To my beloved Kumu,
Every story of hula shared here is a reflection of the light you have given me.
Your teachings are my North Star, forever guiding my path.
This studio, and the spirit of aloha we nurture within it, stand as a testament to my unending gratitude and respect for you.
Me ke aloha pumehana (With warm love).
I’m Motoe, the founder of Ka Hōkūlani HULA STUDIO.
This studio carries my deep love for hula—and a single heartfelt wish woven into its creation.
Hōkūlani, the Star That Shines in the Heavens
”Hōkūlani” is both the name of this studio and my own Hawaiian name.
It was a precious gift from the kumu (teacher) I studied under when I first began my hula journey.
This kumu had once been among the earliest female (wahine) disciples of the legendary kumu hula, the late Darrell Lupenui.
She looked at me and said, ‘You are like the brightest star (hōkū) shining in the heavens (lani).’
Her words have continued to shine in my heart ever since.
This studio bears that name as a reflection of my deep love for hula.
It is the embodiment of my spirit and serves as a soulful foundation for everything we do.
Encountering Traditional Hula (Kahiko)
I’ve been walking with hula for over 25 years.
What continues to hold my heart—even now—is the sacred, powerful world of hula kahiko, the traditional style.
It was from my wish to share the profound beauty of kahiko—slowly, mindfully, and with many others—that this studio was born.
This is not simply a place to learn choreography.
With deep respect for Hawaiian tradition, each class begins by centering the heart through oli (chant), and surrendering to the rhythmic pulse of the ipu heke.
Within this flow of sound and breath, body and soul gently begin to soften, returning you to your truest self.
Believing in the quiet, majestic power of hula, I continue to teach each day, one step at a time.
Toward a Warm and Welcoming Hula ʻOhana
With all my past experiences held close to my heart, this small studio was born.
When we first opened, I began this journey with only a handful of students—and even now, with just three classes, every joy and every pain I’ve lived through is woven into this place.
Just as I was once uplifted by my “hula sisters,”
it is now my deepest wish to nurture this space into a true hula ʻohana—
a place where hearts connect, and we support and encourage one another.
Founder Profile
Name:Motoe (Kato Motoe)
Lineage & Training:
Motoe began her hula journey under a Japanese instructor who had studied with a Hawaiian kumu in the lineage of the legendary kumu hula, the late Darrell Lupenui.
Through this teacher, she was blessed with opportunities to receive direct instruction from Hawaiian kumu, forming the foundation of her hula practice.
Interests:Hula, travel, and enjoying good drinks
Certifications
- Certified Advanced Psychological Counselor (JADP)
- Holistic Life Coach
- Hypnotherapist
- Theta Healing® Advanced DNA Practitioner
My Wish
Hula is not simply a beautiful dance to me.
It is a precious time that softly connects the heart and body, allowing us to quietly face ourselves.
That’s why I see my role not as someone who teaches technique,
but as someone who, through the wonderful culture of Hula,
gently helps you discover true peace and joy—and release your inner light.
In this safe and serene little space, free from competition and judgment,
I welcome you with all my heart,
so that you may return to your authentic self.