HĀLAU OF ‘ŌIWI ART

A group of Maui Kumu Hula and the County of Maui are in early planning stages to establish a Hawaiian cultural center called “Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art,” to be located in Wailuku, Maui.

Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art will be dedicated to the study, practice, celebration and perpetuation of hula and various ‘ōiwi arts connected to hula. The center will be in support of the Huamakahikina Declaration, ratified by an international coalition of Kumu Hula and adopted by resolution by the Maui County Council this fall. It will be the first of its kind and the largest investment by any county or the state to establish a permanent place for hula and associated ʻōiwi arts.

The center will help to advance the culture of the Hawaiian people through education, classes, workshops, exhibits, activities and events centered around hula. It is a collaboration between diverse groups of Maui hālau hula, representing the breadth of Maui’s Hula Lineages, with the support of the County of Maui.

Preliminary discussions are underway to explore the scope of facility uses and needs, potential funding sources, and considering the role of the center within the emerging Wailuku Arts District, Maui County and beyond.

Pili Kou Leo – Your Voice Matters

Have a question or want to share your ideas and/or comments on the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art? Please complete the email form below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Pictured in photo on top of page (from left): Kumu Hula Kamaka Kūkona, Kumu Hula Kahulu Maluo-Pearson, Kumu Hula Hōkūlani Holt, Mayor Michael Victorino, Kumu Hula Cody Pueo Pata, Kumu Hula Francine "Mopsy" Aarona, Kumu Hula Moanikeʻala Whittle-Wagner, Kumu Hula Haunani Paredes. Not pictured: Kumu Hula Kaponoʻai Molitau, Kumu Hula Hiʻilei Maxwell-Juan, Kumu Hula ʻĀlika Guerrero, Keoni Kuoha, Karey Kapoi.

“Our goal for the Hālau of ʻŌiwi Art is to create a center of international significance that will advance the cultural, social, and historical impact of Native Hawaiian ‘Ōiwi art. Through these efforts, our islands’ hālau hula hope to empower all people in Hawai‘i and the world, to keep these traditions alive for future generations.”
- Kumu Hula Hōkūlani Holt

Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee deliberations on the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 budget held on April 8, 2022.