Hälau 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 grand-
daughter, Këhaulani Kekua, the halau offers formal instruction
in hula kahiko, hula `auana, oli, ha`i mo`olelo and nä hana no`eau.  
Study of traditional Hawaiian protocol and cultural perspectives are
also incorporated into every student’s learning experiences.

Hälau 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 hälau'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, Këhaulani 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.   

Summer Semester of
Classes now being
offered in two locations!

Kilauea
Malama Kaua`i Center

Kalapaki
Kaua`i Marriott Resort

Call 808.346.7574 for
information on classes
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
Hälau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai
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
Kumu Hula, Helen Kaipuwai Kekua Waiau is pictured with one of her
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 Hä`ena to teach hula in the various communities.  
She is the founder of Hälau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai, a traditional hälau hula
that now falls under the direction of her granddaughter, Kumu Hula,
Këhaulani Kekua.  Mrs. Waiau taught hula up  until her passing in 1988.  
Her daughter (Kumu Këhaulani'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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Foundation
All Rights Reserved
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