Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai
Preserving the integrity of Kaua`i Hula traditions through formal study and training in Hawaiian chant & dance
Preserving the integrity of Kaua`i Hula traditions through formal study and training in Hawaiian chant & dance
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Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai is a traditional hula school founded on Kaua`i Island in 1945 by Kumu
Hula, Helen Kaipuwai Kekua Waiau. Now under the direction of her granddaughter, Kehaulani
Kekua, the halau offers formal instruction in hula kahiko, hula `auana, oli, ha`i mo`olelo and na hana
no`eau. Study of traditional Hawaiian protocol and cultural perspectives are also incorporated into
every student's learning experiences.
Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai is named for the palapalai hiwa or the highly cherished black-stemmed
palapalai fern that only thrives in the pristine depths of the native Hawaiian forest. The halau is also
named for its founder and the different kumu hula of the family’s maternal lineage who also carried
the name of Kaipuwai. The halau's foundation of knowledge, experience and practice of hula is
descended from a family tradition associated with Ka Ulu A Lono - a heiau hula formerly located at
Wahiawa, Kaua`i.
Kaua`i's ancient hula culture and traditions are significant and unique. For Kumu Hula, Kehaulani
Kekua, her primary purpose is to perpetuate hula as a specialized discipline and art form that raises
consciousness of body, mind, spirit and the environment.
Hula, Helen Kaipuwai Kekua Waiau. Now under the direction of her granddaughter, Kehaulani
Kekua, the halau offers formal instruction in hula kahiko, hula `auana, oli, ha`i mo`olelo and na hana
no`eau. Study of traditional Hawaiian protocol and cultural perspectives are also incorporated into
every student's learning experiences.
Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai is named for the palapalai hiwa or the highly cherished black-stemmed
palapalai fern that only thrives in the pristine depths of the native Hawaiian forest. The halau is also
named for its founder and the different kumu hula of the family’s maternal lineage who also carried
the name of Kaipuwai. The halau's foundation of knowledge, experience and practice of hula is
descended from a family tradition associated with Ka Ulu A Lono - a heiau hula formerly located at
Wahiawa, Kaua`i.
Kaua`i's ancient hula culture and traditions are significant and unique. For Kumu Hula, Kehaulani
Kekua, her primary purpose is to perpetuate hula as a specialized discipline and art form that raises
consciousness of body, mind, spirit and the environment.