Kūhai Hālau O ʻIlima Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko

Kūhai Hālau O ʻIlima Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko offers instruction in hula kahiko, hula ʻauana, and ʻoli. Papa ʻIlima is for ages 5-8 years old and meets Thursdays 5:00-6:00pm. Papa ʻOhe is for ages 9-12 years old and meets Wednesdays 6:15-7:15pm.

Programs

• Papa Kupukupu — 13 years old & up · Tuesdays 6:15-7:15pm · Beginning skill level. All classes include instruction in hula kahiko, hula ʻauana, and ʻoli.
• Papa Lauaʻe — 13 years old & up · Tuesdays 7:30-8:30pm · Intermediate skill level. All classes include instruction in hula kahiko, hula ʻauana, and ʻoli.
• Papa ʻOhe — 9-12 years old · Wednesdays 6:15-7:15pm · Intermediate/advanced skill level. All classes include instruction in hula kahiko, hula ʻauana, and ʻoli.
• Papa ʻAʻaliʻi — 35 years old & up · Wednesdays 7:30-8:30pm · All skill levels. All classes include instruction in hula kahiko, hula ʻauana, and ʻoli.
• Papa Kukui — 55 years old & up · Thursdays 9:00-10:00am · All skill levels. All classes include instruction in hula kahiko, hula ʻauana, and ʻoli.
• Papa ʻIlima — 5-8 years old · Thursdays 5:00-6:00pm · All classes include instruction in hula kahiko, hula ʻauana, and ʻoli.
• Papa Koa Kāne — 13 years old & up · Thursdays 6:15-7:15pm · All skill levels. All classes include instruction in hula kahiko, hula ʻauana, and ʻoli.
• Papa Maile — 13-40 years old · Thursdays 7:30-8:30pm · Intermediate/Advanced skill level. All classes include instruction in hula kahiko, hula ʻauana, and ʻoli.
• Papa Lehua — Invitation Only · Extended study. All classes include instruction in hula kahiko, hula ʻauana, and ʻoli.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• General schedule: All classes include instruction in hula kahiko (ancient hula), hula ʻauana (contemporary hula), and ʻoli (chant).

About the provider

The leadership team includes Kumu ʻIlima Kam Martinez, Kumu hula Oheloulaokalani "Ula" Hewett, and Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. Kumu Ilima earned a degree in Indigenous Anthropology from California State University San Marcos in 2019. The hālau was gifted the inoa, Kūhai Hālau O ʻIlima Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko, in the tradition of Aunty Emma DeFries, upon the ʻūniki of Aunty Ilima to kumu hula in 2022. Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett formally graduated to kumu hula through ʻūniki ceremony.

• Private classes — past and present KHOI students only · hourly or half-hour allotted time slots · Private one-on-one instruction.

Please register for a FREE CLASS before enrolling. Monthly tuition rates are available only by contacting the program directly. There is a one-time family registration fee of $25. Discounts apply for additional family members living in the same household. Drop-in classes are not available. Hula Foundations is required for all new students. Experienced dancers may progress more quickly and be placed in a class sooner. Private classes are available only to past and present KHOI students.

Last updated September 21, 2026.