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Sharing Hula and Aloha in Las Vegas
Sharing our culture through hula brings us opportunities to meet people, build relationships, and carry forward the ʻike entrusted to us by our kumu. This summer and fall, our hālau was honored to participate in two special community celebrations here in Las Vegas.
Welcoming Honolulu Cookie Company at LINQ Promenade
On July 25, 2026, our hālau celebrated the grand opening of the Honolulu Cookie Company store at LINQ Promenade. I had the honor of officiating the store blessing, followed by two hālau performance segments featuring kahiko and ʻauana hula.
Through these performances, our haumāna shared Hawaiian stories and traditions with the owners, staff, and visitors who gathered for the celebration. Their warm welcome and appreciation made the day especially meaningful. We were grateful to help mark this new beginning with Hawaiian culture and aloha.
Our dancers also received a sweet makana from the company: Honolulu Cookie Company cookies! Mahalo nui for this thoughtful gift and for welcoming our hālau to be part of your grand opening.
Celebrating Strength and Connection at DRIVEN Neuro Olympics
On September 26, 2026, our hālau shared hula at the closing ceremony of the DRIVEN Neuro Las Vegas Olympics at Dula Community Center. It was a joyful day celebrating the strength, determination, and accomplishments of the program’s participants.
DRIVEN Neuro supports people living with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions through recovery programs, adaptive fitness, and community connection.
Participants took part in Olympic-themed games that celebrated their abilities and accomplishments. In keeping with that spirit, I selected several kahiko hula sharing powerful stories of Pele, Hawaiʻi’s fire goddess, and the challenges she faced. The strength and intensity of these dances felt fitting for an event honoring determination and perseverance.
We closed with an ʻauana hula to Mele ʻOhana, sharing gratitude for ʻohana and extending aloha to everyone gathered. It was a beautiful way to bring our offering to a close.
For us, the most meaningful moments came afterward. We had the opportunity to connect with participants, talk about their day and the performance, and learn a little about where they came from. Those conversations meant so much to our hālau. They gave us time to listen, share, and make personal connections beyond the performance.
Mahalo nui to DRIVEN Neuro for inviting us to be part of this special celebration.
Carrying Our Legacy Forward
Seeing our haumāna enjoy these experiences and express pride in representing our hālau meant so much to me. Their dedication reflects their respect for the teachings they receive and the legacy we come from.
Mahalo nui to our dancers, their ʻohana, and everyone whose kōkua made these performances possible. I am proud of our haumāna and grateful for the aloha they shared, both through their hula and in their connections with others.
Me ke aloha,
Kumu Kawahine Hoʻomanawanui
Aloha Kumu! Your words captured everything so beautifully! I’m so glad you had the photos and videos to preserve those special moments. From the oli to dancing hula, our performances always reflect everything you’re teaching us about the beauty of hula and Hawaiian culture. 🌺
I’m so grateful to have been part of both events. Mahalo for your gift of teaching and writing, and for always finding creative ways to use technology to capture and share these special moments! 🫶🏽💕