Alakaʻi
In Hawaiian culture, an Alaka‘i is a leader or guide within a hālau hula. The Alaka‘i serves as a trusted assistant to Kumu Kawai, helping to teach, support, and guide the other students. They are experienced dancers who embody the values, discipline, and spirit of the hālau.
Why it's important for a hālau hula to have Alaka‘i:
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Support for Kumu Kawai: They help manage classes, lead practices, and ensure the teachings are passed on correctly.
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Cultural Continuity: Alaka‘i help preserve traditional knowledge and serve as role models for younger dancers.
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Discipline and Structure: They maintain order and set a standard for behavior and commitment.
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Bridge Between Kumu and Students: They help communicate expectations and provide guidance in a more approachable way.
Having Alaka‘i ensures our hālau functions smoothly and stays rooted in Hawaiian values like kuleana (responsibility), pono (righteousness), and aloha.
Meet Our Alakaʻi
Auntie Mahea
Nā Mākuahine
I started dancing in the 3rd grade in Hawaii.
And continue off and on throughout my teen years.
Then, life happens, a family grows and other things take over.
In 2015, my mom had a major stroke. I spent everyday crying. I had a 2016 New Year’s resolution to create happiness despite the sad circumstances.
I found Ka Pā Hula ʻO Kawailehua. Coming to class was my sanctuary. It saved me. I found an extended family, women who share the joys and burden of life.
I love hula, through dancing I can express my love for it; my love for the islands, family, friends, for my children. Hula covers it all.
To become an Alaka’i is an honor. It means to me, to give. To give back to the Halau, to put the Halau before myself; to help to carry the intent of my Kumu’s lineage. And to put her needs first so that she can focus on the many aspects of the Halau.
Tutu Kahaliʻa
Nā Keiki
I’ve been a Hula student since 2014. It has been 11 years, and although I physically missed three of those years due to a major injury, I was still a Hula Dancer. My love and passion and respect for the Hawaiian culture has been with me for as long as I can remember…from childhood to now. Furthermore, I know it will be until I take my last breath on Earth and then beyond. It is in my very soul. There is no need to know why, as, it is what it is.
Honored as Alakaʻi is phenomenal to me. There is very little in my life of which I can compare, other than being a mother and then gifted with two wonderful grandsons. All that I have done for my Hālau has been from my heart - through my love for it: my Kumu, Hula sisters, brothers and little children, nā keiki. I am grateful, blessed and most honored to be able to continue to do so. Mahalo nui loa!
Auntie Hina
Nā Kaikamāhine
I have been dancing hula for going on 7 years. My only regret is that I didn't start sooner! I have always had a passion and appreciation for the beauty and culture of Hawai'i since I was a child! From the very start, Kumu was so warm and welcoming to me and my family. I jumped in quick to Wahine hula and also singing mele whenever I had the chance. I remember being so happy and overwhelmed with gratitude for this opportunity that I would have tears in my eyes when we would practice. Week over week I worked harder and harder to learn as much as I could, inside and out of class. In the process I have become even more humbled as my education of the language and the culture progresses.
During my time on Moku with Kumu, her Kumu, Mahea, and I were able to cultivate another understanding of hula, the connection from Mele to ʻĀina and a deeper spiritual meaning. I was also witness to the support and mentorship of their Alakaʻi. I learned some important protocols and values on that trip that I will remember and cherish for a lifetime. Not all of it was easy! But nothing worth holding onto ever is :)
Being Alaka'i for me is an absolute honor. It has always been my intention to help others and make us the best ohana and Halau we can be. The role of Alakaʻi not only challenges me further as a haumana of hula, but allows me to pass on lineage, ike (knowledge) and mana (spirit) in the manner that our Kumu has intended and in a way that pays homage to her Kumu.