Hula Preservation Society - Hawaii

Po‘e Hula

Hula Masters

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.

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress

Leilani Alama

Puanani Alama

Gordean Lee Bailey

Roselle Lindsey Bailey

Al Makahinu Barcarse

Nona Kapuailohia Beamer ★

Dorothy Johnston Beyer ★

Kaui Mahikoa Brandt ★

Kahili Long Cummings ★

Lorraine Joshua Daniel ★

Kent Ghirard

George Holokai ★

Marge Lehualani Hunt

Jean Hopkins Kalani

Robert “Lopaka” Kalani ★

Hilda Akahane Keanaaina ★

Momi Aarona Kepilino ★

Mae Kamamalu Klein

Blossom Joshua Kunewa ★

Joan Sniffen Lindsey ★

Edith Kapule McKinzie

Martha Medeiros

Beverly Apana Muraoka

George Naope ★

Minerva Higa Pang

Puluelo Naipo Park ★

Kauila Poaha Reyes ★

Pearl Keawe Souza ★

Earl Pamai Tenn

Alexa Keaunui Vaught

Leiana Long Woodside

Pattye Wright

Hula Masters

The hula masters here spent their lives teaching, sharing, and lovingly passing on the lessons, repertoire, and lifeways of their teachers before them. 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.