Namohala o Hāla`i
Hilo, Moku Hawai`i, Hawai`i Nei

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Hula Classes 2009

    The study of hula takes a large degree of time and committment. If the haumana wishes to do well, Hula should be approached as any other discipline. As Kumu Amy Stillman, PhD writes, "becoming a haumana - student - in a hālau usually requires a serious committment. This is because hālau run on cooperation. Haumana depend on each other to ensure success in all endeavors. Haumana consider each other as "hula sisters" and "hula brothers." Haumana learn quickly that those who do not pull their own weight are not to be entrusted with responsibility." Please read Amy's essay on becoming a haumana hula before making a final decision.

    The second of Amy's essays that I recommend discusses the role of the Kumu Hula. In it she begins, "The title of Kumu Hula commands great respect. At the same time, there has emerged great concern that the title has come to be used too freely, and without understanding or awareness of the kuleana - responsibility - that the title carries. The title itself has a history, and that history is not entirely crystal clear. There were kūpuna in the 1960s, for example, who did not use the term kumu hula; instead they applied the designation loea to revered master - and only to revered masters."

Hālau Membership

    Mohala Membership (full) in Namohala o Hāla`i is $35 per month (or $350 per year if the student wishes to pay in January for a full year), which allows members to attend all regular classes and receive special rates for workshops, special events, certain books, CDs, and materials. We have no age limitations for membership. But all students are expected to abide by the hālau rules, to study, practice, and be responsible for themselves and their mea hula. 

    Kolea Membership  (half year) Students who spend part of the year away from Hawai`i on a regular basis pay $35 per month when active and receive full membership benefits when present. Kolea members may opt to pay $10 per month when away from the islands to maintain special rates for books, CDs, costumes, implements, et cetera, which they may wish to purchase while away from the islands.

   Drop-in fees for classes are $15 per class. Drop-in students must understand that the priority of the hālau is those haumana who make the committment and effort to attend class regularly. While we understand that some haumana my have work or other considerations which prevent consistent attendance, it must be understood that irregular attendance makes for slow progress in the study of hula, and is disruptive to the regular students.

   Observers. We do not allow observers. Attendees must participate.

   Location: Phone 217-9924 for information on class locations. Field trip schedule is available to members in good standing.

Student Resources

   Hula Forum - Lessons, field trip notices, et cetera are posted here. Haumana may also ask questions, post interesting things, and "talk story."

Book List