ʻIke Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Knowledge)
Noiʻi:
Discover the Art of Mele Research
Learn about the art and methodology behind uncovering the rich history, meaning, and cultural significance of mele. This lecture is perfect for anyone passionate about Hawaiian music, language, and traditions. Gain valuable insights into how mele connects us to our ancestors and shapes our understanding of the Hawaiian culture today. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your knowledge and appreciation of this cherished art form!
Recommended Age: 8 and older
Duration: 2 hours
Class size: 50+ participants
One time slot available:
-
Workshop Session 7 | Sunday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Your Instructor
Leialoha
Lim
Amina
Oʻahu
Leialoha Lim Amina is a kumu hula, hula researcher, hula competition entrant, hula competition judge, hula competition trainer, singer, musician, composer, and hula workshop presenter. She is the Kumu Hula of the award-winning and world-renowned Nā Lei O Kaholokū, established in 1981 on O‘ahu.
Leialoha was born and raised in Kohala, on the Island of Hawaiʻi. It is from Kohala that her distinguished hula lineage began with her first kumu hula, her mother, Mary Ann Lim. Subsequently, she studied hula under distinguished teachers: Aunt Margaret Tablitt, Iolani Luahine, George Naʻope, Edith Kanakaʻole, Darrell Lupenui, and George Holokai.
Leialoha’s philosophy of teaching hula is based on a chant that was shared with her by the renowned Hawaiian mentor and philosopher Pilahi Paki, in 1980. The chant, known as the Aloha Chant, was the test that Leialoha needed to pass in order to be Pilahi’s student. On the day she “put a voice to these words on paper,” Pilahi endowed upon her the name “Leialoha” and the mission of sharing the message of that chant through hula throughout the world.
During her mentorship with Pilahi Paki, Leialoha was encouraged to begin her hula school to “practice what she learned” from her mentor. Leialoha and Pilahi Paki co-founded Nā Lei O Kaholokū on O‘ahu. Nā Lei O Kaholoku debuted in the 1982 Merrie Monarch Hula Competition and celebrates 42 years of hula.
She is sought after as a Hula Judge for numerous hula competitions. She continues to teach with a focus on training not only hula dancers but also hula teachers. She is still active in competing in hula competitions as well as judging them. She continues to be an avid researcher of Hawaiian history and culture, emphasizing hula and mele. She is a sought-after hula consultant, speaker, and hula workshop presenter. She is also an accomplished composer, singer, musician, and performer. Kumu Hula Leialoha’s mission has been and continues to be to share the Spirit of Hawaiʻi, Aloha, through her love and passion for Hula.