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.
Anna Lou Arakaki
Edna Farden Bekeart
Mealii Horio Boyd
Harry Brown
George Gippy Cooke
Van Horn Diamond
Thelma Enos
Johnny Frisbie
Leilehua Becker Furtado
Betsy Jhun Hinau
Calvin Hoe
Floyd Hoopii
Eloise Gaspar Hoyt
Kanta Hughes
Angeline Hopkins Locey
Noelani Kanoho Mahoe
Shirley Moss
Dorinda Stagner Nicholson
Maria Niino
Beverly Noa
Isabel Hapai Sagote
Jean Serikawa
Kenneth Sharpe
Pilipo Solatorio
Ishmael Stagner
Carol Mae Stibbard Vanderford
Mapuana Yasue
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.