Keola's Hula Halau

My name is Deslynn Kaliliokalani Aiwohi-Carter and I am the kumu hula for our halau. I was born in in Honolulu and grew up in Aiea until 1982. My parents moved our ohana to Texas and I have been here ever since. I started taking hula at the age of 6 from Ilima Hula Studios in Kalihi when it was located on King Street, under the direction of Aunty Luka. I was taught that if I love to dance the hul

a it has to come from within, and she taught me that. Mahalo Aunty, I miss you! In 1985, I was introduced to my current kumu, Frank Keli'i Chang III and still have the opportunity to learn and strengthen my knowledge. I have danced for various groups throughout the years in the DFW area such as, Hawaiian Islanders, Ke Anuenue Polynesian R***e, Uncle Richard Peters, Teriki's Polynesia, traveled the East Coast with Manase Latu and his group, and so many more. I have had the opportunity to learn Hawaiian, Tahitian, Maori, Samoan, and Tongan dances throughout my career. I have been blessed for 40 years of experience and owe my blessings to so many people. Mahalo Ke Akua for your continued blessings. I am happily married for almost 20 years now, I have 4 handsome sons, 2 daughter in laws, 2 grandsons and a grand baby on the way, a brother and nephew who lives in Hawaii, and the BEST parents who mean the world to me. Without them, I would not have had the opportunities bestowed upon me. Mahalo to My Ohana!!! Me ke aloha pumehana!!

~Deslynn Kaliliokalani Aiwohi-Carter~