Welina Mai

Through our Kupuna, we share the knowledge of the past,

blend it with the experiences and environment of the present,

and move together to create the future.

Hālau Hi'iakaināmakalehua is a formal hula school with classes that includes all aspects of the Hawaiian cultural practice, hula according to the traditions and beliefs of Kumu Hula, Robert Keano Kaupu IV and Lono Padilla. Classes include training in ʻoli (chant), hula kahiko (traditional hula) and hula 'auana (contemporary hula) amongst the many other focuses of study. Our mission is to maintain and perpetuate beliefs, cultural practices, philosophies and traditions of the indigenous people of Hawai’i through the Hawaiian art form, hula via ongoing educational programs, classes, workshops, concerts and conferences.

Nā Kumu Hula, Robert Keʻano Kaʻupu IV and Lono Padilla, opened Hālau Hi'iakaināmakalehua in September 2008. The hālau name, meaning Hi'iaka in the eyes of the lehua, pays tribute to their various Kumu Hula and their hula lineage. Ke'ano was a haumana of Rae Fonseca and Johnny Lum Ho of Hilo, and Lono was a haumana of Holoua Stender of O'ahu. With the blessings of their respective Kumu Hula, both Lono and Ke'ano completed traditional 'ūniki ceremonies with their mother, Kumu Hula Hokulani Holt of Maui. Currently Hālau Hi'iakaināmakalehua offers classes for Kaikamahine, Keiki Kane, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Wahine, Beginner and Advanced Kane, as well as Kupuna Wahine in Kalihi.

Hālau Hi’iakaināmakalehua is the proud home of:

Miss Hula O Nā Keiki 2022 Lennon Aiko Kuʻualoha Nakada

Master Hula O Nā Keiki 2022 Noah Kazuo Piʻimaiwaʻa Andrade

Miss Aloha Hula 2019 Taizha Keakealani Hughes-Kaluhiokalani

Miss Keiki Hula 2019 Kaimana Joe Kaitoku Friez

Master Keiki Hula 2019

Ms. Kupuna Hula Oni E 2019 Leihuanani Avilla-Livsey

Miss Keiki Hula Oni E 2019 Tianna Lei Keanuhealehua Wailehua

Master Keiki Hula Oni E 2019 Damien Kamakahaloʻihōʻola Sakoda Hottendorf

Master Keiki Hula Oni E 2018

Ms. Wahine Hula Oni E 2017 Kaleihōmai Bareng

Miss Aloha Hula 2017 Kelina Eldredge

Miss Aloha Hula 2016

Miss Moku O Keawe 2014 Kanoe Kaopuiki

If you would like more information about Hālau Hi'iakaināmakalehua and hula classes please Contact Us or email us at halau.hiiaka@gmail.com