San Diego Hula Academy

Precious Moani 💜

ʻKamali’i O Ka Pō” composed by Lehua Kawaikapuokalani Hewett
George Na’ope Hula Festival 2026
Mākua Group ʻAuana

Hair by Heather Raco
Makeup by Crystal Star | Salon Technique
Hair Florals Kumu Kawena Garuba

ROAD TO GNHF 2026 - Wahine

When we started training 7 months ago, these ladies were not sure what they signed up for. Eager but uncertain, they just needed watering to bloom.

Several boot camps, weight training, and pop quizzes were just the tip of the iceberg. Each wahine studied - not just ‘olelo, not just hula, but all facets of the mele making their understanding of Hawaiian culture deeper. They didnt know that first training day in January that they would be making pā’ū lā’ī (several of them); stringing Pūpū o Ni’ihau; sewing ‘ulī’ulī; sewing/brushing/trimming hau; and much more. Had I told them, they may not have started. They had faith in the journey and the vision. They had trusted me and in turn, I wholeheartedly trusted them.

This team put in the work. The muscles burned, the sweat poured, and the tears fell, but their teamwork grew, their tenacity built, and their passion ignited. These pua bloomed in every sense of the word right before my very eyes.

You girls left it on the stage. YOU BROUGHT IT! You gave it your all and made ALL of us proud - nā kumu, nā haumana, nā keiki, and all of your ‘ohana.

I can’t wait to see you ladies level up and see just how much more you have to offer. This is the beginning ladies. Enjoy the journey. It’s going to be one hell of a ride so hang on. We go!! 🔥

MAHALO KE AKUA!

Watch Leila Leimomimakamae Faisca’s 2nd Place Solo Hula ʻAuana from the 17th Annual George Na‘ope Hula Festival 2026. She dances for Kūhai Hālau O Kawenaokalā’īokalani Pā ‘Ōlapa Kahiko, under the direction of Kumu Hula Kawena Garuba.

Mahalo nui e Lehua Lehua Kawaikapuokalani Hewett and Kumu Kumu Ula Hewett for their guidance and continued blessings. Big hugs to Kumu Kalā Carla Kalaalohiikamakaokalauae Culbertson for the sunshine and kāko’o.

Mahalo Māmā Katie for trusting me with your keiki. We lit the fire in her and there is no stopping her now. And…the lei hulu came in handy! Whew. The blisters were worth it…maybe. 🤣 Mahalo nunui e Kalā for her beautiful lei po’o - we felt your grace and happiness on stage!

HUUUIII! Brother JD Puli Music for breathing life into these important mele and going along with every change along the way. Maika’i! 👏👏

Mahalo Krisko Media for the beautiful capture. Seeing the dancer from the judge and audience side is a wonderful experience to relive it all again. You are truly a gift and this video will be cherished.

And to Miss Leimomimakamae -
Ho’omaika’i!!! Wow! Just wow. It seemed like 7 months was too short for everything we had planned but once you stepped on the gas pedal, you never looked in the rearview mirrror. EVERY nuanced movement, expression, key change, step was implemented and made pa’a. I kept adding more difficulty and you took it in. Hearing the joy and confidence in your voice singing “Hawai’i Aloha”, brought tears to my eyes and gave me a moment I will never forget. You grew up on that stage, and made us and your ancestors proud. You wanted to come out and make a statement as Kanaka Ma’oli and that you did, baby girl! You did it! It has been a joy watching your progression and to play a small part of this journey surely destined to be annointed with many, many more blessings. I AM SOO PROUD to be your Kumu. 💚

To all of our haumana from kūpuna to keiki - Mahalo for lifting her up! Cheers, signs, cards, coloring pages, and even naming your Build-A-Bear after her, all of it was felt and loved. Aloha makes the world go ‘round. Keep giving it. 🥰

We love Keiki Hula!