Final answer:
The Hula Hoop was created in 1958 by Richard Knerr and Arthur Melin of Wham-O as a toy for children and adults, inspired by Australian wooden hoops. It became a massive fad and was also used for exercise and entertainment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Hula Hoop was created by Richard Knerr and Arthur Melin, founders of the toy company Wham-O, in 1958. The reason behind the invention was to market a fun and new toy that would be commercially successful. Inspired by Australian wooden hoops used in gym classes, they manufactured the Hula Hoop out of lightweight plastic and promoted it as a toy for children and adults alike. The concept quickly caught on, and the Hula Hoop became a massive fad. It was particularly popular for its ability to provide a form of exercise while also being a source of entertainment.