Hula With Aloha

Ala Moana Center recently unveiled  Hula With Aloha , an authentic Hawaiian cultural experience where kamaaina and visitors can network, practice and learn the art of hula from award winning kumu hula. Open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Hula With Aloha is located on Level 3, Ewa Wing in the Bloomingdale’s Court and features beginning, intermediate and advanced hula classes, lei making and more.

“Ala Moana Center is always looking for new ways to not only incorporate the Hawaiian culture into our shopping experience, but perpetuate and encourage the practice of it as well,” said Francis Cofran, senior general manager, Ala Moana Center. “We are proud to offer this unique cultural experience to be enjoyed by residents as well as our many visitors from around the world.”

Curated by the Ala Moana hula show cultural advisor and Kumu Hula Kapua Dalire-Moe, Hula With Aloha will feature the teachings of award-winning kumu hula, including Olana Ai, Kealiʻi Reichel, Maelia Lobenstein Carter, Leialoha Amina, Tracie and Keawe Lopes, Napua Greig, Kauʻi Kamanaʻo, Kunewa Mook, Kapua Dalire-Moe, Kauʻi Dalire, Keolalaulani Dalire, and more. The Dalire sisters have all won the title of Miss Aloha Hula after their mother, the late Kumu Hula Aloha Dalire, won the first Miss Aloha Hula title in 1971.

“We created Hula With Aloha to serve as a vehicle to honor and perpetuate hula, language, music and more. As kumu hula, it is our job to pass on the traditions and knowledge from our hula lineage, and we look forward to sharing hula and our culture with the world,” said Kumu Hula Kapua Dalire-Moe.

Beginning Hula
Price: $35
Duration: 60 minutes
The beginning hula class will include an introduction to song and a lesson on the basic hand gestures and body movements that make up the art of hula. Photo opportunities are available.

Intermediate Hula
Price: $50
Duration: 90 minutes
For those who have some hula experience, the intermediate class will allow dancers to further their learning with challenging choreography. The intermediate class will feature the traditional hula kahiko and the modern hula ʻauana.

Advanced Hula
Price: $65
Duration: 90 minutes
The advanced hula class is offered to further personal growth in hula. The classes are tailored to the dancer’s skill level.

Cultural practitioners who are skilled in the art of oli (chanting), lei making, Hawaiian storytelling, and more, are also a part of the Hula With Aloha experience. Classes can be set up by advance reservation only. Class times may vary. Private group lessons are also available. For more information about Hula With Aloha or to book a class, please visit  www.hulawithaloha.com.

Ala Moana Center partnered with local artists from the worldwide contemporary art initiative, POW! WOW!, to create a 75 by 50 foot mural. The mural, titled Nature of Aloha, serves as the backdrop for the Hula With Aloha experience.

Monday through Saturday