ABOUT
OUR MISSION
Hālau Kalikopuakalehua's mission is to perpetuate the native Polynesian cultures through their arts, music, dance, language, traditions, beliefs and practices.
AN AUTHENTIC CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
At Hālau Kalikopuakalehua, we don’t just teach dance, we teach culture. Our students can learn how to sew and weave their own costumes, create traditional hula implements, play ‘ukulele, practice Hawaiian and Polynesian language, chanting, storytelling, learn our history and more. Every lesson is rooted in cultural protocol and respect for our ancestors.
We believe in passing down knowledge through hands-on experience, a deep connection to our roots and a community of mālama (care), kōkua (help) and aloha (love).
Hālau Kalikopuakalehua's mission is to perpetuate the native Polynesian cultures through their arts, music, dance, language, traditions, beliefs and practices.
AN AUTHENTIC CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
At Hālau Kalikopuakalehua, we don’t just teach dance, we teach culture. Our students can learn how to sew and weave their own costumes, create traditional hula implements, play ‘ukulele, practice Hawaiian and Polynesian language, chanting, storytelling, learn our history and more. Every lesson is rooted in cultural protocol and respect for our ancestors.
We believe in passing down knowledge through hands-on experience, a deep connection to our roots and a community of mālama (care), kōkua (help) and aloha (love).
OUR FOUNDER
Born and raised in the country town of Waimānalo, Oʻahu, Kumu Hula Nālani Kaho’onei is a proud Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) with genealogy tracing directly to King Kamehameha I, as well as Chief Līloa and ʻUmi a Līloa. Her heritage also includes Māori, Tahitian, Sāmoan, and Tongan ancestry.
Kumu Nālani began her hula journey as a child in 1992. After decades of rigorous study, her formal ʻūniki (graduation) ceremony took place in Kona, Hawaiʻi, where she earned the prestigious title of Kumu Hula and became part of the respected Huamakahikina coalition of verified Kumu Hula.
🔗 Meet Kumu Nālani
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Their dedication ensures that our programs, events, and outreach efforts continue to uplift, educate, and connect communities through Polynesian cultural arts.
In addition to the leadership of our Kumu Hula, we have Kāpehe (assistant) instructors and Kōkua (help). All Kāpehe instructors are cultural practitioners of Hālau Hula ‘O Kalikopuakalehua.
Our volunteers are the backbone of our organization. Their dedication ensures that our programs, events, and outreach efforts continue to uplift, educate, and connect communities through Polynesian cultural arts.
In addition to the leadership of our Kumu Hula, we have Kāpehe (assistant) instructors and Kōkua (help). All Kāpehe instructors are cultural practitioners of Hālau Hula ‘O Kalikopuakalehua.
KŌKUA TEAM
Po’o Pua’a and Paepae
Tamara and Jonnie, our 2 Po’o Pua’a, part of our Kōkua team. We also have our 2 Paepae, Sam and Leilani (not pictured).
KĀPEHE TEAM
Cultural Practitioners of Hālau Hula ‘O Kalikopuakalehua
Cultural Practitioners of Hālau Hula ‘O Kalikopuakalehua
Kāpehe: Moani. She has been with our Hālau for over 14 years. She is of Hawaiian and Sāmoan ancestry. She is on her journey to ‘ūniki ‘ōlapa in Hawai’i in the summer of 2026. (Moani is pictured here sharing a Sāmoan dance)
Kāpehe: Malia. She has been with our Hālau for almost 9 years. She has Hawaiian ancestry. She is also on her journey to ‘ūniki ‘ōlapa in Hawai’i in the summer of 2026. (Malia is pictured here sharing a Hawaiian dance)
Kāpehe: Kainoa. He has been with the Hālau for over 10 years. He is of Hawaiian, Tahitian, Sāmoan, Māori and Tongan ancestry. He is currently on his journey to ‘ūniki ‘ōlapa in Hawai’i in the summer of 2026. He is Kumu Nālani’s son. (Kainoa is pictured here sharing a Tongan dance)
Kāpehe: Tyanna. She has been with our Hālau for about 10 years, but has a total of 18 years of dance experience, coming from Maui. She is on her journey to ‘ūniki ‘ōlapa in Hawai’i in the summer of 2026. (Tyanna is pictured here sharing a Hawaiian dance)
Kāpehe: Ali. She has been with our Hālau for almost 12 years. She has Hawaiian ancestry. She is also on her journey to ‘ūniki ‘ōlapa in Hawai’i in the summer of 2026. (Ali is pictured here sharing a Tahitian dance)
Kāpehe: Lucia. She has been with our Hālau for the past few years. She came to us with previous experience with Polynesian dance. (Lucia is pictured here sharing a Māori dance)
Kāpehe: Makena. She has been with our Hālau for over 6 years. She has Hawaiian ancestry. She is also a vocalist and ‘ukulele player for Natural Blend. (Makena was singing Tahitian and Hawaiian songs here)
Kāpehe: Maika. He has been with the Hālau for over 10 years. He is of Hawaiian, Tahitian, Sāmoan, Māori and Tongan ancestry. He is Kumu Nālani’s son. (Maika is pictured here sharing a Tahitian dance)
Our nā haumāna (students) also play a vital role in the continuity of our organization. Everyone is taught kuleana (responsibility).
Compliance & Public Disclosure
Here you will find our IRS 501c3 determination letter, as well as our filed 990-N for 2024. Contact us if you’d like to see more, such as a 2025 Annual Report, Articles of Incorporation, etc.
Here you will find our IRS 501c3 determination letter, as well as our filed 990-N for 2024. Contact us if you’d like to see more, such as a 2025 Annual Report, Articles of Incorporation, etc.
| 501c3_letter.pdf |
| 990-n_2024.jpg |
Hālau Kalikopuakalehua
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
509(a)(2) Public Charity
EIN # 99-3981741
DBA Hālau Ho’okahi I Ka Hula
DBA Hālau Hula ‘O Kalikopuakalehua
DBA Nā Pua ‘O Kana‘iaupuniokahonua
DBA Ho’onani Music
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