The Story of Our Hālau

Lamakūimālamaikaʻike—“the standing torch that preserves and protects knowledge”—is the pahu of Hālau Hula Nā Lama I Ka Uluwehi O Laka. Kumu Kalama Pastor graduated through formal ʻūniki rites under Kumu Rolanda Mohala Reese on October 7, 2006. In 2020, Kumu Kalama established Hālau Hula Nā Lama I Ka Uluwehi O Laka so that these foundational traditions of hula and oli could be preserved and taught to future generations. Lamakūimālamaikaʻike grounds our hālau in the lineage of Kumu Maiki Aiu Lake, Kumu Mae Kamāmalu Klein, and Kumu Rolanda Mohala Reese. With every strike of the drum, haumāna are reminded of their kuleana to practice with kūpaʻa, ʻonipaʻa, and haʻahaʻa, safeguarding the knowledge of our kūpuna.