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
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!
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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