Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park
Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii
USA
Hula Hālau O Kou Lima Nani ‘E was founded in 1986 to coordinate cultural education programs that benefit Hawai‘i communities. Students in the hālau range from keiki (children) to Kupuna (elders) and are taught all aspects of the hula tradition including the practice of traditional Hawaiian values. The hālau regularly competes in the Merrie Monarch Hula Competition.
Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima was born and raised in Keaukaha Homestead in Hilo, Hawai’i, and began dancing at the age of eight, under the direction of Uncle George Lanakilakeikiahiali’i Na’ope. She graduated (‘uniki) and received her na kumu palapala in 1982. Through the tutelage of Uncle George and her family’s upbringing, she developed a deep love for her culture and now devotes her time to continue the preservation of hula.