E Komo Mai

J KAULANAIAIWI SALAS

Līhuʻe, Kaua’i 1984

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Kaulana was born and raised in Waimea, Kaua’i.  She began dancing hula at the age of three.  She danced for a short period with Mrs. Ku’ulei Punua, and then with Aunty Lovey Apana, who traveled around the island teaching in different towns.  She began dancing with Mrs. Roselle Bailey in 1979.  Mrs. Bailey was very influential in Kaulana’s hula journey, and through her she gained a deep appreciation of hula.   After graduating from the University of Hawai’i, Mānoa, she moved to California and began training with Kumu Hula Mohala Reese.

Kaulana began dancing with Kumu Mohala in 1989 and has over 30 years experience teaching under her.  In 2022 Kaulana completed the  ‘ūniki  process under Kumu Mohala, whose teachers include Nā Kumu Hula Maiki Aiu Lake and Mae Kamāmalu Klein, both revered master kumu hula.  Aunty Maiki’s hula lineage has deep roots in Kaua’i, tracing back to famed hula practitioner Keahi Luahine.  The name of the dance studio, “Ke Ola O Kaua’i,” which means The Life of Kaua’i, pays homage both to Kaulana’s home and to this remarkable hula lineage.

Maika’i no Kaua’i!