As Hilo prepares for Merrie Monarch, Hawaiʻi Community College is highlighting its associates in arts degree in with a hula concentration, rooted in the legacy of revered kumu hula Edith Kanakaʻole. Her philosophy: “Teach all who come to learn.”
Kanakaʻole established Hawaiian studies at Hawaiʻi CC in 1973. Her daughter, Pualani Kanahele, expanded this vision to revive hula rituals.
The program has strengthened students’ cultural identity and connection to ʻohana (family). Kekoa Gabriel, a 2025 honors graduate with multiple AA degrees, found the program clarified his kuleana (responsibility).
“Because of this program I feel a lot more connected to my ancestors, my ʻohana, my Hawaiian-ness, who I am as a Hawaiian,” Gabriel said. “I have a better look at where I want to go as a Hawaiian, who I want to be as a Hawaiian.”
Kamryn Kanoe Bosque, pursuing her degree with a hula focus, added, “I expanded my knowledge more than I ever could have, and I’m deeply grateful to be able to come here and learn more about my Hawaiian culture.”
The program includes unique hands-on practices, such as learning hula Pele (the Hawaiian goddess whose home is Kīlauea on the island of Hawaiʻi) where the volcano is active.
Hula, a ‘living practice’
“Studying hula here at Hawaiʻi Community College goes beyond choreography,” Kumu Hula Pele Kaʻio. “It exposes the learner to protocol, ceremony, traditional regalia, discipline and leadership.”
The program’s impact is evident during Merrie Monarch, where participation in the annual festival’s opening ceremony has grown from about 30 individuals to more than 400 ritual practitioners, including Hawaiʻi CC students, alumni and community members.
Taupōuri Tangarō, founder and advisor of the college’s hālau hula, Unukupukupu, said the Kanakaʻole ʻ辞丑补苍补’蝉 mission remains central.
“Hula becomes the doorway through which learners come to know their purpose,” Tangarō said. “Students come to Hawaiʻi CC not simply to learn hula as performance, but to experience hula as a living practice grounded in ritual.”
Related stories:
- Hundreds celebrate Edith Kanakaʻole at 糖心视频 Hilo, May 9, 2023
- Native Hawaiian advocates, educators, leaders awarded Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, April 20, 2023
- Native Hawaiian icon Edith Kanakaʻole honored in naming of library collection, July 22, 2025
