Below are all available classes currently offered at HÅkÅ«le'a Academy.
Season 15
SIVA AFI
This class is open for men and women ages 15 and up (under 18 with parental/legal guardian consent). In this class, the students will learn the basic names and movements of the Nifo Oti (Samoan baton-like staff). Technical sequencing drills will allow students to build their strength and knowledge to properly handle this prop. Once students have learned the basics, introduction of the Fire portion can commence. Fire safety, protocol, and performance is the ultimate goal for many enrolled in this class.
This class is open for men and women ages 15 and up (under 18 with parental/legal guardian consent). In this class, the students will learn the basic names and movements of the Nifo Oti (Samoan baton-like staff). Technical sequencing drills will allow students to build their strength and knowledge to properly handle this prop. Once students have learned the basics, introduction of the Fire portion can commence. Fire safety, protocol, and performance is the ultimate goal for many enrolled in this class.
Monday
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Dance Floor
Studio
Studio
LEVEL 1/2 ADULT MEN POLYNESIAN DANCE
This class is for men ages 15 and up. In this class, dancers will learn the basics or further their knowledge of Hawaiian Hula (dance of Hawaiʻi) and ‘Ori Tahiti (dance of Tahiti), language and cultural knowledge of both islands. They will also have the opportunity to learn other dance styles from other island nations across Polynesia. The curriculum encourages good physical conditioning, strength, stamina, and endurance. Dancers from this class are eligible to audition for the Professional Dance Team. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
This class is for men ages 15 and up. In this class, dancers will learn the basics or further their knowledge of Hawaiian Hula (dance of Hawaiʻi) and ‘Ori Tahiti (dance of Tahiti), language and cultural knowledge of both islands. They will also have the opportunity to learn other dance styles from other island nations across Polynesia. The curriculum encourages good physical conditioning, strength, stamina, and endurance. Dancers from this class are eligible to audition for the Professional Dance Team. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
Monday
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Dance Floor
Studio
Studio
INTRO TEEN/ADULT WOMEN POLYNESIAN DANCE TECHNIQUE
This class is for women 15 to 49 years of age. It is a combination class of Hawaiian Hula (dance of Hawaiʻi) and ‘Ori Tahiti (dance of Tahiti) where dancers will learn the basic steps and terminology for both dance styles. It is an introductory class that focuses on technique using drills for beginner dancers who would like to join the level 1 Teen/Adult class. This class is also open to any experienced dancer who would like an extra tool to improve her technique. There is no choreography taught in this class, and this class does not participate in the theater production. This class is the entry point for new dancers to Hokuleʻa.
This class is for women 15 to 49 years of age. It is a combination class of Hawaiian Hula (dance of Hawaiʻi) and ‘Ori Tahiti (dance of Tahiti) where dancers will learn the basic steps and terminology for both dance styles. It is an introductory class that focuses on technique using drills for beginner dancers who would like to join the level 1 Teen/Adult class. This class is also open to any experienced dancer who would like an extra tool to improve her technique. There is no choreography taught in this class, and this class does not participate in the theater production. This class is the entry point for new dancers to Hokuleʻa.
Tuesday
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Dance Floor
Studio
Studio
LEVEL 1 TEEN/ADULT WOMEN HULA & ʻORI
*This is a class for women 15 to 49 years of age. It is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti where the dancers will learn more solid technique, identify the different types of dance styles, instruments used and basic drum beats. Dancers will learn basic language and cultural knowledge of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
(*Prerequisite: Intro to Polynesian Dance)
*This is a class for women 15 to 49 years of age. It is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti where the dancers will learn more solid technique, identify the different types of dance styles, instruments used and basic drum beats. Dancers will learn basic language and cultural knowledge of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
(*Prerequisite: Intro to Polynesian Dance)
Tuesday
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Dance Floor
Studio
Studio
POLYNESIAN DRUMMING
This class is open for men and women ages 15 and up. In this class, the students will learn the various drums used to create different rhythms and music in Hawaiʻi and Tahiti. Students will learn the basic Paʻi of Hawaiian Ipu and Ipu Heke as well as basic Pehe of Tahitian Drums.
