Hula i ke ola
"Hula is Life"

Kumu Kawehi Punahele established Hälau Hula O Kaleooka’iwa. The name is translated to "Hula School of Kaleooka’iwa” which comes from Kumu Kawehi’s Hawaiian name. Kaleooka’iwa means “voice of the ‘iwa bird”.

The ’iwa bird is a large sea bird, sometimes referred to as the Frigate bird. Its return to shore signaled to fisherman that a storm was approaching. After the storm had passed, the ‘iwa bird was the first bird to resume normal daily activities. The ‘iwa bird has come to represent the students of Hälau Hula O Kaleooka’iwa.

When we first start our journey in hula, we are like fledglings... just learning to open our eyes to the beauty and wonder of the Hawaiian culture. As we gain better understanding of our culture and its history, through the mastery of hula, we learn how to spread wings and fly!

The ‘iwa bird is a survivor. So are we...the students of this hälau... never giving up through the stormy weather of life.