Pilina - relationship, connection, association
photo by Joy Masi
Hui Kaululehua exists to foster pilina by connecting to self, to ʻohana, to community, and to the ʻāina
photo by Joy Masi
Mōhala i ka wai ka maka o nā pua
Unfolded by the waters are the faces of the flowers
Just as the flowers open up and are sustained by the rains, so too are people nourished by the waters and care of community. We believe that each individual is worthy of care, healing, and growth that comes from being in community and the reciprocal relationship that is strengthened when we care for each other. We also believe that hula brings healing, both to those who dance and to those who are witnesses to it. We strive to create life-giving community and opportunities for healing.
Connection to ʻĀina
Living in the diaspora creates a disconnection with our ancestral lands. Developing cultural practices allows us to bridge these gaps created by occupation, colonization, capitalism, and climate change.
photo by Joy Masi
Mālama ʻĀina - to care for the land - is a central belief for Hawaiians. It describes a reciprocal relationship between us and the earth - if we take care of her, she will take care of us. Regardless of where our feet stand, it is our responsibility to mālama ʻāina.
photo by Joy Masi
In this spirit, we acknowledge that Louisville exists on the lands of the Osage, Shawnee, Kaskaskia, Adena, Myaamia, and Hopewell nations. We are committed to honoring our indigenous brothers and sisters on whose land we dance and stewarding this land as we would our own.
Connection to Community
We love Louisville and we want Louisville to love Hawaiʻi! More than grass skirts and Lilo and Stitch (whom we adore), we want our community to know the history and rich culture of Hawaiʻi. We partner with schools and arts organizations to bring education and awareness to groups of all ages.
For folks living in the diaspora, connection to community also can be difficult. Beyond weekly classes and Hui gatherings, we wanted to create a special space where Pacific Islanders can come together in celebration of culture and connection.
Thus, Aloha Lou! Polynesian Cultural Festival was born.
photo by Jennifer Barrett
Connection to ʻOhana
photo by Joy Masi
Our hui is our ʻohana - our family. We hope everyone feels like they are coming home when they come into community with us. For many of us, hula is a family affair as we dance alongside parents, spouses, children, and siblings.
And for those of us who are separated from family by land and sea, we seek to build cultural connections to feel closer to them as well.
photo by Marvin Young
Connection to Self
photo by Marvin Young
photo by Joy Masi
Whether you are Kanaka Maoli, Pacific Islander, or from the Continent, there is space for you here. Hula allows us to create mind, body, and spirit connections.
Learning and cherishing cultural practices, especially if they are your own, opens our understanding of the world around us and how we fit into it. It can shape our values and beliefs and how we relate to others.
Whether you’re looking for a space to move your body, to connect with other Pacific Islanders, for a group of friends that can become family -
E komo mai
Come in, you are welcome here
