Kuhai Halau O Kau'ilaua'eleilani Pa `Olapa Kahiko
aka: DesertHula

Aloha,

I am completely humbled by being allowed the opportunity to have been trained by Loea Kawaikapuokalani Hewett and Kumu Ula as a Kumu Hula.   It was an experience beyond anything I ever dreamed of, words cannot express the gifts bestowed upon me.  

When I began my journey at age 5, I had no idea on what an impact it would have on my life or where the hula and culture would guide me.   Never did I image that I would become a Kumu Hula, now that I am, my heart is filled with joy and desire to share all that I have been empowered with!   Soon after my graduation, I made the commitment to share my experiences through education of my small halau and started seeking opportunities to share with my community. 

I am so fortunate in the strong bonds that were created through my 'uniki {graduation). I have more resources made available to me because of it.   My life is more committed than ever before to preservation of the Hawaiian Culture.  I am honored and proud to be connected to Lehua Kawaikapuokalani Hewett and Kumu Ula.

I am Kumu U'ilani Kau'ilaua'eleilani Meskell.  A Native of Southern California raised and exposed in the Hawaiian Culture by my Auntie from Kaua'i.  Throughout the years I have had many respected instructors from Hawai'i and was taught culture, dance and language.  I returned to Hawai'i throughout my lifetime to continue cultural lessons from various teachers.  I am truly blessed to have been taught and continue to be mentored by my Kumu Lehua Kawaikapuokalani Hewett.  I did my uniki {graduated) in 'Ola'a, Hawai'i under the Hula Lineage of Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, one of the most respected Kumu Hula, cultural preservationist and composers alive today!   I continue sharing the Hula lineage as he has taught me.   To learn more about my Kumu - Lehua Kawaikapuokalani, you can check him out at www.loeahula.com

It is my belief that by passing on the culture to those who desire it is a method of keeping our people and ancestors alive.  Failure to do so, "the anscestors die with us!"

 my brother and I back in the day (1968)     

I mua e na poki'i a inu i ka wai 'awa'awa, 'a'ole hope e ho'i aku ai! (Forward my younder brothers and drink of the bitter waters for there is no retreat") by Kamehameha I as he rallied his warriors in battle on the island of Maui

(me in green dress with a few of my 'Uniki hula sisters)

The Hawaiian Culture is a way of life, not just a hobby or a method of entertainment. It is authentic Hawaiian Culture and dance that we practice and pass on to those with a desire to learn and help us preserve the Hawaiian Culture.

During your lessons, you will learn language and chanting (songs).  Both styles of Hula Kahiko (Ancient dancing) and Hula Auana (Contemporary dancing) will be taught.  Call us today for a cultural enrichment like no other.  Our Mission is the Perpetuation of the Hawaiian Culture through training in the traditions of the Hawaiian people and to pass them on to others and to build a community with strength and knowledge in the Hawaiian Culture.

Teachings are passed down from my various teachers in life as wll as my current teacher  Lehua Kawaikapuokalani Hewett one of the most respected kumu hula (hula instructors), haku mele (song writers), performers, and advocates of Hawaiian language and culture for the past thirty-five years.