Halau Ka Lei Kukui Hi'ilani - Mainland USA Extension

For those in California seeking a profound connection to Hawaiian culture and the captivating art of hula, Halau Ka Lei Kukui Hi'ilani - Mainland USA Extension offers an unparalleled opportunity right here in Encinitas. More than just a dance school, this halau (hula school) is a vibrant community committed to learning, preserving, and perpetuating the cultural integrity of Hawaiian hula, traditions, history, and language. Rooted in the teachings of Kumu Hula Leihi'ilani Kirkpatrick from Kaua'i, this mainland extension provides an authentic and deeply enriching experience. From the foundational steps of hula to the spiritual meanings embedded in every chant and song, students of all ages and backgrounds are welcomed into a "place of love" where they can explore the beauty and depth of this ancient art form. It’s a space where Hawaiian values like Aloha (love), Lōkahi (unity), and Ha'aha'a (humility) are not just taught but lived, fostering a true sense of 'ohana (family) among its members.

Halau Ka Lei Kukui Hi'ilani - Mainland USA Extension is conveniently located at 535 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA. This accessible address places the halau within a well-known area of Encinitas, making it easily reachable for individuals and families residing throughout the city and surrounding North County San Diego communities. Encinitas Boulevard is a major thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation from nearby areas like Carlsbad, Solana Beach, and even parts of San Marcos and Oceanside. The halau typically meets at Dance North County, a prominent local dance facility, which often provides ample parking. This is a significant convenience for students and parents managing travel schedules. While specific public transportation routes would depend on your exact starting point, Encinitas has local transit services that might offer connections to areas near the studio. The strategic placement of Halau Ka Lei Kukui Hi'ilani ensures that authentic Hawaiian hula instruction and cultural enrichment are readily available to the dedicated community across this vibrant Californian region, fostering a strong connection to the islands right on the mainland.

Services Offered:

• Traditional Hula Instruction: The core offering includes comprehensive training in both hula kahiko (ancient, traditional hula) and hula 'auana (modern hula), encompassing the varied styles and expressions of the art.
• Foundational Hula Classes (Papa Hula Ho'okahua): These are required foundational classes for adults and teens of all levels, including ranked students (Lau Kukui, Lauli'ili'i Kukui, Kupu Kukui). They delve into 'ōlelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian language), oli (chant), mele (song), and hula (dance), providing a holistic cultural understanding.
• Performance Level Hula (Papa Hula Hō'ike): Designed to prepare students for performances, these classes focus on choreography instruction in both hula kahiko and hula 'auana. Instructor approval and concurrent enrollment in Papa Hula Ho'okahua are typically required.
• Youth Hula Classes (Papa Hula Hua Kukui, Papa Hula Liko Kukui): Entry-level classes are available for ages 2 and up (Papa Hula Hua Kukui), with progression to higher youth levels (Papa Hula Liko Kukui) requiring instructor approval and meeting promotion requirements.
• Worship Hula (Hawaiian Hula Ho'āno Meetup): A free, public class focused on the spiritual aspects of hula, incorporating 'ōlelo Hawai'i, oli, mele, hula, and Bible study. Open to all ages, with or without prior hula experience.
• Private Lessons: Individual and group private lessons are available by appointment, catering to both halau and non-halau members, including specialized lessons for events like weddings.
• Online Hula Classes: For flexibility, the halau offers Zoom classes such as Hawaiian Hula Ho'oikaika (Hula Strengthening) and Hawaiian Hula Ho'ole'ale'a (Hula For Fun), focusing on techniques and foundational choreography.
• Cultural Workshops: Regularly participates in and hosts workshops to deepen understanding of Hawaiian culture, ranging from lei making to the making and use of natural dyes, often inviting masters of their trades.
• Cultural Events and Performances: Students are encouraged to participate in various cultural events, local festivals, church outreaches, and special showcases, providing opportunities to share hula with the community.
• Preservation of Cultural Integrity: The overarching mission is to learn, preserve, and perpetuate cultural integrity in all aspects of Hawaiian hula, traditions, history, and language.

Features / Highlights:

• Authentic Hawaiian Lineage: The halau is an official extension of Kumu Hula Leihi'ilani Kirkpatrick's halau on Kaua'i, ensuring that the teachings are deeply rooted in authentic Hawaiian traditions and knowledge.
• Holistic Cultural Immersion: Beyond just dance steps, the curriculum integrates 'ōlelo Hawai'i (Hawaiian language), oli (chant), and mele (song), providing a comprehensive cultural education.
• "Place of Love" and Strong Community: Consistently described as a "place of love," the halau fosters a powerful sense of 'ohana (family), where dancers of varied backgrounds unite and support each other.
• Experienced Leadership: The Mainland USA Extension is led by Alaka'i Auntie Kahanoa Floresca, who continues the legacy of Kumu Hula Leihi'ilani Kirkpatrick, bringing years of experience and deep cultural understanding.
• Spiritual Foundation: The mission explicitly includes honoring and glorifying Ke Akua (God), and the Hawaiian Hula Ho'āno Meetup demonstrates a commitment to the spiritual dimensions of hula.
• Emphasis on Values: The halau actively practices Biblical and Hawaiian values such as Aloha (love), Lōkahi (unity), 'Oia'i'o (faith), Ha'aha'a (humility), and Ahonui (patience), shaping not just dancers but well-rounded individuals.
• Opportunities for All Levels and Ages: With classes from age 2 and up, including specific beginner, performance, and worship levels, the halau caters to a wide spectrum of students, from novices to those with extensive experience.
• Performance and Community Outreach: Regular participation in cultural events, festivals, and church outreaches allows students to showcase their skills and share the beauty of hula, enriching their learning experience.
• Deep Meaning and Expression: The vision is for dancers to express and bring to light the meanings of mele and hula, welling up from their na'au (mind, heart) and radiating outward.

Contact Information:

Address: 535 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA

Phone: (760) 471-6784

Mobile Phone: +1 760-471-6784

For locals in Encinitas and throughout the broader North County San Diego region, Halau Ka Lei Kukui Hi'ilani - Mainland USA Extension offers a truly unique and deeply enriching opportunity to connect with Hawaiian culture. Its convenient location on Encinitas Boulevard ensures easy accessibility for families and individuals seeking authentic hula instruction. What makes this halau particularly suitable for local Californians is its commitment to preserving and perpetuating Hawaiian traditions with integrity, guided by experienced leaders who continue the legacy of a respected Kumu Hula from Kaua'i. It’s more than just a dance class; it's a "place of love" where foundational Hawaiian language, chants, and cultural values are woven into every lesson, fostering a holistic understanding of hula. Whether you're a curious beginner, a seasoned dancer, or looking for a meaningful cultural activity for your child, the inclusive and supportive 'ohana atmosphere ensures a welcoming environment. The emphasis on spiritual growth, community engagement through performances, and the practice of core Hawaiian values like Aloha and Lōkahi make Halau Ka Lei Kukui Hi'ilani a truly special and invaluable asset to the local cultural landscape. For those desiring to experience the true essence of hula and Hawaiian heritage, this Encinitas extension is an undeniable beacon.

Halau Ka Lei Kukui Hi'ilani - Mainland USA Extension

535 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024, USA