Hālau Ka Lei Kukui Hi'ilani (California Extension)

Hālau Ka Lei Kukui Hi'ilani (California Extension) is a traditional hula school that offers traditional hula classes. The program offers classes for all ages and skill levels.

• Ages: 5–18 years old

Hālau Ka Lei Kukui Hi'ilani (California Extension) was established in 2014. Its mission is to learn, preserve, and perpetuate cultural integrity in all aspects of Hawaiian hula, traditions, history and language, and to honor and glorify Ke Akua in all He has given. It is a traditional hula school located in the coastal city of Encinitas in North County San Diego, California. The name Ka Lei Kukui Hi’ilani literally means “the kukui lei held in the arms of heaven.” The kukui nut comes from the candlenut tree, whose nuts containing white, oily kernels were traditionally used as lighting implements, and the candlenut tree is described as a symbol of enlightenment, with the image of a lamp, light, or torch also signifying a guide or a leader. The hālau name refers to the varied backgrounds and rich experiences of every dancer who shares, through hula, the significant meanings of the mele (song), moʻolelo (story), and oli (chant) to which they dance. Stated goals include providing opportunities for continued training, expanding and maintaining cultural knowledge, and establishing effective and loving communication through the practice of Biblical and Hawaiian values: Aloha (love), Lōkahi (unity), ʻOiaʻiʻo (faith), Haʻahaʻa (humility), and Ahonui (patience). Its vision is for nā ʻolapa (dancers) to come together in lōkahi (unity) and aloha (love) in order to nurture, express, and bring to light the meanings of both mele and hula, with that expression coming from their naʻau (mind, heart) and radiating outward.

Last updated July 7, 2026.