Micah Kamohoali’i

As the kumu hula, or leader of the Halau Na Kipu’upu’u, a hula school on “the big island” of Hawaii, Micah Kamohoali’i is adept in the movements that make up hula and the fabrication of the regalia of the historic tradition.

Hula has been a part of Micah Kamohoali’i’s life from the age of three. Through this dance tradition, he has learned the history and stories of his people. Various cultural festivals invite the halau he leads to perform across the islands. His hula drama, “Mauliauhonua,” was a big success and began touring in 2010.

With the support of an NACF Artist Fellowship in Dance, Kamohoali’i will be able to perform his second full hula drama across the islands. “Ka Hulilauali’i O Waimea” tells the history of Waimea descendants and features unique hand-made regalia and props. Equally well-known for the quality of the kapa, or mulberry bark cloth, he makes for dancer regalia, Kamohoali’i has helped revive the practice of creating kapa among the hula community.