Hula Teacher
Kaiolani’s first hula teacher was his mom, she taught him from a very young age. His first hula includes Hukilau and Laupahoehoe, which he danced at family gatherings. He still includes these mele in his repertoire today. He considers himself a late bloomer because he did not continue dancing until he reached high school in Maui at Lahainaluna. He joined the Hawaiiana Club where he was introduced to Auntie Lori Gomez, the adviser, and a senior Carlton Reichel, who today is a famous singer and dancer, Kumu Hula Keali’i! Kaiolani became the president of the Hawaiiana Club his senior year. After high school he danced with Peter Day and Keali’i.
Then he moved to the Big Island in 1984, where his mom lived and was introduced to Ray Fonseca. Here he learned yet another style of dancing and had the opportunity to compete at the Merrie Monarch and travel to Canada to perform.
He moved to California in 1986 met many Kumu Hula such as Auntie Sissy, Uncle Randy and the Chang family, and Keali’I Ceballos. His demands of working for the airlines did not afford him time to dance for 14 years.
Kaiolani was asked by Kanake in 1998 to help at E Hula Mau in Irvine. From here he found the joy of hula again when he met Kumu Hula Auntie Noelani Macintosh where he became her Alaka’i. He learned more about Oli, chanting, and about a halau and is very greatful to Auntie.
Kaiolani moved to Quartz Hill and opened his first studio in his garage in the Antelope Valley seven years ago and began his journey in the world as Kumu Hula. With great joy he has been able to open his second studio in Silverlake, California.