Hula Alapa‘i i Noho i Kuali‘i

The O‘ahu branch of the Institute was given its name by Kumu Roselle Keli‘ihonipua Bailey.  The branch was begun by her daughters, Sharon Ioane and Pohākalani, while they were studying at UH-Mānoa.  Since 1988, Hula Alapa‘i i Noho i Kuali‘i has been led by Hi‘ipoikealoha (Cheryl Ogawa Ho).  Cheryl began her study with Kumu Bailey in 1979, at Kīlauea and Kaumakani, Kaua‘i.  Mrs. Bailey gave her the hula name of Hi‘ipoikealohaokalaniki‘eki‘e before Cheryl moved from Kaua‘i to Oahu.

Having continued her study of all aspects of hula with Kumu Bailey, Hi‘poi is acknowledged by Kumu Bailey as a kumu under Ka ‘Imi Na‘auao o Hawai‘i Nei.  Hi`ipoi’s partner, Kahana, provides invaluable inspiration and knowledge from her own study of the ‘ōlelo, culture, and crafts of Hawai‘i and her background in music and performance.

Residing in Honolulu, seat of the Hawaiian Kingdom and site of many key events, the O‘ahu branch of the Ka ‘Imi is increasing its kuleana for learning about the ali‘i.  This includes becoming familiar with the institutions which perpetuate their legacies, and the key events, past and present, which shape(d) Hawai‘i’s life.  Dances and other cultural material are presented in the context of the history, the ‘āina/kai, and the spiritual base of hula.

Haumana are encouraged and helped to learn traditional hulas and chants, as well as contemporary dances.  In the process, they become more familiar with Hawaiian language, values and practices. They learn about native plants, and how to make their own leis and other adornments.

Logan, Marsali, Cheyenne after their hula noho (He Mele no Kāne)at an event honoring Board of Water Supplyʻs Ernie Lau and Sierra Clubʻs Wayne Tanaka, after actions protesting the toxic leaks from the Salt Lake Fuel Tanks, and the formation of a Community Kia’i Group, led by Marti Townsend of Earthjustice.

Edna and Eve dance “Kaulilua” at an event to affirm Ukraineʻs stand against Russiaʻs invasion.

Huaka’i to Loko I’a Pā’aiau at Pu’uloa:  Kumu Bruce Keaulani and Kumu Keola Kalani doing protocol for ho’okupu brought by Jordan, Eveʻs son.  See sharp object on left of kuahu in the background,  representing Ka’ahupahau, shark goddess of Pu‘uloa.

Classes:

Weekly classes are no longer held at regular times/places. Rather, Hi’ipoi is coordinating pairs and clusters ofhaumana for practices leading up to a final hō’ike.  This will be held on Kamehameha Day, June 11, 2025.  The small group includes several adults who have danced with the hālau for many years, as well as Hi’ipoiʻs mo’opuna (grandchildren), ages 23 to 7.

Other performances are limited to selected requests or voluntary presentations which support Ka‘Imiʻs and Hi’ipoiʻs values as expressed in hula.

For more information, please phone Hi‘ipoi at (808) 651-2303.