WE ARE A FAMILY.
We are students, parents, teachers and fans who support each other unconditionally. We place high value on nurturing a loving environment for us each to flourish. Our ‘ohana accepts, learns from each other and builds each other up. We foster and cherish life as it grows in and outside of the walls of our hālau. We are each other’s biggest fans.
WE ARE AN ‘OHANA.
Our Mission
San Diego Hula Academy strives to educate, foster and instill the foundations of a traditional hula school with each student and their families. We perpetuate the Polynesian culture as passed down from our kupuna (our elders) through mele (song), mo’o’olelo (storytelling), and ‘olelo (language). Our dedication to sharing the cultural teachings of our hula lineage encompasses keiki to kupuna via local outlets including in-person and on-line classes, workshops, exhibitions, and performances.
Our Motto
Kūlia I Ka Nu’u - Strive for the Highest! Do YOUR best!
Our Conduct
We welcome all dancers. San Diego Hula Academy does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, or age in admission or participation in its classes, services and activities.
Our Promise
Our Logo
The Palapalai fern, also known as palai - partially translates as ‘to turn away in bashfulness or humility”.
This fern is hardy and known to be a staple of the forest as it appears, disappears and reappears. It isn’t the largest nor shiniest. It doesn’t produce flowers. Palai is the producer, the energizer and is more durable than other vegetation used in hula. In rituals, this plant is familiar and loved “like having your family’s oldest Auntie over for dinner.”
Palai is very important in Hawai’i especially for hula. Many mele (song) are written about the plant’s importance and beauty. Frequently used to symbolize Laka - the Goddess of Hula, palai is used to adorn dancers, the kuahu (altar) and will be used in various lei.
Palapalai symbolizes the foundation of the San Diego Hula Academy, demonstrates our tenacity in hula, and our appreciation of the Hawaiian culture.
Source: Hawaiian Native Plants
