(Talk Story) The Enlightenment of Hula

What a privilege to listen to these interviews of Kumu Hula and hear their stories. Hula is not just a dance form but it is a way of life, a life that has honor and respect as it’s foundations. Mahalo nui loa to our kumu, Kumu Hula Leihiilani Kirkpatrick for teaching us with so much aloha, so that this culture and way of life is not hidden or opaque to us. Mahalo for explaining everything to us so that we can grow in hula, your Hālau extension across the oceans. - Alaka'i Namiko

Ke Ao Mālamalama o Ka Hula: The Enlightenment of Hula is a talk story series featuring some of Hawaiʻi's most celebrated and accomplished kumu hula hosted by world renowned songwriter, kumu hula and Windward CC lecturer Frank Lehua Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. Intimate talk story and panel discussions offer a deeper understanding and appreciation for the traditional ways of learning hula and “becoming” a kumu hula.

In Kumu Hula Talk Story Panel Part One | Ke Ao Mālamalama o Ka Hula: The Enlightenment of Hula Ep. 3-B, Kumu Kawaikapu sits down with three of Hawaiʻi’s most seasoned and accomplished kumu hula for a talk story session on hula knowledge, hula stories, and hula lineages. Each featured kumu hula has a unique story with connections to Hawaiʻi’s most legendary mentors and hula masters such as Pilahi Pākī, ʻIolani Luahine and Vickie Īʻī Rodrigues. Leimomi Ho is the kumu hula for Kealiʻikaʻapunihonua Keʻena Aʻo Hula and carries the teachings of her kumu hula Vickie ʻĪʻī Rodrigues. LLeialoha Lim-Amina is the kumu hula for Hālau Nā Lei o Ka Holokū which she started under the guidance and blessing of Pilahi Pākī. Maelia is a former Miss Aloha Hula and kumu hula for Ka Pā Hula o Kauanoe o Waʻahila which was started by her late grandmother and hula master Aunty Mae Ulalia Long Loebenstein.