Summer Hula Camp 2026 will take place June 1-5, from 9 am – 12 noon each day. Building on successful in-person hula camp experiences over the past few summers, with participants ranging in age from 5-92 years young, Kumu Kilohana Silve of Hālau Hula o Mānoa will integrate ma ka hana ka ‘ike hands-on activities in addition to sharing moʻolelo (stories) and teaching new hula.
Kamehameha I conquered and united the Hawaiian islands, but how many of his descendants reigned upon the throne? Can you name each of these sovereigns and what they were known for? Puakea Nogelmeier, the celebrated linguist, Kumu Hula, scholar, and composer of Hawaiian song and chant, was a professor at the Kawaihuelani Center for Hawaiian language at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa when he asked similar questions and discovered that many of his students could not list the eight monarchs that had ruled Hawaiʻi. So he composed a 12-verse chant entitled “Ka Lei Mōʻī,” or “Lei of Monarchs,” as a tribute that also helped students to remember the names of these Aliʻi in chronological order.
Although later recorded as a beautiful song by Hawaiian musician Kawika Kahiapo for Awaiaulu, it will be taught in its original form as a chant and Hula Kālaʻau.
We will explore this rich and diverse period of Hawaiian history to better understand how our present-day society evolved through outside influences verse by verse. Throughout these changing social conditions, the saying “He ‘Ōpū Aliʻi” or “have the heart of a chief” encouraged generosity, kindness, wisdom, and the even temper expected of a righteous leader as an example for all.
Please note that participants are expected to bring their own kālaʻau to learn this hula. A second fun and lively hula ʻAuana will be taught to share the Moʻolelo of ʻUlupalakua ranch and its connection to the monarchy.
Monday, June 1 through Friday, June 5 from 9 am - 12 pm.
Open to students aged 7 and up, with ʻohana members encouraged to participate together.
No previous hula experience is required; however, the main chant and hula is challenging, and participants must bring a pair of kālaʻau on the first day.
5 half-day Hula Camp: $90 (includes lunch every day)
Limited to 30 participants