It's size is considered larger than the common pū'ili made today in Hawai'i. The diametre and length of the bamboo would be carefully considered as its proportions would be chosen to align with the size of the persons hand when in use. The pū'ili would be held in one hand and act as an extension of the dancers arm. Its use would be directed by the dancers mele or chant creating a rhythmic rattle when tapped across the upper body. It could be used to bring life to the mele or mimic its context. Its kani (sound) can be made unique by the size of the slits. Its kani could be described as a deep rattle, akin to the sounds of a forest.