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 Ka Waikahe Lani Malie, translated means "the
peaceful, heavenly, flowing water", while Kahulaliwai means "the
waters' reflection". These combined halaus are the vision
and personification of their kumu hulas, both past and present.
Established in 1997 on the island of O'ahu, Ka Waikahe Lani Malie
a me Kahulaliwai now have halaus on Kaua’i, Sacramento and
Antioch, California, Japan and Montana.
The halau vision is to enhance and to sustain strong cultural and
spiritual values by better educating the hula practitioner to
care, support and respect the dance; so that each practitioner,
as they aspire to their full potential, can spiritually and humbly
make a contributing impact (through example) to the community
and all walks of life. The halau mission is that all properties
of knowledge, wisdom and cultural aspects belonging to the dance
as passed down and rooted from generation to generation, shall
be maintained by the halau principals for the benefit of all
who are part of the dance.
Born in Honolulu, Kumu Blaine Kamalani Kia has studied under some
of the most respected and disciplined kumu hulas: John Keoni
Martin, Darrell Lupenui, and John Kaimikaua. Seeing “The
stirring of emotions and incredible joy in the face of a dedicated
haumana performing the Hawaiian poetry of dance”, is what
inspires him. Kumu Kamalani currently receives guidance in hula,
and spirituality, from his studies under Kumu Hula Frank Kawaikapu
Hewett, of whom he credits with teaching him the meaning of compassion.
He humbly attributes his success as a kumu hula to knowing his
place in life. Being successful “requires a balance of
knowing my place in life, not only as a kumu, but also as a father,
brother, uncle, husband, and son. I am a human being first, before
any label or title is placed upon me, before I take on any another
role. Knowing my place in all aspects of my life allows me to
be myself, without ever having to give up my identity.”
Originally from the island of Kaua'i, Kumu Juni Kalahikiola Romuar
began dancing the hula at the age of 8 years old. She has studied
under some of the most respected kumu hulas and currently studies
under Kumu Hula Blaine Kamalani Kia, and Kumu Hula Michael Keala
Ching. She attributes her deeper love of hula and lessons in
spirituality to the teachings shared by both kumu hula. “I
didn't realize that I wanted to be a kumu until I met Kumu Blaine
and Kumu Keala. I saw a kind of love that the two of them had
for hula. I saw the love that went into hula and I wanted to
do the same - I wanted the opportunity to perpetuate our culture
and hula.”
In 1999, Kumu Kalahikiola moved from Lihu’e, Kaua’i, to Sacramento,
California. There, she and Kumu Kamalani opened the doors of the Sacramento
halau, starting with fifteen students. The number of haumana grew over the
years. In 2001, Kumu Kalahikiola opened the Antioch branch, while Kumu Kamalani
opened two in Japan. Halau ka Waikahe Lani Malie and Halau Kahulaliwai
are proud to have two sister halaus: Hiva Nui in Stockton, California, directed
by Kumu Debbie Haumea Aynaga, and Na Wai Ola in Sunnyvale, California, directed
by Kumu Kaui Isa-Kahaku.
All haumana within the halau believe in giving back to the community.
The halau has performed at events such as the American Cancer
Society Walk for a Cure and Race for a Cure, Special Olympics
and Shriner’s Hospital. The halau has also given performances
for the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento State University,
Census 2000, HGTV (Home and Garden Television), Pie Town Productions,
Montgomery Watson Harza, KVIE Television, Good Day Sacramento,
Hawai’i Visitors Bureau, Stoneman Village Senior Center,
Pittsburg Heritage Festival, Corn Festival, May Day Festival,
Consumnes River College, Kikoman Shoyu, ‘Ia ‘Oe E
Kala Hula Competition, Mai Kahiki Mai Hula Competition, North
Columbia Folklife Festival and many more! At Christmas time,
they carol at the Shriner’s Hospital. Every year, a special
charity such as the Special Olympics, is chosen to receive the
proceeds from halau luau raffles.
Under the direction of Kumu Kamalani and Kumu Kalahikiola, the
halau vision of unity and hula preservation has spanned the
vast Pacific waters. As the future comes to pass, Kumu Kamalani
and
Kumu Kalahikiola will welcome new traditions and the evolution
of the hula art form. Just as the waters' reflection blends
the grace and beauty of heaven and earth, so too will the creations
and contributions of our halau, blend the world of hula and
Hawaiiana,
both past and present.
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