Hula Sister

12/27/2025

Here is our performance of “Punaluʻu” on 11/2/2025. Video courtesy of Nate Orman, my son. Thanks e Nate!

12/27/2025

Here is our foto after receiving first place at the 11/2/2025 iteration of Iā ʻOe E Ka Lā…

12/27/2025

After our Iā ʻOe hula competition was pau on Nov. 2,2025, we celebrated outside the auditorium with joy and a lot of hugging of friends and former hula sisters. It was both familiar and unique, because Hula Sister has been there before, but each time, she never knows what the judges have thought. Turned out that we were well received!

12/26/2025

Hawaiian word of the day: “Kōnane”—Pronounce this “Koh-nah-neh”. Itʻs an ancient Hawaiian board game similar to checkers, played with pebble game pieces. Yesterday at Hula Sisterʻs Christmas Day family gathering, we introduced Umiumi the cat to the game. He tried his best, but when he started eating the pebbles we gave up (Board and pebbles from Nā Mea Hawaiʻi).

02/22/2024

What a lovely mele! And hula, performed with such vigor and joy!

02/22/2024

HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY: “Nā Pōpoki”—“The Cats”. Pronounce this “Naah poh-poh-kee”. Introducing my new cat twins, Napoleon and Josephine, litter mates, two years nine months old, here with me since last Sunday. The linguist Mary Kawena Pukui says the word, noted in an 1819 vocabulary, is said by some to be derived from the English words “poor pussy”. These cats are not at all unfortunate though—their mother wandered, pregnant belly and all, into the Santa Cruz cat facility Kitty Hill, birthed her babies in warmth and comfort, and there they remained until Hula Sister adopted them four days ago. They are exploring their new home with interest.

12/28/2023

HAWAIIAN WORDS OF THE DAY: “Hauʻoli Nā Lānui”—“Happy Holidays”. Pronounce this “How-oh-lee nah lah-noo-ee”. Hula Sister is so blessed to have many copies of her book to share with persons who wish to know more about hula than what first meets the eye. Contact info is on that little green card and on this page. And… Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou!

11/29/2023

Hawaiian words of the day: ʻŌlelo hoʻohiki o ka uaʻ—ʻThe promise of rainʻ. Pronounce this ʻOh-leh-loh hoh-oh-hee-kee oh kah oo-ahʻ. Here is the western sky tonight November 28 with the towering clouds promising a downpour. Cannot wait because Hula Sisterʻs outdoor plants are way thirsty!

10/17/2023

My late sister Julieʻs hula hālau glows with joy at a recent event! Seeing them all together, filled with their aloha, makes me miss my Julie all over again!

Kūhai Hālau O Kala'alohiikamakaokalaua'e Pā 'Olapa Kahiko, under the direction of Kumu Carla Kala'alohiikamakaokalaua'e Culbertson, pictured here with Kumu Ula Hewett. Mahalo nui to Kumu Ula for giving her time, talent, and presence. She is truly an inspirational light that keeps our path visible and warm. Mahalo nui loa to Kumu Aulani (& her team) for continuing and implementing the annual Hula Hiehie O Nā Kūpuna Festival!

10/17/2023

A rare treat recently was my opportunity to watch the beautiful hula of Kumu Yuko Kekauoha, wife of virtuoso musician Weldon Kekauoha, at Menlo College in Atherton, California. As Weldon sang and played guitar, Yuko danced to Lena Machadoʻs “Pōhai Ke Aloha (Embraced By Love)”. Her dance is remarkable for its grace and quiet strength—Hula Sister was inspired!

08/14/2023

HAWAIIAN WORDS OF THE DAY: “Kahuna Kūpuna”—“Expert Elder”. These dancers from the Half Moon Bay hula group Nā Wāhine O Kalani were featured at the recent Kūpuna Kahuna Surf Contest in Pacifica, California. The contest is for experienced, mature surfers and is a fun annual event which precedes a shared meal and gathering. These two sweet keiki begged to dance with us. They were sooo cute! L to R we were Mara, Nan aka Hula Sister, Alicia and Lisa.