Laka is the Forest – Hula & the Environment
A Dance-Illustrated Lecture

Saturday, May 17, 7:30 pm
Location:Santa Barbara City College, Fé Bland Forum,
West Campus
Guest Artist:Kumu Hula (Hula Master), Kehaulani Kekua

of the Traditional Hula School of the island of Kaua’i:

Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai

Sponsored by The Institute of World Culture

The traditions of hula are inextricably connected with the wildwood of Hawai`i’s native forests.

In this vibrant presentation, selected chants and dances will illustrate the transmission of Hawaiian environmental knowledge from hula Master to pupil. The kumu hula (Hula Master) conveys to the student the responsibility to nurture the life of the forest. In her exposition, Kumu Kehaulani Kekua brings to light the sacred ecology taught through the protocols and practices of a traditional hula school. The extensive curricula of a traditional halau (hula school) include knowledge of native Hawaiian plants prescribed to the guild of hula. Chanting affirms and maintains the sacred relationship between the hula disciple and the living beings of the earth and heavens.


Price: $15 General Admission, $5 Students/Seniors (cash only)

Laka is the Forest – Hula & the Environment (continued)

Ecological Overview:

Native Hawaiian forests are the sanctified abode of ancient Hawaiian deities whose mana or spiritual energy continue to inspire procreative cycles of some of the rarest forms of native flora and fauna. Without the physical interference of mankind, the forest is a place where every living organism is genetically engineered by nature to regenerate itself. From a Hawaiian perspective, life and living is contingent on the sustenance provided us through the watersheds and natural resources of the land. Thus, encouraging the progress of pristine growth reinforces the health and continuance of humanity.


Laka is the patroness of the hula. Laka is the forest. She dwells in the highest, most sacred upper regions of the islands…on the ridges, in the valleys, as well as in the wet bogs that crown the summits and slopes of Hawai`i’s volcanic mountains. Laka’s forests enable for the islands’ rivers and streams to disperse nourishment to the social structure of the land…all the way to the shore and out to sea.


Kumu Hula, Kehaulani Kekua - Hula Master of the school Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai - will expand upon the spiritual philosophies of hula, highlighting the importance of Hawai`i’s fragile environments. “For today’s contemporary hula practitioner, a healthy native forest is necessary for our existence and cultural survival,” says Kumu Kehaulani. “We trust deeply in our ancestral memories and the wisdom that is deeply rooted in the `aina or land. Our decisions that we make today are dependant on this precious source…enabling a balanced progression into this modern day and time and for the traditional hula practices that will continue into the future.”


Kumu Kehaulani Kekua:


The Institute of World Culture proudly announces a rare visit from Kumu Kehaulani Kekua, Master of the ancient hula tradition of Kaua’i. Drawing upon Hawaiian culture, history, dance, and chanting, Kehaulani and her two lead dancers will offer a wide-ranging selection of workshops and presentations in Santa Barbara from May 16-19. More information is available at www.worldculture.org .


Born into a family of hula Masters, Kehaulani Kekua was chosen by her grandmother at birth to perpetuate the teachings of her ancestors established centuries ago in the celebrated hula temple (heiau) of Wahiawa, Kauai. Kehaulani acknowledges the late Kahuna Wahine, Mahinake`oke`o Kele who first inspired her to seek the truth and knowledge of Hawaiian ancestral beliefs and customs in spirituality. With a life-time of formal training in Hawaiian ceremony and protocol, Kumu Kehaulani Kekua hails from an ancient oral tradition transmitted by some of Hawai’i’s most revered masters. One of her great gifts is her unique ability to share without compromising her Hawaiian heritage with the outside world.

Institute of World Culture 1407 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 966-3941 www.worldculture.org