Hawai‘i’s legendary kumu hula featured in new series from Windward CC

Hewett with Maelia Loebenstein-Carter

Kawaikapuokalani Hewett interviews Coline Kaualoku Aiu

Kawaikapuokalani Hewett with Coline Kaualoku Aiu

The first episode of Ke Ao Mālamalama o Ka Hula (the enlightenment of the hula), a groundbreaking project featuring some of Hawai‘i’s legendary kumu hula, premieres on Sunday, February 6 from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. on Windward Community College’s Facebook page. 

Intimate talk story and panel discussions hosted by renowned songwriter, kumu hula and Windward CC Hawaiian Studies Lecturer Kawaikapuokalani Frank Hewett, offer a deeper understanding and appreciation for the traditional ways of learning hula and “becoming” a kumu hula.

“The stories of the hula are told by the people who dedicated themselves to the hula, that come from lineages and longstanding traditions of the hula…that continue to perpetuate the hula,” Hewett said.

The February 6 episode features Coline Kaualoku Aiu, former Miss Hawaiʻi and kumu hula for the Halau Hula O Maiki, which was started by her mother and beloved kumu hula Maiki Aiu Lake.

Future interviewees include Robert Cazimero, Maelia Loebenstein-Carter, Leialoha Lim-Amina, Leimomi Ho and Vicky Holt-Takamine, with more to come. The historic interviews will be housed in the Windward CC library and offered free to the public.

Hewett said, “The intent of the project is to build a strong relationship between the community and the college for a lifetime of learning and understanding the arts, the tradition and the culture of Hawai‘i founded on mālamalama, respect and honor.”

Hewett was inspired by the stories and photos of kumu hula featured in the 1984 book Nānā i Nā Loea Hula: Look to the Hula Resources, which includes many of his interviewees and himself as a young kumu hula. Photos from the book by Shuzo Uemoto can be seen along the second floor lobby walls at Windward CC’s Palikū Theatre.

Ke Ao Mālamalama o Ka Hula is co-sponsored by The Dolores Furtado Martin Foundation.

To learn more about Ke Ao Mālamalama o Ka Hula, email camvel@hawaii.edu or visit the campus library in Hale La‘akea.

Ke Ao Mālamalama o Ka Hula promo video available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYmPM_SIFEU&ab_channel=M%C4%81laA%CA%BBoa%CA%BBoKai%C4%81ulu

For more information, visit: http://windward.hawaii.edu