Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua
Perpetuating Our Hula Lineage
Nā Kumu Hula
Robert Keanokealakahikikapōleikamakaʻōpua Kaʻupu IV was born and raised in Keaukaha on the island of Hawaiʻi. Ke’ano started his hula journey at age 6 in the little hometown community church. As a haumana of Kumu Hula Rae Fonseca and Johnny Lum Ho, Keʻano served as an ʻōlapa, hoʻopaʻa, alakaʻi, musician, as well as a choreographer for many years. He has also participated in various hula festivals including the prestigious Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, and Hula Oni E, with his respective hālau, where they have won many group and solo awards.
In addition to his beloved home here in Hawaiʻi, Keʻano has performed and taught across the globe, including the continental United States, Japan, Tahiti, Mexico, New Zealand and Europe.
In 2002, Keʻano relocated to Honolulu to pursue a career in Cosmetology, as well as dance in some of Hawaiʻi’s most prestigious production shows. He is a licensed hairstylist and makeup artist and have styled many celebrities, Kumu Hula and hālau for almost two decades. His enduring love for hula has led him to complete ‘ūniki ceremonies in August 2008 under Kumu Hula Hōkūlani Holt. He is honored to be a Kumu Hula, along with Lono Padilla, of Hālau Hiʻiakaināmakalehua based on O’ahu.
Kauhilonohonua Thomas Padilla was born and raised on the island of Maui. Born into a family of Kumu Hula and dancers, Lono's life was surrounded with Hawaiian culture. Under the guidance of his mother Hōkūlani Holt he learned the ways of his people and the traditions of Hawaiʻi. After graduating from high school, Lono moved to Oʻahu to attend The University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa. His mother sent him to dance for Kumu Hula Holoua Stender and Ka Pā Hula O Kamehameha. With them he competed in The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival garnering many awards.
He has performed across the globe including the continental United States, Japan, Tahiti, New Zealand and Europe. He has danced throughout the Hawaiian islands including several years at the legendary Kodak Hula Show until their closing in 2002.
In 2005, his mother decided it was time for Lono to seriously dedicate his life to hula and began his training to become a Kumu Hula. In August 2008 Lono completed ʻūniki ceremonies, and is now a Kumu Hula, along with Keʻano Kaʻupu of Hālau Hi'iakaināmakalehua.
