To the kumu who opened the path of hula for me and gave me the strength to walk it
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.
Welcome to Ka Hōkūlani HULA STUDIO
Nice to meet you. My name is Kato Motoe, founder and principal teacher of Ka Hōkūlani HULA STUDIO.
This studio was born from a heartfelt wish: to create a space where hearts can gently open through the practice of hula.
Whether you’re just beginning your hula journey or have been walking alongside it for years—
Here, there is absolutely no need to compare yourself with anyone.
At your own pace, guided by what your heart and body truly seek, let us slowly journey through the sacred world of ancient hula, kahiko, and the stories it weaves.
By touching this beautiful cultural art form, may your heart gently unwind, and may joy and peace begin to fill you.
I would be so happy to share that kind of time with you here.
The Meaning Behind “Hōkūlani”
My Hawaiian name is Hōkūlani—meaning “heavenly shining star” in Hawaiian.
It was a precious gift from the kumu who first opened the door to hula and guided me forward.
Along with this cherished name came the words: “You are like the brightest star shining in the heavens.”
Holding those words close to my heart, I now feel it is my turn to help your star shine.
The studio name, Ka Hōkūlani, gives form to that heartfelt wish.
To honor this name, I strive to share the essence of hula with sincerity and heart, offering its beauty to each of you.
My Journey with Hula
It’s been over 25 years since I first encountered hula.
Meeting a Japanese teacher who carries the lineage of legendary kumu hula led me to the rare opportunity of learning directly from kumu in Hawai‘i.
But the deeper my learning grew, the more inner conflict I faced.
I struggled with comparison, self-doubt, and feeling inadequate.
Through those experiences, I came to realize:
For someone to truly shine, they need a space where their heart feels safe enough to open.
That realization led me to study psychology, and eventually to create a studio that connects hula with emotional care.
Rooted in Two Sources: Hula and Psychology
Ka Hōkūlani’s lessons are grounded in two pillars that shape who I am:
The Source of Hula
With deep respect for Hawaiian tradition, I share oli (chant) and hula passed down with formal permission from multiple kumu hula.
I choose not to name my teachers here—not because their names lack importance, but because I wish to honor the value of their teachings themselves, beyond titles.
Emotional Expertise
To protect your sense of safety, I’ve continued my studies in psychology and healing practices:
- JADP-certified Advanced Psychological Counselor®
- Holistic Life Coach
- Hypnotherapist
- ThetaHealing® Advanced DNA Practitioner
These are not just credentials—they are my promise to help you dance with peace of mind.
From the breathing exercises at the start of each lesson, we gently align both heart and body.
Your Story Begins Here
Ka Hōkūlani is not a place where you are judged as “good” or “bad.”
It is a place to surrender to the heartbeat of the ipu heke, to resonate with the sound of the oli, and to simply feel the pure joy of dancing.
What lies beyond that is a deep sense of safety and your own inner radiance.
That is the greatest treasure I hope to share through this studio.
I truly hope your new story begins here.
And I look forward, from the bottom of my heart, to the day I see your beautiful smile in the studio.
