Hui Malama believes in the power of sport and dance, as well as the wisdom of our kumu and kupuna, to guide our clients toward becoming responsible and well-balanced adults.
Many of our clients dance hula as part of Halau Na Hanona O Pi’ilani, under the instruction of Na Kumu Hula Kapono’ai Molitau and Sissy Lake. They helped raise funds for a halau trip to Tahiti and harvested and presented taro to Lahaina residents whose homes had been damaged in the fires. During fall intersession in October, they learned many chants and songs, made their own ipu, learned to dye traditional attire, dress in malo, and make lei and adornments for instruments.
The highlight of the year was the halau’s 15th Anniversary Ho’ike held at the Baldwin Auditorium on May 21st, 2018. The ho’ike included performers from ages 5-85 and was attended by an audience of hundreds. In the words of Alle, one of our clients, “We gathered and danced as one, and I overcame my fears of making mistakes. I did make mistakes, and I just kept going. After the show I got props from other halau members, family, and friends. Even when it got hard, I wanted my kumus to be proud, and I didn’t want to let my hula brothers or uncles down.”