EKF :: Halau O Kekuhi

New Hula Classes starting this October 2007

Click here for details.

Of the more stellar educational components of the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation, is the Hālau O Kekuhi. The cultural beliefs and practices in which the Foundation is anchored radiates from the traditional practices of the Hālau. Hālau O Kekuhi is a traditional classical dance company that can account for seven generations of family practitioners and leadership in the indigenous Hawaiian performing arts of hula (dance) and oli (chant).

Nā Kumu Hula
Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele & Nālani Kanaka‘ole

The leadership of this dance company is transmitted through matrilineal succession and with the passing of Aunty Edith, her daughters Nālani Kanaka‘ole and Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele are the Kumu Hula of the Hālau O Kekuhi. The Hālau O Kekuhi is celebrated for its mastery of the ‘Aiha‘a style of hula and chant. The ‘Aiha‘a is a low postured, vigorous, bombastic style of hula, which springs from the eruptive volcano persona, Pele and Hi‘iaka. Hālau O Kekuhi has earned local, state, national and international recognition for their art. Hālau O Kekuhi is also the primary fundraising entity for the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation Higher Education Scholarship program which has been able to give out over $113,000.00 in scholarships since 1991.

Recent Highlights

	May 21, 2003 @ Smithsonian, Washington D.C. Hula Exhibition in conjunction with the Folklife Festival Committee
	April 23, 2003 @ Edith Kanaka‘ole Tennis Stadium Merrie Monarch Exhibition
	March 29, 2003 @ Hawaii Theater, Honolulu Hānau Ka Moku: The birth of an Island dance drama. Hālau O Kekuhi and Tau Dance Theater come together once more for 2003 for a performance of Hānau Ka Moku at the Hawaii Theater. View Program here.
	January 2003 @ UH Hilo Theatre Hānau Ka Moku: The birth of an Island dance drama. Hālau O Kekuhi and Tau Dance Theater come together again for a performance of Hānau Ka Moku at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo Theatre View Program here.
	August 2002 @ MACC Hānau Ka Moku: The birth of an Island dance drama. Featuring a collaboration between Hālau O Kekuhi, Tau Dance Theater and Maui Arts & Cultural Center.
	October 2001 Premier of Holo Mai Pele on PBS Great Performances. PBS Website \| PBS - Great Performances: Holo Mai Pele Video and book available at most book stores and on web site Teacher‘s guide with 2 lesson plans also available.
	Aug. 2001 Kīlohi Nā Akua Wāhine A collaborative Hula Drama featuring Hālau O Kekuhi, Pa‘ū O Hi‘iaka & the Ladies of (Cliff Ahue, Aunty Leina‘ala‘s & the Lalakea Foundation); Kahilu Theater, Waimea; UH Hilo Theater; Hawai‘i Theater
	1998 Kamehameha Pai‘ea Alaska Tour spring ‘99; West Coast Tour Summer ‘98, Hawai‘i tour ‘98 – Kahilu, MACC, Hawai‘i Theater and UH Hilo Theater.
	1995-1998 Holo Mai Pele Hawai‘i Tour only – MACC, Kahilu, UH Hilo, Neil Blaisdell, Kaua‘i Community College

HĀLAU: Performances :: Uwolani CD :: Upcoming Performances