Hula Preservation Society - Hawaii

Po‘e Hula

Hula Elders

Since 2000, HPS has had the privilege of sitting and talking with elders throughout the islands. These video oral histories and associated documentation are a treasure trove of learning, built on the voices of our beloved kūpuna. The kūpuna fall under two categories—Hula Masters and Hula Elders.

Click on names that have a star icon ★ to view an elderʻs virtual collection on Digital ‘Umeke. Check back often as we continue to add new collections.

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Rhea Enos Akoi ★

Anna Lou Arakaki

Edna Farden Bekeart

Mealii Horio Boyd

Gladys Joshua Brash ★

Harry Brown

Pauline Wessel Chillingworth

George Gippy Cooke

Van Horn Diamond

Queenie Ventura Dowsett ★

Thelma Enos

Johnny Frisbie

Leilehua Becker Furtado

Myrtle Kahea Hilo ★

Betsy Jhun Hinau

Calvin Hoe

Floyd Hoopii

Eloise Gaspar Hoyt

Kanta Hughes

Emma Stone Kauhi ★

Kahauanu Lake ★

Angeline Hopkins Locey

Irene Wakinekona Lum Ho ★

Noelani Kanoho Mahoe

Shirley Moss

Dorinda Stagner Nicholson

Maria Niino

Beverly Noa

Helie Koehnen Rohner

Isabel Hapai Sagote

Jean Serikawa

Kenneth Sharpe

Pilipo Solatorio

Ishmael Stagner

Marjorie Murray Sumner ★

Carol Mae Stibbard Vanderford

Lehuapane Lee Loy Weatherwax ★

Mapuana Yasue

Lauae Maluo Yung ★

Hula Elders

These elders were raised with hula as part of their lives, whether they were students of late great masters, or their sons, daughters, or other family members. They were born primarily in the 1910s, 20s, and 30s and were raised in a vastly different Hawaiʻi than what we know Today. Their stories, insights, recollections, and life experiences hold great value as the world around us continues to change and our beloved home continues to evolve.