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 hälau 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 unique and significant. For Kumu Hula, Kehaulani Kekua, perpetuating her family’s legacy of hula is a responsibility and an obligation of honor. Her primary purpose is to perpetuate hula as a traditional discipline and art form of cultural excellence. |
A`a i ka hula...waiho ka hilahila i ka hale!
Dare to dance, leave your shyness at home!
`Olelo No`eau 2 - Mary Kawena Pukui
Dare to dance, leave your shyness at home!
`Olelo No`eau 2 - Mary Kawena Pukui
Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai
A traditional hula school perpetuating hula as a specialized discipline & art form of cultural excellence
A traditional hula school perpetuating hula as a specialized discipline & art form of cultural excellence
808.346.7574 halaupalaihiwa@kaieie.org Post Office Box 1261 Kapa`a, Hawai`i 96746 www.kaieie.org |
Kumu Hula, Helen Kaipuwai Kekua Waiau is pictured with one of her many
classes on Kaua`i in the 1950s. From 1945 to the 1960s, she was one of a few
kumu hula offering formal hula instruction on the island. Mrs. Waiau traveled
from Kekaha to Ha`ena to teach hula in the various communities. She is the
founder of Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai, a traditional halau hula that now falls
under the direction of her granddaughter, Kumu Hula, Kehaulani Kekua.
Mrs. Waiau taught hula up until her passing in 1988. Her daughter (Kumu
Kehaulani's mother), Lady Kaipuwai Kekua is pictured in the top row, 5th
from the left. Recognize anyone? Email us at halaupalaihiwa@kaieie.org.
We'd love to hear from you!
classes on Kaua`i in the 1950s. From 1945 to the 1960s, she was one of a few
kumu hula offering formal hula instruction on the island. Mrs. Waiau traveled
from Kekaha to Ha`ena to teach hula in the various communities. She is the
founder of Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai, a traditional halau hula that now falls
under the direction of her granddaughter, Kumu Hula, Kehaulani Kekua.
Mrs. Waiau taught hula up until her passing in 1988. Her daughter (Kumu
Kehaulani's mother), Lady Kaipuwai Kekua is pictured in the top row, 5th
from the left. Recognize anyone? Email us at halaupalaihiwa@kaieie.org.
We'd love to hear from you!
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HALAU REGISTRATION Ku ka `ie`ie i ka nahelehele, Hu ka `ike o na kupuna kahiko Grow upright like the `ie`ie of Laka's forest So that the knowledge of our ancestors flow to inspire us today! |