This class is open for men and women ages 15 and up. In this class, the students will learn the various drums used to create different rhythms and music in Hawaiʻi and Tahiti. Students will learn the basic Paʻi of Hawaiian Ipu and Ipu Heke as well as basic Pehe of Tahitian Drums.
Wednesday
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Lobby
Studio
Studio
LEVEL 1 EMERGING LEADERS
*This class is designed to cultivate the next generation of exceptional educators at Hōkūleʻa. The program provides training and mentorship, focusing on innovative teaching strategies, classroom management, and leadership skills. Participants will engage in hands-on learning experiences, collaborate with seasoned educators, and receive personalized feedback to refine their teaching techniques. This program’s intent is to create well-equipped individuals to inspire and lead future generations at Hōkūleʻa Academy and beyond.
(*Prerequisite: Junior 1, Level 1, 2, 3 Teen/Adult Hula & ʻOri)
*This class is designed to cultivate the next generation of exceptional educators at Hōkūleʻa. The program provides training and mentorship, focusing on innovative teaching strategies, classroom management, and leadership skills. Participants will engage in hands-on learning experiences, collaborate with seasoned educators, and receive personalized feedback to refine their teaching techniques. This program’s intent is to create well-equipped individuals to inspire and lead future generations at Hōkūleʻa Academy and beyond.
(*Prerequisite: Junior 1, Level 1, 2, 3 Teen/Adult Hula & ʻOri)
Thursday
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Lobby
Studio
Studio
LEVEL 2 TEEN/ADULT WOMEN HULA & ʻORI
*This class is for women 15 to 49 years of age. In this class dancers will learn more technical steps, improve upon speed, and work on proper execution of technical combinations and choreography. The curriculum builds upon steps, language and cultural knowledge of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti learned in Level 1. Dancers will also learn how to work in a team environment, collaborate, and create choreography. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
(*Prerequisite: Level 1 Hula & ʻOri)
*This class is for women 15 to 49 years of age. In this class dancers will learn more technical steps, improve upon speed, and work on proper execution of technical combinations and choreography. The curriculum builds upon steps, language and cultural knowledge of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti learned in Level 1. Dancers will also learn how to work in a team environment, collaborate, and create choreography. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
(*Prerequisite: Level 1 Hula & ʻOri)
Thursday
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Dance Floor
Studio
Studio
LEVEL 3 TEEN/ADULT WOMEN HULA & ʻORI
*This is a class for women 15 to 49 years of age. In this class dancers will learn how to execute the already known technique of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti in a more advanced level, improve speed, and introduce more complex technical combinations and choreography. They will continue their learning in language and cultural knowledge of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti. Dancers work as a team, collaborate, and create choreography. Participants in this class must possess outstanding physical conditioning, stamina, endurance, and flexibility. Dancers from this class are eligible to audition for the Professional Dance Team. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
(*Prerequisite: Level 2 Hula & ʻOri)
*This is a class for women 15 to 49 years of age. In this class dancers will learn how to execute the already known technique of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti in a more advanced level, improve speed, and introduce more complex technical combinations and choreography. They will continue their learning in language and cultural knowledge of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti. Dancers work as a team, collaborate, and create choreography. Participants in this class must possess outstanding physical conditioning, stamina, endurance, and flexibility. Dancers from this class are eligible to audition for the Professional Dance Team. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
(*Prerequisite: Level 2 Hula & ʻOri)
Thursday
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Dance Floor
Studio
Studio
KUPUNA HULA
This class is for women and men ages 65 and up. In this class, the dancers will learn the basics or further their knowledge of hula, the different styles of hula, language and cultural knowledge of Hawai’i. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
This class is for women and men ages 65 and up. In this class, the dancers will learn the basics or further their knowledge of hula, the different styles of hula, language and cultural knowledge of Hawai’i. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
Friday
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Dance Floor
Studio
Studio
LEVEL 1 YOUTH HULA & ʻORI
