Why is hula dancing so Important to Hawaii?

I read that hula has always been a focal point of Hawaiian culture and that it reflects many of the central ideas and events of Hawaiian history... But how does it reflect many of the central ideas and events of hawaiian history? And why has it always been the focal point of Hawaiian culture? So could anyone tell me why hula dancing is so important to hawaii, and if you know anything else that's important about it I would love to know. Thanks