Prologue: Guided by the Memory of Stars
A small light, flickering deep within memory, gently showed the way.
My journey with hula has never been a smooth one.
The time I longed to dance kahiko but couldn’t, the days I searched for light in silence—all of these moments became the foundation of who I am today, and of this studio.
It may have been a roundabout path, but as I kept walking, the light of the stars was reignited within me.
This is the story of tracing those memories.
I’d like to share just a little of the days when my love for hula never faded, and continued to burn quietly deep within my heart.
Chapter I: Awakening of the Soul — A Single Ray of Light Found Amid Hardship
Beyond the pain, what I found was unwavering joy.
It was over 25 years ago that I first encountered hula. I began studying under a Japanese instructor who had trained with a kumu who was once one of the first wāhine (female) disciples to study under the late Darrell Lupenui, a legendary kumu hula.
Through that instructor, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn directly from the Hawaiian kumu. Those days were filled with a sense of deep fulfillment, even amidst the rigor. What captivated me most was the sacred and powerful form of traditional hula known as kahiko. The rhythm of the ipu heke resonated with my own heartbeat, and the chants (oli) permeated my soul. Before I knew it, I was completely absorbed in the experience.
I also experienced the elegance of ʻauana and discovered the joy of playing the ukulele. Everything about hula felt fresh and new, and before long, my world had become filled with the colors of Hawaiʻi. Back then, simply being able to dance was the greatest joy, and I believed without question that this path would continue on forever.
Chapter II: A Crossroads of Fate — Letting Go of Place, Holding On to Meaning
It was through loss that I came to truly see.
Those days of passionate devotion gradually became ten years, and hula had become an inseparable part of my life. Around that time, an unexpected turning point arrived. Due to circumstances beyond my control—relocation—I had to leave the cherished class where I had spent years studying kahiko.
It was a heart-wrenching farewell—something I couldn’t change by my own will. In my new home, I knocked on the door of a new hula class. It was a lovely space where I was warmly welcomed, though kahiko was not taught there. Even so, my love for hula never wavered, and for five years, I continued to dance only ʻauana.
And yet, each time I surrendered myself to the graceful flow of ʻauana, a feeling began to rise from deep within—‘What I truly long to dance is that powerful kahiko.’ That thirst of the soul grew stronger with each passing day.
Chapter III: The Season of Silence — A Heart Closed Alongside the Paʻu
Even in silence, hula continued to dance deep within my heart.
That thirst could no longer be hidden deep within my heart. I made a second major decision in my life—to leave the class I had attended for five years. And after that, I stepped away completely from the world of hula for a while.
Peaceful, quiet days unfolded—without attending a studio or wearing a pāʻū skirt. Even the sound of hula music would make my heart ache just a little… It was a time when I felt as though hula had completely vanished from my life.
Even during those days of distance, the rhythm of the ipu heke lingering in my ears, and the echo of the oli resounding deep within my chest, gently stirred my heart. — They were like a quiet but unwavering flame, burning softly within the silence, small yet impossible to extinguish.
Chapter IV: The Light of That Day — To the Place Where Stars Shine Again
The Day My Heart Swayed Once More to the Rhythm of Hula
Light quietly streamed in from an unexpected direction. One day, while I was still distanced from hula, I learned of a leadership class led by Kumu Hula Keali‘i Sabalos. It became the fated opportunity that would guide me back into the light once again.
The feeling of the studio floor beneath my feet for the first time in a long while, the joy of sweating alongside my fellow dancers—and I was also able to receive guidance from Kumu Kahikina Nailiili. The teachings of both kumu gently brought back a sense of objectivity I had almost forgotten, along with a deep respect for the tradition of hula.
I was also blessed with the encounter of a new hula ʻohana—a community of Japanese instructors. Their warmth gently illuminated my long-lonely heart and powerfully, unmistakably reawakened the passion for hula that had been quietly lying dormant within me.
In that moment, I knew with certainty—my path was not over. In fact, it was a new beginning.
Chapter V: So That Your Star May Shine — The Story of Ka Hōkūlani’s Birth
Now, may I be a guiding light for someone else.
Every step along the path I’ve walked has become the foundation of Ka Hōkūlani HULA STUDIO.
Because I know the deep soul-level thirst of wanting to dance kahiko but being unable to, I wished to create a place where everyone can face kahiko fully and freely, with a sense of safety and peace.
That strong desire is woven into the heart of this studio.
Precisely because I once stepped away from the world of hula, I believe I can convey its essence more deeply than anyone else—the power of hula that continued to draw me back.
A Hawaiian kumu once bestowed upon me the name ‘Hōkūlani,’ saying, ‘You’re like the brightest star (Hōkū) shining in the heavens (Lani).’
I still hold those words close to my heart. This star, which once nearly lost its light, shines again now—because I never stopped believing in my love for hula, no matter the moment.
And now, it’s my turn to help your inner star shine.
I’m truly looking forward to seeing your own hula story begin here at this studio.