This class is for girls 6 to 11 years old. It is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti introducing the basic technical skills needed for each, identifying the beat of the music, language and cultural knowledge of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti through physical motion, games, coloring projects. This class promotes a fun and safe environment where dancers develop individual skills, teamwork and friendship while building confidence and self-esteem. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
This class is for girls 6 to 11 years old. It is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti introducing the basic technical skills needed for each, identifying the beat of the music, language and cultural knowledge of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti through physical motion, games, coloring projects. This class promotes a fun and safe environment where dancers develop individual skills, teamwork and friendship while building confidence and self-esteem. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
Friday
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Dance Floor
Studio
Studio
LEVEL 2 YOUTH HULA & ʻORI
*This class is for girls 6 to 11 years old who have completed the youth Level 1 class. It is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti. In this class, dancers learn more solid technique, improve their speed and execution of each step, and introduce more complex technique and choreography. Curriculum builds upon what was learned in Level 1 with the steps, language and cultural knowledge of Hawai’i and Tahiti This class continues to promote a fun and safe environment where dancers develop individual skills, teamwork and friendship while building confidence and self-esteem. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing it is not mandatory.
(*Prerequisite: Youth 1 Hula & ʻOri)
*This class is for girls 6 to 11 years old who have completed the youth Level 1 class. It is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti. In this class, dancers learn more solid technique, improve their speed and execution of each step, and introduce more complex technique and choreography. Curriculum builds upon what was learned in Level 1 with the steps, language and cultural knowledge of Hawai’i and Tahiti This class continues to promote a fun and safe environment where dancers develop individual skills, teamwork and friendship while building confidence and self-esteem. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing it is not mandatory.
(*Prerequisite: Youth 1 Hula & ʻOri)
Saturday
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Dance Floor
Studio
Studio
YOUTH & JUNIOR MĀORI
Dancers in this class will learn or further their knowledge and skills of dances from New Zealand based on their age and abilities. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
(*Prerequisite: Youth 2, Junior 1)
Dancers in this class will learn or further their knowledge and skills of dances from New Zealand based on their age and abilities. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
(*Prerequisite: Youth 2, Junior 1)
Saturday
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
10:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Dance Floor
Studio
Studio
LEVEL 1/2 JUNIOR HULA & ʻORI
This class is for dancers 12 to 14 years of age with different levels of training. This is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti. For beginners, basic technique of steps will be taught. For those who have leveled up from previous classes, this class will focus more on solidifying technique. Participation of each dancer will depend on their level. This class not only promotes a fun and safe environment where dancers develop individual skills, teamwork and friendship while building confidence, self-esteem and sense of belonging in addition to building collaboration skills and choreography creation. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
This class is for dancers 12 to 14 years of age with different levels of training. This is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti. For beginners, basic technique of steps will be taught. For those who have leveled up from previous classes, this class will focus more on solidifying technique. Participation of each dancer will depend on their level. This class not only promotes a fun and safe environment where dancers develop individual skills, teamwork and friendship while building confidence, self-esteem and sense of belonging in addition to building collaboration skills and choreography creation. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
Saturday
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Dance Floor
Studio
Studio
LEVEL 1 GRACIOUS LADIES HULA & ʻORI
This class is for ladies ages 50 and up. This is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti. In this class, the dancers will learn the basics or further their knowledge of Hawaiian Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti, as well as the language and cultural knowledge of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
This class is for ladies ages 50 and up. This is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti. In this class, the dancers will learn the basics or further their knowledge of Hawaiian Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti, as well as the language and cultural knowledge of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.
Saturday
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Dance Floor
Studio
Studio