Halau 'olapakuikala'i

Halau 'olapakuikala'i is a dance studio in Kaneohe, HI, dedicated to the traditional practice and teaching of Hawaiian hula. The studio is part of the Ka`Imi Na`auao O Hawai`i Nei Institute, a non-profit organization founded by Roselle Keli`ihonipua Bailey, a respected kumu hula whose lineage and teachings trace back to the early 1970s. The hālau emphasizes cultural preservation through instruction in hula dance, costume and instrument making, religious discipline, and personal ethics. Students, known as haumana, train under the guidance of the kumu, with support from assistants including a kumu kokua and alaka`i, and participate in performances and ceremonies. The studio serves students of all backgrounds who seek spiritual, mental, and physical growth through disciplined practice. It is also known for offering culturally grounded Hawaiian wedding ceremonies, led by the kumu, and supports community and cultural exchange across the islands and internationally.

The hālau’s roots are deeply tied to the history of the Ka`Imi Na`auao O Hawai`i Nei Institute, which began in 1972 when Roselle Bailey started teaching hula in her home on Kaua`i. Over decades, the institute expanded through affiliated hālau across Hawaii, the U.S. mainland, and abroad, including branches in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The institute has maintained a commitment to cultural revitalization, including site restoration at Keahualaka and Kauluapaoa in Ke`e, Kaua`i, and supporting documentary work on hula traditions. Roselle Bailey, the founding kumu, has taught and performed across the Hawaiian Islands and internationally, fostering connections with communities in New Zealand, Canada, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, and Germany. Her leadership has been recognized through her role in the Hawaiian Sovereignty movement and her ongoing dedication to cultural education and service.

Located on Kamehameha Highway in Kaneohe, the studio operates within a suite space that serves as a center for hula instruction and cultural practice. The facility supports a range of traditional activities, from daily training to ceremonial events. The hālau continues to uphold the principles of the kumu, emphasizing community, discipline, and the spiritual essence of hula. Its presence in Kaneohe reflects a long-standing commitment to preserving Hawaiian cultural expression through teaching, performance, and intergenerational knowledge transfer.