophane skirts and seductive satin sarongs. Once again, practitioners of the older hula perpetuated it quietly in private circles. A resurgence of ethnic pride has raised interest in pre- ku'i performing arts since the early 1970s. This betrays a poor understanding of the direct continuity of textual, musical, and movement elements from the old form through the hula ku'i into the new form.
Many texts are extant in chanted and sung versions.
Hula is now highly visible, especially in two annual competitions. At the Merrie Monarch Festival each April on the island of Hawaii, male and female groups compete in hula kahiko and hula 'auana categories, and solo female dancers vie for the title Miss Aloha Hula. The King Kamehameha Traditional Hula and Chant Competition each June on Oahu features competitions for male, female, and mixed groups in hula kahiko and hula 'auana. The term hula refers to movement and gestures. Older chant-accompanied dances may be performed in a standing or sitting position.