October 5 Hula Voices Featuring — Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima (Free)

Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima with Moderator Desiree Moana Cruz (free)

Kumu Hula Iwalani Kalima was born and raised in Keaukaha Homestead in Hilo Hawai'i. Her Hula roots go back to her great-grandmother Kapeka, who was a chanter for Queen Lili'uokalani , and her grandfather Joseph Nohea Kalima Sr., who composed the famous mele, “Hilo Hula.”

Iwalani began dancing at the age of eight, under the direction of Uncle George Lanakilakeikiahiali'i Na'ope. She graduated uniki, which is a ceremony with her kumu that recogcognizes a dancers' knowledge not just in Hula, but in the Hula arts, and received her na kumu palapa in 1982.

Through the tutelage of Uncle George and her family, she developed a deep love for Hula and a passion for its preservation.