About Us
Ka Hula O ‘Aulani is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded in 2018 to promote, preserve, and perpetuate the Hawaiian dance form of hula along with the traditions, culture, handicrafts, and language associated with hula by providing educational opportunities to the public .
Our mission is to share and honor hula and its traditions so that we can get one step closer to our vision: a world connected through aloha and appreciation.
‘Aulani
‘Aulani with Lehua Kawaikapuokalani Hewett at the first annual Hula Hiehie O Nā Kūpuna (2017)
'Aulani developed a deep love and passion for Hawaiian culture and hula in her youth. However, it was not until 2006 when she took her first step into a life-long journey. She attended her initial hula class with Kumu Leilanileikukuiokalani Ishii thinking it would be "just a dance class." Soon, 'Aulani found that it was much more than that, experiencing genuine aloha, sisterhood, and becoming part of an 'ohana (family) who shared the special love for hula. She performed in many local Southern California events ranging from festivals, corporate parties, and private parties. A few years later, she was given the title of 'Alaka'i (leader).
In 2008, 'Aulani attended a hula workshop featuring Lehua Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. Since then she has had the privilege to learn from him on multiple occasions. He has been a huge part of her hula journey, and in 2013, 'Aulani began studying hula directly under Lehua and continues to do so today. She is very honored and humbled to be one of his students.
Lehua comes from an extensive lineage in hula, ho'ola (Hawaiian traditional healing), lā‘au lapa‘au (medicinal plant treatment), and haku mele (poetry) with his teachers being Emma DeFries, Iolani Luahine, and Edith Kanaka'ole just to name a few. Lehua has over 50 years of living and teaching the legacy of hula and Hawaiian culture, being a world-famous hula instructor and judge for many competitions including the renowned Merrie Monarch competition in Hilo, Hawai'i. Nā Hōkū Hanohano (similar to the Grammy's) has recognized and awarded Lehua for his compositions and music.
In 2014, 'Aulani began volunteering as a hula instructor at Laguna Woods Village (a 55 and older community in Southern California). Many were new to hula but shortly fell in love with the dance and culture. In 2017, inspired by her kūpuna (elders) class, 'Aulani had the vision of hosting an event celebrating kūpuna dancing hula. With the support and guidance of Lehua, Hula Hiehie O Na Kūpuna was created where 'Aulani continues to be the creative director.
'Aulani is also a student of ho'ola under Kumu Ho'ola Suzi Kaiona'okalani Ko. Under Aunty Suzi, she has learned basic lomilomi (massage therapy) and usage of lā‘au lapa‘au. In addition, with her guidance, 'Aulani quickly learned the intricate details required to host multi-day hula workshops.