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Ipu Heke

Ancient Hawaiian Percussion

The ipu heke is one of the most sacred percussion instruments in Hawaiian culture — two large gourds (ipu) grown, dried, cleaned, and joined together to create a resonant vessel used to accompany hula. Kalim H. Smith of Keauhou-Kona, Hawaiʻi, grows and crafts ipu heke by hand, carrying forward a tradition that connects the land, the plant, and the dance. Each instrument begins in the soil — the ipu vine (Lagenaria siceraria) cultivated over many months — and ends in the hands of a dancer or kumu hula, its deep, hollow voice calling the rhythm of the oli and the hula.

Kalim H. Smith with ipu heke gourds at Keauhou farm
Kalim H. Smith, husband of Kahelelani Alohikea-Smith, farmer and maker of ipu heke, ancient Hawaiian percussion instrument made from the joining of two prepared ipu (gourds).
A finished ipu heke made by Kalim H. Smith at Hālau Kaʻeaikahelelani
A finished ipu heke made by Kalim H. Smith at Hālau Kaʻeaikahelelani.
Kalim H. Smith with ipu heke gourds made in Keauhou-Kona, Hawaiʻi
Kalim H. Smith with ipu heke gourds made in Keauhou-Kona, Hawaiʻi.
Kalim H. Smith with students holding ipu heke before a performance in Volcano, Hawaiʻi
LonokuolomokuKalim H. Smith and seven ipu made for "Unukupukupu" under the direction of Dr. Taupouri Tangaro of the University of Hawaiʻi, before a performance in Volcano, Hawaiʻi.
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