ABOUT THE CLUB
Makahala Hula is an after school class where students of Kahala Elementary can learn hula. This program is open to girls and boys in grades K-5. The classes are led by Kamalani Wehrsig. Makahala Hula will teach both forms of hula: kahiko and ʻauana. Kahiko is a more traditional form of hula that is accompanied by chanting and is performed to the beat of an implement. ʻAuana is the modern version of hula that is performed to music and vocal accompaniment. Both forms are important to learn and makes for a well-rounded dancer.
Kamalani Wehrsig
Hula Instructor
Vickie I'i Rodrigues
Leimomi Ho
Kalani Akana
Aloha! My name is Kamalani Wehrsig and I am the hula teacher for Kahala Elementary School’s after school hula program. I am a graduate of Kamehameha Schools. My hula lineage is traced through Vickie Iʻi Rodrigues, who is the loʻea, or matriarch, of our hālau. My mother is Leimomi Ho, who is the Kumu Hula of the award-winning hālau Kealiʻikaʻapunihonua Keʻena Aʻo Hula. We have competed at King Kamehameha Hula Competition, Hula Oni E Hula Festival, Ia ‘Oe E Ka La Hula Festival & Competition, and the Merrie Monarch Festival. I am Miss Aloha Hula 1996 and also won first place in chanting competition in the King Kamehameha Hula Competition. I study mea oli under Kalani Akana. I am also a wife, and mother of two kiddos.
MAKAHALA
The name Makahala comes from 'pua o ka makahala' (makahala blossom), which is a tiny flower that grows on a bush that use to line my Nana's driveway. "Pua O Ka Makahala" is also a mele composed by Vickie I'i Rodrigues, my Nana.