HALAU O KEKUHI

Two of the oldest traditions of Hawaiian culture are mele oli and mele hula. Mele hula and mele oli, for the last hundred fifty years, have been the sinew by which Hawaiian culture has survived. Halau o Kekuhi has received, through generational transmission, the responsibility of continuing the classic hula and oli tradition. This tradition was sustained through matrilineal descent.

Halau o Kekuhi's foundation is on the island of Hawai'i in the district of Hilo. Today, the two Kumu Hula of Halau o Kekuhi are Nalani Kanaka'ole and Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele. The rank of Kumu Hula for this halau is passed to the next generation after the preceding generation has died. The Halau can account for seven generations.

The Halau is celebrated for its mastery of the 'Aiha'a style of hula and many different styles of oli. The "Aiha'a is a low postured, vigorous, bombastic style of hula. Their repertoire of hula springs from the eruptive volcano persona, Pele and Hi'iaka.

In September of 1993 the Halau earned the most prestigious award offered by the National Endowment for the Arts in Washincton, DC, "The National Heritage Fellowship Award."

NA KUMU HULA

Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele
Nalani Kanaka'ole

NA ALAKA'I

Kekuhi Kanahele-Frias
Huihui Kanahele-Mossman

NA HO'OPA'A

Kiwala'o Taylor
Punahele Lerma
Keala Swain
Kauwamakani Elia
Ulunui Garmon
Kia Fronda

NA 'OLAPA

Punahele Lerma, Heanu Weller, Kau'i Enoka, Kika Nohara, Keonaona Trask,
'Auli'i Shaw, Mamo Brown, 'O'ilipua Kaikaina, Kaipo Frias,

Kawai'ula Kobayashi, Keala Pitoy, Hokulani Kaikaina, Punohu'ula Zane,

Malie Rea, 'Iliahi jAnthony, Lehua Haunani'o, Nina Kokubun,

Kalanipua Manuel, Kaumakaiwa Santiago, Punawai Rice, Hi'iaka Kahalewai, 'Akolea Ione, Malia Bergknut, Haku Ho'opai, Kau'i Kanaka'ole,

Pua'ala Garmon, Leiola Garmon, Noelani Puniwai, Pua Kalauli,
Kau'ilani Marquez, Kuha'oimaikalani Zane, Ulumauahi Santiago,

Lahela Burgess, Kawehi Thoene, Puanani Thoene, Kula Pedro, Pohai Weller, Keehuweolani Faridi, Mino'aka Kahananui, Kauila Santiago, Kaira Lau,

Naoli Weller, Keana Kaikaina, Moani Minn

NA MEA OLI 'E A 'E

Ahi'enaopuna Kanahele
Kupa'a Garmon
Kealaka'i Kanaka'ole

'A 'AHU LOLE

Kaipo Frias

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