HALAU HULA `O KAHIKILAULANI
HAWAIIAN CULTURAL PRACTIONERS OF ANCIENT AND MODERN HULA
Ancient and Modern Hula
Hālau Hula `O Kahikilaulani
Kumu Hula Nāhōkūokalani Gaspang
Aloha `oukou!
Hālau Hula `O Kahikilaulani welcomes you! At Kahikilaulani we strive to integrate Hawaiian culture, `Olelo Hawai`i (language), historical knowledge and folklore, crafting, art, lei making, and community workshops into our daily hula instruction. Whether your personal focus may be perpetuation of culture, hula technique, gaining core strength while increasing flexibility or expanding your knowledge of Hawaiian language, history, and culture, you can and will find it here.
The hālau was founded under the direction of Kumu Hula Rae Kahikilaulani Fonseca. Born and raised in Kane`ohe, O`ahu, he eventually moved to Hawai`i Island to become a student of hula master Uncle George Na'ope. Upon his `uniki (graduation), he eventually established his hālau in Hilo Hawai`i. The year was 1979. The hālau quicky gained notoriety in the competition and entertainment community. He led his hālau around the Pacific, visiting various countries and bridging the gap between cultures; a valued and continued tradition that Kumu Nāhōkū keeps alive and well.
In March of 2010 the unthinkable happened, we lost our beloved Kumu Rae. But it is through his teachings that the hālau was able to take on a new direction under the guidance of Kumu Hula Nāhōkūokalani Gaspang. She was one of the Hālau’s original musicians and vocalists, proficient in playing a variety of instruments and creating musical arrangements. But hula was always the primary passion. Learning all she could over the next 30 years, she was then selected as one of but a few who Kumu Rae had bestowed the rank of Kumu Hula at his first and only `uniki in March of 2007. Today, Kumu Nāhōkū proudly continues the 100 plus year legacy of our Hula lineage.
Aloha nui loa! Fondest Regards!
Our Classes
Join the World of Hula
Papa Pakalana
Wahine - ages range from 20 yrs to 70+ yrs
Whether you’re looking to learn hula later in life or hone in on your existing talents, this class is what you are looking for. Geared towards those who enjoy moderately paced classes of Mother's and Grandmother's looking to be expressive, sweat a little, and have a good time with their hula sisters and friends. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about this class or any others - simply contact us or stop on by.
Class Days:
Tuesdays 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Additional class days may be added for show, concert, and competition preparation.
Papa Pikake
Kaikamahine and Wahine - ages range from 13 yrs to 40 yrs
Our Pikake love the opportunity to explore new dance moves taught in their `auana (modern) dances, while also practicing to master the classic Kahiko (ancient) hula movements. The Pikake are primarily a traveling and competition level class with a focus on strength, grace, beauty, love, passion, and humility. Hard work is required to succeed in this class but the rewards for the time spent is insurmountable. Want to find out more? Get in touch with us today.
Class Days:
Wednesdays 6:00pm - 7:30pm (Class)
Additional class days may be added for show, concert, and competition preparation.
Papa Kukunaokala
Keikikane and Kane - ages range from 13 yrs to 40 yrs
The Kukunaokala pride themselves in their strength, agility, and Brotherhood. Working hard is the key to success and the Kukunaokala group holds nothing back. We accept new dancers and train our men in cultural arts, sewing, crafting, and community service. There are opportunities for traveling abroad and becoming a part of the competition level group. We strive to prepare the Kukunaokala for all aspects of life and it is through hula we instruct our Kukunaokala to be leaders in the community.
Class Days:
Thursday 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Additional class days may be added for show, concert, and competition preparation.
Papa Pua Kalaunu (Keiki Kahi)
Kaikamahine and Keikikane -
ages range from 3 - 9 yrs
Our Keiki are the future of the halau. In our entry level class we strive to teach a basic fundamental view of the world around us using hula as the foundation or building blocks to success in all that they do. These young keiki work hard (and have fun!) each time they enter the halau. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about this class or any others - simply contact us or stop by.
Class Days:
Wednesdays 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Additional class days may be added for show, concert, and competition preparation.
Papa Puakenikeni (Keiki Lua)
Kaikamahine and Keikikane -
ages range from 7 - 12 yrs
Respect, strength, agility, flexibility, humility and attentiveness are the morals we aim to instill into these young keiki. They work hard and take pride in what they do, whether it be Lei making, crafting, and arts. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about this class or any others - simply contact us or stop by.
Class Days:
Wednesday 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Additional class days may be added for show, concert, and competition preparation.
Papa Hinahina
Kane - ages range from 40 yrs to 70+ yrs
Kupuna Brotherhood. We accept both seasoned and new dancers who have a desire and need to reconnect to their roots. We train in cultural arts, sewing, crafting, and community service. There are opportunities for traveling abroad and becoming a part of the Kupuna competition level group if desired.
Class Days:
Thursday 5:30pm - 6:45pm
Additional class days may be added for show, concert, and competition preparation.
Papa Hinano
International Classes - Zoom
Primarily located in Japan and Mexico, Kahikilaulani does offer classes for international instructors and their students contracted through the Halau. These classes are held to the same standards as our local groups and we also provide lessons in crafting and the arts. Please call or email for further information
Class Days: Please Call the Halau for more information
Additional class days may be added for show, concert, and competition preparation in Japan, Mexico, and Hawaii.
Open Hours
Tues - Thurs: 10am - 9pm
Saturday: 9am - 12pm
Posted times are general times when either the Kumu, Halau Manager, or a Class Alaka'i will be present.
Please call ahead before visiting.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling the Halau or by email.
Mahalo nui loa!
Email us
If you would like more information on Halau Hula O' Kahikilaulani, we’d be more than happy to help. Please fill out the form below and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.