About

Kumu Hula Nālani Keale

Kumu Hula Nālani Keale is a Hawaiian educator, dancer and actor from the island of O'ahu. He is the son of award-winning ‘ukulele master and musician Moe Keale and Kumu Hula Patricia Andrade Keale. Reared in Pālolo Valley from the age of 3, he began dancing hula under the direction of his mother and continued his hula education through Kumu Hula Chinky Mahoe, Lydia Kauakahi, Darrell Lupenui and Charles Ka’upu. Nālani  followed in his parents’ footsteps, performing with his father at numerous venues in Waikīkī including the Moana Surfrider Hotel, Duke's Waikiki, and Sheraton Waikiki. 

Nālani began his teaching career in multiple elementary schools and high schools. In 1995, he began volunteering at the Waikiki Community Center where he continues teaching hula to visitors and kama'āina today. 

In 1994, Nālani reopened his mother’s hula studio under the name Hālau Kaulakahi. Located on the heights of the Hawaiian homelands of Papakōlea, Hālau Kaulakahi has won the top prize at multiple statewide and international hula competitions including the King Kamehameha Hula Competition and World Invitational Hula Competition.

Hālau Kaulakahi

Named for the channel that flows between the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, Kaulakahi, the single burning flame, reflects kumu’s bloodline that connects hālau to Niʻihau. 

We are an award-winning hula school and, with hard work and dedication, we have been able to share our hula on many stages around the world. Hālau Kaulakahi is dedicated to the education of Hawaiian dance and culture to students of all ages. We celebrate culture through hula and music, giving students the opportunity to experience the heartbeat of Hawai‘i. We are ‘ohana, and we have an obligation to live and promote aloha not only in our classes, but in our communities.

Mission Statement

Educating and sharing traditions of hula and culture by building a foundation to inspire self-confidence, discipline, respect and aloha. 

Vision Statement

Practicing and perpetuating Hawaiian culture through hula, music and traditions, while uplifting and connecting our community.