Workshops Past – Nā Haliʻa Aloha

Our October 2015 workshop, “Origins of Hula,” began with a bang—actually, many bangs. Thunder rolled continuously through the sky as lightening danced, brightening the night in the most spectacular display I have ever seen.

The next morning dawned fresh and clean, with a rainbow appearing as we chanted “E ala e!”

After the storm - The rainbow — After the storm – The rainbow

What a wonderful time we had! Photographer Kenji Kuroshima was with us, documenting our journey through the history of hula. We visited wahi pana (celebrated places), stayed in an historic home, ate delicious island foods, learned to make lei, chanted, danced hula, and supported each other in our journey.

You can visit Kenjiʻs Hula Hawai`i blog to see more photos.

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First night - study — The workshop members study their class notes to prepare for the morning.

Lovely hula hands — Kumu Leilehua explains the kinetic vocabulary of hula.

He pono ke ala - The path is correct! — Making sure we are on the right path to hula! – Photo by Kumu Leilehua

Ke ha`a la Puna — Learning “Ke Ha`a La Puna” at Hā`ena. -Photo by Kenji Kuroshima

Between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea — At the kū`ahu asking permission before heading up Mauna Kea into the Wao Akua to learn about nā akua wahine. – Photo by Kenji Kuroshima.

Michelle Tomono is a gracious hostess, and serves tasty and nutritious breakfasts to her guests, giving them the energy to face Kumu Leilehuaʻs activity-filled workshop!

We also stayed at the historic Guard home and learned how people in Hilo lived 100 years ago.

The historic Guard home of Hilo — Built in 1916 by British banker Thomas Guard, this historic house on Reedʻs Island, in Hilo, is available to rent.

Learn more about how to participate in the Pono ke Ala workshops at www.ponokeala.jp