Paoakalani Hula Hālau

In 2011, Kalani Paoakalani Hiapo completed his formal ʻūniki under Kumu Hula Kimo Alama Keaulana, receiving rites in traditional hula with specializations across both kahiko and ʻauana forms. Since then, Kalani has emerged as a respected cultural practitioner and the esteemed Kumu Hula of Paoakalani Hula Hālau on Oʻahu, where he nurtures dancers through mele-based education, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, and ʻike kūpuna.

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A multi-talented writer and thinker, Kalani earned 1st place for three consecutive years in the Ka ʻUmeke Kaʻeo Native Hawaiian Writing Contest for mele composition, with his work later published through Leeward Community College. These honors reflect his artistry, linguistic depth, and dedication to preserving Hawaiian literacy and creative expression.

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As the Executive Director of the nonprofit Hoʻoulu ʻIke Center for Hula and Mele, Kalani leads an organization committed to preserving and advancing Hawaiian culture through language, mele, hula, and integrated arts education. Under his leadership, the center provides accessible cultural learning opportunities, fosters national and global collaborations, and supports the growth of future practitioners, educators, and leaders.

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Kalani has founded multiple innovative programs, including the Mālothon, a men’s health initiative that blends ancestral wisdom with modern athleticism; the ʻAʻa I Ka Hula Competition, a groundbreaking hula-based academic competition for secondary school students; and the Monananui School of Arts, an emerging initiative dedicated to Hawaiian arts education, performance, and creative storytelling to strengthen academic excellence and cultural confidence.

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He is also the owner of Hālau Hoʻoulu, a cultural event and learning space designed for hula trainings, community workshops, arts programming, and cultural gatherings. This space supports the broader community through rentals, collaborations, and cultural enrichment.

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Known for his warmth, humor, deep cultural insight, and fearless stage presence, Kalani Hiapo stands as a dynamic voice for Hawaiian culture. His work embodies the living legacy of hula—creative, resilient, and rooted in aloha.