Halau O Kekuhi

Kumu Hula N lani Kanaka’ole & Huihui Kanahele-Mossman, artistic directors

“Hula is a reflection of life. Hula is a way of telling history.”  – Pua Kanaka‘ole

Halau O Kekuhi is celebrated for its mastery of the ‘aiha’a style of hula (dance) and oli (chant).  The ‘aiha’a is a low-postured, vigorous style of hula that springs from the eruptive volcano goddess Pele and her sister goddess, Hi’iaka, characteristic of the creative forces on the island of Hawai’i.

The halau dates back to its founder Edith Kanaka’ole, one of the leaders of the Hawaiian cultural renaissance of the 1960’s and 1970’s. The halau’s leadership and cultural heritage have been passed down through eight generations. Hawai’i’s famous Merrie Monarch Festival takes place each year in Edith Kanaka’ole Stadium honoring her contributions to Hawaiian culture. The company of ten has earned national and international recognition for their art.