There are two different types of hula. Ancient hula, which was performed before Western contact with Hawai‘i, is called hula kahiko. It is accompanied by chant and an ipu heke (double gourd drum) or pahu drum. Modern hula which emerged under Western contact, is called hula ‘auana. It is accompanied by song and musical instruments such as ‘ukulele, guitar or string bass.
Hula is taught in schools called hālau. The word hālau can be broken down into hā which means breath and lau which means numerous. In a group of hula dancers, the breath of dancers combine.
A hālau is a school with a common goal of learning and dancing. In a hālau everyone is your hula ‘ohana (family). You must treat everyone with respect and kindness and you will learn to be humble, pleasant, patient and gracious.
A hālau is more than learning to dance hula. You will learn the Hawaiian culture, language, history, chants, songs and stories.
Click here to learn about our Foundation, Kiako.
Lisa Chang
Owner/Instructor
After six months, Auntie Linda moved Lisa up to the advanced class. The highlight of Lisa’s dance career was taking first place in the Hula Kahiko and Hula 'Auana Group Division at the Ia 'Oe E Ka La Hula Competition in 1989. Lisa danced with Hula Hālau 'O Pi'ilani until she moved back to Oregon in 1994. She travels to San Jose several times a year to continue her hula study with Auntie Linda’s daughter, Kumu Hula Kanani Densing.
“I hired Hula Hālau ‘Ohana Holo‘oko‘a to provide Hula and Tahitian
entertainment for our luau-themed dual birthday party and it was definitely
the highlight of the evening! Everyone loved the show and had a fun time
with the audience participation at the end. The keiki’s (children) were so
adorable and the women were lovely. I highly recommend them for parties
and events. Mahalo, Lisa, and her dancers for making our birthday party
extra special!”
- Daisy
Lisa and the students from Hula Hālau ‘Ohana Holo‘oko‘a came to our
retirement community to do a show for our residents. They performed a
variety of hula dances during our lu‘au, which were beyond what we
expected. The students were of varying ages and were quite talented.
Everyone was dressed in the traditional hula costume and the colors were
outstanding. The music was authentic and made everyone want get up and
dance. We were so impressed we would like to have them back again.
- Ashley Young, Event Planner, The Springs At Tanasborne
“My daughters love attending hula class each week. In addition to feeling
like a part of the ‘Ohana (family), they have enjoyed learning the story
behind the dances and the language. Dancing with the Hālau has
developed our daughters’ confidence and has taught them about the
Hawaiian culture and values that I grew up with. Mahalo (thank you),
Auntie Lisa, for sharing your love of hula!”
– Joy
“My daughter and I have been dancing with Hula Hālau ‘Ohana Holo‘oko‘a
for more than six years. It has been so much fun, great exercise and a
cultural education. I never thought of myself as a dancer, but although it
is always challenging, I keep learning and I am accepted as a member of
the ‘Ohana – the family.”
- Hi’ilei
“I started hula when I was 15 to connect to my Hawaiian roots, Hula Halau
'Ohana Holo'oko'a has offered me a place to learn, develop, and share the
culture through dance. As an olapa, I now work with the haumana to help
them learn the way I did. I love working with the keikis because they're
so open and have so much fun.”
— Melia
“Working with Lisa Chang and her team was outstanding. They were flexible,
professional in every way and they closed out our program on a really high
note! From the feedback of the audience,hey were a perfect 10.”
– Bill Dolan, President Spirit Media
Lisa is an excellent hula instructor and an organized business owner.
She is constantly looking for ways to incorporate cultural and community
events and to educate both students and the community about Polynesian
culture. Her classes are a great value and fun to participate in."
- Mazie Kaume'alani Magnum