As Hilo prepares for Merrie Monarch, Â鶹´«Ã½ Community College is highlighting its associates in arts degree in with a hula concentration, rooted in the legacy of revered kumu hula Edith Kanakaʻole. Her philosophy: “Teach all who come to learn.”
Kanakaʻole established Hawaiian studies at Â鶹´«Ã½ CC in 1973. Her daughter, Pualani Kanahele, expanded this vision to revive hula rituals.
The program has strengthened students’ cultural identity and connection to ʻohana (family). Kekoa Gabriel, a 2025 honors graduate with multiple AA degrees, found the program clarified his kuleana (responsibility).
“Because of this program I feel a lot more connected to my ancestors, my ʻohana, my Hawaiian-ness, who I am as a Hawaiian,” Gabriel said. “I have a better look at where I want to go as a Hawaiian, who I want to be as a Hawaiian.”
Kamryn Kanoe Bosque, pursuing her degree with a hula focus, added, “I expanded my knowledge more than I ever could have, and I¡¯m deeply grateful to be able to come here and learn more about my Hawaiian culture.”
The program includes unique hands-on practices, such as learning hula Pele (the Hawaiian goddess whose home is Kīlauea on the island of Â鶹´«Ã½) where the volcano is active.
Hula, a ‘living practice’
“Studying hula here at Â鶹´«Ã½ Community College goes beyond choreography,” Kumu Hula Pele Kaʻio. “It exposes the learner to protocol, ceremony, traditional regalia, discipline and leadership.”
The program¡¯s impact is evident during Merrie Monarch, where participation in the annual festival¡¯s opening ceremony has grown from about 30 individuals to more than 400 ritual practitioners, including Â鶹´«Ã½ CC students, alumni and community members.
Taup¨uri Tangar¨, founder and advisor of the college¡¯s hālau hula, Unukupukupu, said the Kanakaʻole ʻ´Ç³ó²¹²Ô²¹¡¯²õ mission remains central.
“Hula becomes the doorway through which learners come to know their purpose,” Tangar¨ said. “Students come to Â鶹´«Ã½ CC not simply to learn hula as performance, but to experience hula as a living practice grounded in ritual.”
Related stories:
- Hundreds celebrate Edith Kanakaʻole at UH Hilo, May 9, 2023
- Native Hawaiian advocates, educators, leaders awarded Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, April 20, 2023
- Native Hawaiian icon Edith Kanakaʻole honored in naming of library collection, July 22, 2025
