Ka Hālau
Ka Pā Hula ‘O Kawaiho‘omalu is a traditional Hawaiian school of dance founded by Kū Koanui-Souza in April 2001. Its mission is to perpetuate the Hawaiian language, culture, and traditions through the art of hula. Since its inception, our hālau has focused on developing strong practitioners in all aspects of hula. Students are trained in both ancient and modern dance forms, while also learning the responsibilities that come with being custodians of traditional knowledge. We are committed to mālama (care for) the teachings that have been passed down to us through our hula lineage.
Philosophy : "Hānai ‘Ia E Ka Wai Māpuna"
The phrase "Hānai ‘ia e ka wai māpuna" translates to "nourished by the spring water." This reminds us that by embracing the fresh, nurturing water of life, we can thrive and truly live. Hula flourishes when we immerse ourselves in everything it has to offer. Our passion drives our desire to learn, and it is beneficial for us to embrace this wholeheartedly because "Hula Is Life."
Our Kumu
Kū Koanui-Souza began his journey in the performing arts in 1989 as a member of the world-famous Honolulu Boy Choir, directed by Mr. and Mrs. Roy and Nyle Hallman. After one season, he decided to join the choir's hālau, taught by Kumu Hula Chinky Māhoe. Upon graduating from the choir, he continued his dance training as a member of Māhoe's Hālau Hula ‘O Kawaili‘ulā.
In 1996, while attending Kailua High School, Kū met his long-time mentor, Hau‘oli Akaka, who introduced him to Hawaiian language, culture, hula, and music. In 2000, he had the privilege of learning for a short time under master kumu hula, Kimo Alama Keaulana.
After receiving Chinky's blessing, Kū founded Hālau Hula ‘O Kawaiho‘omalu in April 2, 2001. Although the hālau was successful, Kū wanted to deepen his knowledge of hula and become certified through traditional ‘ūniki rites. In 2017, he was invited by Kumu Hula Kalani Akana of Ka Pā Hula O Kāheakūlani to participate in this process. Kū completed his ‘ūniki as a ho‘opa‘a in 2019 and received the title of Kumu Hula ‘Ūniki ‘Ailolo on July 24, 2021. As a result, he changed the hālau's name to Ka Pā Hula ‘O Kawaiho‘omalu to honor the traditions of his kumu, Kalani, while also paying homage to the other kumu who shaped his hula journey.
