Hula Ki’i is a critically endangered tradition of Hawai’i which features the use of carved or crafted images in the story telling and movements of hula. Due to Western intervention in the 19th Century, the hula ki’i and other indigenous traditions were suppressed almost out of existence.

The Center for International Dance, in association with Kumu Hula Ki’i Mauli Ola Cook (holder of the lineal tradition of Kumu Nona Beamer and hula haumana of Kumu Hula Victoria Holt Takamine) and Kumu Hula Maile Loo of the Hula Preservation Society, will introduce this unique art form here in the Bay Area through a project sponsored by a grant from the Gerbode Foundation.

The project encompasses the research of classical themes, the construction of hula puppets, and the development of a dedicated hula ki’i practice within our resident halau, The project will culminate in a performance of Wai Ola, ‘Aukele and the Waters of Life, A Celebration of Hula Ki’i.