HALAU 
Ke Kumu-The Teacher
Kumu Kawehi Punahele was born in Honolulu in 1962. His father was from O'ahu and his mother from Molokai'i. Kawehi was raised in a musical family; his grandfather played guitar with the Kalama Boys on steamer ships that sailed between California and Hawaii from the 1920s to the 1940s. His father, although a bus driver by trade, also played steel guitar and guitar.
In intermediate school, Kawehi joined a Polynesian group and his teacher, Mrs. Phelmet (a Kamehameha school graduate) saw great promise in his voice and vocal inflections. She pulled him aside and told him she would teach him how to chant. That proved to be the beginning of his education in Hawaiian music and traditional hula.
After completing intermediate school, Kumu was accepted as freshman to the Kamahameha School. It was there that he was introduced to many cultural authorities such as Nona Beamer (who taught hula), Wayne Chang, Robert Cazimero and Napua Stevens. It was from their influence that Kumu learned how to be Hawaiian.
In his sophomore year, he audition for the Concert Glee group and was accepted. Kawehi sang bass and, because it was a performing group, traveled to all the islands performing concerts. This is where he learned more about being Hawaiian and realized that his heritage was important to who he was.
Halau Mission
Perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and history through study in hula (both ancient and modern), language, music, customs, dress, crafts and other traditions
Reinforce the spirit of aloha within our halua and with other peer halau
Promote standards in the performance of hula
Continually elevate the skill level of hälau members to meet their personal goals as well as the overall goals of the hälau
Convey the aloha spirit to the public who may or may not have been exposed to the warmth and wonder of the Hawaiian culture
Embrace Christian values while respecting the beliefs and customs of the Hawaiian culture; integrating the profound spiritual legacy of the Hawaiian people and our own beliefs by gathering for pule (prayer) before hälau activities
Minimum Attire -Practices and Performances
Wahine
Black Pa'u - Bottom hem must be max. 6 inches from the floor
White Pantaloon and white Peasant top
Black Kukui leipo'o and kupe'e
White-on-white hula dress
Kane
Black Pa'u - Must be 1 inch below knee
Long black pants and white long-sleeve shirt
White-on-white hula shirt
All Haumana
Raffia skirt - available at party stores or online
Uli 'Uli - Feathered Red and Yellow
Pu'ili - Split Bamboo
Ipu - natural or light brown
Black Kukui lei
Fees and Class Schedule
Per Class Fee: $15.00
Monthly Dues: $40.00 (adults)
$20.00 (under 16 years old)
Thursdays - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Salem Lutheran Church-ELCA
7900 S Apopka Vineland Rd
Orlando, FL 32819
Saturdays - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Walt Disney World Polynesian Resort
Guest Participation in the lobby/seating area from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Halau from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM OR LONGER (Specific location TBD)
