San Diego Hula Academy

San Diego Hula Academy offers hula classes for children and teens, including Papa Liko Lehua / Keiki Hula, Papa Kupukupu / Beginning Kaikamahine, Papa ‘Ie ‘Ie / Intermediate Kaikamahine, and Papa Pili‘opio Wahine. The classes include basic steps, choreography, Hawaiian songs, Hawaiian stories, Hawaiian language, kahiko and auana hula, and, in some classes, Hawaiian culture and technique training. The program also offers Tahitian / ‘Ori Tahiti with basic steps, drills, choreography, and costume construction, plus Competition Teams & Soloists with technical, physical, and mental training.

Programs

• Papa Liko Lehua / Keiki Hula — 3-6 years · Mondays 5-6 pm · For all children (boys and girls) aged 3-6. Structured introduction to hula. No experience necessary. Basic steps, choreography, songs, Hawaiian stories, and Hawaiian language included.
• Papa Kupukupu / Beginning Kaikamahine — 6-12 years · Tuesdays 5-6 pm · For female dancers aged 6-12. Open to all new dancers. No experience required. Focuses on hula basics, choreography in kahiko and auana hula, Hawaiian language, and culture.
• Papa ‘Ie ‘Ie / Intermediate Kaikamahine — 6-12 years · Wednesdays 5-6 pm
• Papa Pili‘opio Wahine — 12-17 years · Tuesdays 6-7 pm · For female dancers aged 12-17. Experience required. Development class to master technique, build strength, and practice gracefulness.
• Papa Laua’e / Hula Foundations — 13+ years · Sundays 1-2 pm
• Papa Maile / Intermediate Wahine — Women · Wednesdays 6-7 pm
• Papa Lehua ‘Ula / Advanced Wahine — 12-99 years · Wednesdays 7-8 pm
• Papa Koakāne / Men — 8-99 years · Sundays 12-1 pm · For boys aged 8-99 and male dancers of all levels. Focuses on hula basics, choreography in kahiko and auana styles, Hawaiian language, history, and culture.
• Papa Pala’ā / Mākuahine — 35+ years · Sundays 11 am -12 pm · For female dancers aged 35+. Intermediate class for experienced dancers working on hula technique, posture, grace, and synchronization. New students should begin in Hula Foundations.
• Papa Kukui / Kupuna Hula — 55+ years · Sundays 2-3 pm · All dancers aged 55+ begin in this class. Suitable for men or women. Focuses on dance, culture, history, and language. Beginners welcome. Optional periodic performances.
• Tahitian / ‘Ori Tahiti — 8-99 years · Tuesdays 6-7:30 pm · All students 8-99 years are welcome. Includes Tahitian basic steps, drills, choreography, and costume construction. Dancers may perform in the annual Ho’ike.
• Competition Teams & Soloists — 9-55 years · Autumn/winter auditions; competition season begins in January · Competitive dancers perform at local competitions and receive technical, physical, and mental training.

At a glance

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Facility hours: Monday 5 - 8 pm; Tuesday 5-8 pm; Wednesday 5 - 8 pm; Sunday 10 am-3 pm

About the provider

San Diego Hula Academy states a mission of preserving the legacy of Kawaikapuokalani Hewett and preserving tradition and culture through hula, ‘oli, and mo‘o‘olelo for future generations. The leadership team includes Lehua Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Kumu Hula/Founder Kawena Garuba, Kumu Hula/Aulani Murphy, and a Ra'atira/Tahitian Instructor.

What families say

““This Hālau is a space where growth is encouraged, culture is honored and every dancer supported. WIth strong foundations and compassionate guidance, we learn, we sweat, we laugh and we rise together.”” — Kanoe Raco

““Kumu Kawena leads with knowledge, humility, and aloha, and it shows in every dancer of this hālau. I am so proud to be part of something so intentional and meaningful.”” — Ku’uipo Kressin

““San Diego Hula Academy creates space for everyone to grow - as performers and as people.”” — Ku’upua Mitchell

Last updated October 29, 2026.