Edith Kanakaʻole’s hula legacy thrives at Hawaiʻi CC | University of Hawaiʻi System News
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April 2, 2026
UH News
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As Hilo prepares for Merrie Monarch,
Hawaiʻi
Community College is highlighting its associates in arts degree in
Hawaiian studies
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.
Kekoa Gabriel graduated in 2025 with
AA
degrees in Hawaiian studies, hula and Kapuahi foundations
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’
Kamryn Kanoe Bosque performs at last year’s
Hōʻike.
“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
ʻohana’s
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.”
Read more at
Hawaiʻi
CC
Related stories:
Hundreds celebrate Edith
Kanakaʻole
at
UH
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
Kumu Pele
Kaʻio’s
class learns to make
kūpeʻe
and lei
poʻo.
Related Posts:
In memoriam: Alumna, educator Nālani Kanakaʻole
Hawaiʻi Island students demonstrate Edith…
UH Hilo’s Kīpuka director steps out of ʻōlapa line…
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