Kumu Hula Pekelo Day

Kumu Pekelo continues to expand cultural awareness and has now begun to cultivate interest for his teaching methods and knowledge in the Pacific Northwest Region of the United States. A recent workshop was attended by over fifty eager and interested mainland pacific islanders who either are from Hawaii or have a heart-felt interest in all things Hawaiian.

Halau Hula Na Pua O Hawai’i Nei was begun in 2009 and has over 100 students ranging in age from 4 to 80 and has weekly scheduled classes in Eugene and Ashland, Oregon.

About Me

Kumu Pekelo

About Kumu Hula Pekelo Day

 

Ohana

Pekelo’s family ties are to the eastern part of Maui, from Keanae to Kaupo. He is the youngest in a family of six, three brothers and two sisters. His mother, Appollonia Kealohanui Day, was of full Hawaiian ancestry and raised her children in the traditional Hawai’ian cultural values. She studied hula with Auntie Emma Farden Sharpe and uniki-ed (graduated) from that halau. While not an actual kumu, she taught hula to her community and family, and was the one who instilled in Pekelo his love for oli (chant) and hula kahiko (ancient hula).

Early Years

After attending Cultural Explorations at Kamehameha School, Pekelo returned to Keanae. He recalls the astonishment of his mother and grandfather as they worked in their kalo Lo’i (taro patches) and heard him oli the chants of his ancestors. This was clearly a natural talent, and he began to teach hula and chant to students at Keanae Elementary School for performances at school programs such as Aloha Week, Kamehameha Day and Lei Day.


Pekelo Kahiko

While his inclination to dance and chant may have been encouraged by his mother, it was his own dedication and hard work that brought him to the highly valued place he now holds in the world of hula. He was fortunate to have had the opportunity to study dance and chant with many a revered kumu hula. Haunani Kauahi Judd and Sam Naeole on O’ahu, Auntie Edith Kanaka’ole and George Naope on Hawaii Island. He also attended many workshops sponsored by the Hawai’i State Foundation of Culture and Art, studying with Kupuna Masters of the Art.

Early Accolades

In 1973, at age 13, he won first place in oli at the Kamehameha Day Competition on O’ahu, and was recognized as the youngest instructor in the state. He attended high school at Lahainaluna on Maui, and continued his training with the Kupuna Masters while he was there. In his sophomore year he was recognized as a professional instructor.

During 1975, Kumu Pekelo founded Hula Halau O Ka La. Among its students were now famed recording artist Keali’i Reichel, Uluwehe Guerro and Pauline Brown. In 1979 Pekelo moved from Maui to Hawaii Island and in 1980 established Kuwaila I Ka Lehua in Hilo. In 1981 Kumu Pekelo took his haumana (students) to the Merry Monarch competition. After moving to Kailua-Kona in 1984, he created Hula Halau Piha Hau’oli where he taught until his move to Ka’u in 1991.

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