In celebration of Hilo’s annual Merrie Monarch festival, Kumu Ab Valencia invites the public to a unique hula workshop series, Hula Pele on Tuesdays, May 2, 9, 16, & 23, from 4pm – 5pm at Volcano Art Center. In this workshop, you’ll learn appropriate costuming and how to make nā lei wehiwehi hula (hula adornments). On the last day of class the haumāna (students) will make a traditional hula presentation to Pele at her home at Kīlauea.
As King David Kalakaua said, “Hula is the language of the heart, therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian People.”
There are many oli and mele hula for Pelehonuamea. Kumu Ab will teach a hula Pele that pays homage to Pelehonuamea and her home at Kīlauea. Learn basic hula steps and hand motions that tell the story of Pele.
Visitors and kama‘aina alike will delight in this hands-on series of hula classes suitable for anyone ages 15 and up who have a curiosity about Kīlauea, and the indigenous cultural practices of kanaka maoli with respect to Pelehonuamea, goddess of the Volcano.
Cost for this four-session workshop is $200 and includes all plant materials for hula adornments. Students may be responsible for pā’ū hula (hula skirt for men and women).
Please bring a notebook and pen. No prior hula experience is necessary!
All classes meet at Volcano Art Center Niaulani Campus at 19-4074 Old Volcano Road in Volcano Village. This workshop series offers a truly immersive experience that is sure to foster or rekindle your connection to this unique place we call Kīlauea.
For more information or to register call Volcano Art Center at 808-967-8222
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More About Kumu Ab Valencia
Kumu Ab Valencia was born and raised in Honolulu and began dancing hula in 1979. In 2004, Ab and his wife Pua moved from Honolulu to Volcano, Hawai‘i, where Hālau Hula Kalehuaki‘eki‘eika‘iu ma Kilauea began in March 2006. Kumu Ab currently teaches hula in Volcano and continues to share traditional cultural knowledge with the community.
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