Hula
Hula ʻAuana
with Kumu Hula Kalani Flores-Hatt
"Hula O Makee"
"Hula o Makee" recounts the gripping true story of the ship Makee’s fateful encounter with the reef off Keālia, Kauaʻi. As the whistle of the workday echoed, locals gathered to witness the unfolding drama and lend their aid. At the heart of this tale is Hailama, a legendary steersman and fisherman from Haʻena, whose expertise and distinctive stance—often depicted in the hula—steered the Makee off the reef, though the ship was ultimately lost to the sea.
This mele offers a window into Hawaiian oral tradition, showcasing its collaborative evolution and layered narratives of love, resilience, and community. Multiple versions of the story exist, attributed to composers like James Kaʻōpuiki and William S. Ellis, as well as Amy Hobbs Mahikoa, reflecting the depth and complexity of Hawaiian song traditions.
This workshop is perfect for hula practitioners of all levels who wish to deepen their understanding of Hawaiian storytelling through dance. Whether you are drawn to the historical significance, the artistry of the movements, or the emotional depth of the mele, this experience will leave you inspired and enriched.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Kumu Kalani and bring the story of "Hula o Makee" to life through the timeless art of hula.
For all hula workshops, participants are expected to wear comfortable attire that allows for ease of movement and is culturally respectful. Additionally, participants should wear a pāʻū or a sarong/pareau suitable for hula practice.
Recommended for ages 8 and older.
Duration: 2 Hours
Class size limit: 30 participants
One time slot available:
-
Workshop Sessions 8 | Sunday, 11:15 AM - 1:15 PM
Your Instructor
Kalani
Kaʻawa
Flores-Hatt
Oʻahu
Mr. Paul Kalani “Boboy” Kaawa Flores-Hatt, Jr. is a proud kupa (native) of the ahupuaʻa of Nānākuli and the moku of Waiʻanae, Oʻahu. He is a College Professor of ʻIke Hawaiʻi and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi as well as the Culture and Place-Based Campus Coordinator and the Title III Project Director at the University of Hawaiʻi at Honolulu Community College.
Mr. Kaawa Flores-Hatt holds a degree in Hawaiian Studies and Language and a graduate degree in Learning Design and Technology from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. He has worked professionally in the field of education (K-12 and higher education combined) for over 20 years. Mr. Kaawa Flores-Hatt, Jr. is also the Kumu Hula of Hālau Nā Pua A Kapiʻolani.
The name Kapiʻolani honors his mother, Kumu Hula April Kapiʻolani Kaawa, who reared him in the hula along with her brother Kumu Hula Joseph Kaawa of Kaleookaʻahumanu Hula Hālau. Both his uncle and his mother were students of Master Kumu Hula John Thomas “Piʻilani” Watkins. After the passing of his uncle in 2004, he received the rights to carry on the hula traditions of his ʻohana. In 2011, he completed formal hula training and received traditional ʻūniki huʻelepo rites in hula ʻōlapa, ʻalaʻapapa, hoʻopaʻa, and hula pahu from Master Kumu Hula Kimo Alama Keaulana.
As an active contributor to his community, Mr. Kaawa Flores-Hatt has served on multiple advisory boards and board of directors for various organizations and businesses along the Leeward Coast of Oʻahu and throughout the state of Hawaiʻi. Mr. Kaawa Flores-Hatt also dedicates his time and efforts to advising and assisting schools, community organizations, and Native Hawaiian serving agencies throughout the state of Hawaiʻi in designing and implementing Culture and Place-Based teaching and learning strategies and 21st-century Native Hawaiian Leadership programs created to encourage aspiring Native Hawaiians and Hawaii residents to become active and engaged participants in their communities.