Hālau Hula Kāhea I Ka Manu Aloha is a traditional Hawaiian hula school in Mira Mesa, San Diego, where haumāna come together to learn hula in a welcoming and supportive community.
I am ʻAnakē Kāhea, and my beloved Tūtū was my very first hula teacher. Long before I began formal hula training, she introduced me to Hawaiian culture through cooking, gardening, sewing, arts and crafts, and by sharing stories about our ʻohana and life on Oʻahu before and after World War II.
Those early lessons inspired my lifelong journey in hula and continue to guide our hālau today.
"To me, a Hālau and forest are like a small community…the big trees shade and protect the smaller foliage to allow the small plants to grow lush and abundant. The small plants in turn provide moisture to the tall tree roots so that they remain strong."
When I began contemplating names for our class groups I knew that I wanted them all to be plants, native Hawaiian plants. Distinct fragrances of Hawaiʻi evoke emotions from the dancer and therefore the audience.
Whenever I see palapalai growing across the forest floor, I am reminded to slow down and simply be present. It helps me feel connected to nature, to Akua, and to the place where I stand. I chose palapalai for our keiki because, although it grows close to the earth with quiet humility, it flourishes when it is nurtured. In many ways, our hālau grows the same way.
Whenever I wear maile, its fragrance quietly tells me, "I am ready." It carries me to another place and time, reminding me of Hawaiʻi's history and the stories that have been passed from one generation to the next. Every time I step into the hālau wearing maile, I am reminded what an honor it is to carry those traditions forward.
One of my favorite Hawaiian stories is that of ʻŌhiʻa, Lehua, and Pele. It is a story of unconditional love, empathy, perseverance, and hope that has stayed with me throughout my hula journey. Like the ʻōhiʻa lehua, one of the first trees to grow after a lava flow, it reminds me that even after life's greatest challenges, there is always the opportunity for a new beginning. That is why I chose ʻŌhiʻa for this papa.
My mother's Hawaiian name is Pikake, so this flower has always held a special place in my heart. It is also one of my favorite lei to wear, and its sweet fragrance has inspired Hawaiian mele about love and affection for generations. Every time I wear pikake, I can't help but think of my mom.
Naupaka was one of my kumu, Aunty Jerri's, favorite flowers, and because of her it has become one of mine as well. The story of the naupaka reminds me that although life may separate us for a time, the bonds we share are never truly broken. It is a beautiful reminder that aloha always has a way of bringing people back together.
Mahalo for taking the time to visit our hālau. I hope to have the opportunity to meet you soon.