San Diego Hula Academy

San Diego Hula Academy San Diego Hula Academy is a traditional hula hālau teaching hula, ‘ori Tahiti and ‘ukulele.

HUUUUUIIIII! Here’s ‘Iolani! Throughout her hula journey, ‘Iolani has exemplified respect, tenacity, and purpose. From a...
06/20/2026

HUUUUUIIIII! Here’s ‘Iolani!

Throughout her hula journey, ‘Iolani has exemplified respect, tenacity, and purpose. From audition to stage, we can count on ‘Iolani to bring strength and oomph! Geev ‘em, ‘Io!

We hope you’ll be there next month in Sacramento to cheer on ‘Iolani. 🎉

George Na’ope Hula Festival
Sacramento, CA
July 17-19, 2026
www.gnhf.net

06/20/2026

👔🍻Celebrating all those dads/uncles/grandpas tomorrow!

FREE EVENT

Come join us at Local Roots in Vista!
1430 Vantage Court, Suite 101
Vista, CA 92081

2-6 pm
San Diego Hula Academy performs at 3 pm

Fun for the whole family (including fur babies.)

See you there!

THIS IS MAKANA 🎁.A member of our wahine team, Makana, is no stranger to competition. While she can be focused and determ...
06/17/2026

THIS IS MAKANA 🎁.

A member of our wahine team, Makana, is no stranger to competition. While she can be focused and determined, it is her humility that stands out. Always striving for excellence, Makana is a gift to the team.

“Never ever mistake her silence for weakness. Remember that sometimes the air stills before the onset of a hurricane.” — Amani Al-Khatahtbeh


______

*Why do you hula?
I hula because it gives me a way to share stories through dance with both power and grace. When I am on stage, I strive to embody mana—the spiritual energy, strength, and empowerment that flows through the dance. Hula allows me to connect deeply with the story being told and express it in a way that words alone cannot.

* Favorite Ha’lau moment so far
My favorite ha’lau moment so far was when I got to meet my hula sister for life during a practice. One day we introduced ourselves to each other during a Wednesday night class, the thing I know she’s one of my best friends that will be with me forever.

* what is the first thing you’re going to do when kapu is pau?
Celebrate my birthday with my ‘Ohana because competition is the weekend of my 31st birthday

*Musubi or Manapua?
Musubi

*Noodles or Rice?
Noodles

*What is your favorite shave ice flavor? Strawberry and mango mixed
But you have to have the vanilla ice cream on the bottom

*Name someone on the competition team that you admire and why?
I admire my hula sister, Pōmai, because she always has a smile on her face, puts her 100% in each practice, and will make sure you have support.

*Weird but true fact about you:
I have a tattoo that is misspelled but it’s very ironic in a funny way.

06/16/2026

Dad called… He wants to spend Father’s Day at The Boochyard Luau 🌴

SAN DIEGO HULA ACADEMY
Becky Kasper
Yacht Rock Party

😊 A true blessing. Pōmaika’i is a joy to be around. Her positive attitude is infectious, and you can’t help butlaugh whe...
06/15/2026

😊 A true blessing.

Pōmaika’i is a joy to be around. Her positive attitude is infectious, and you can’t help butlaugh when you’re with her. This wahine has busted her ‘ōkole and proved she is a force to be reckoned with. Every step, every ne’e, every word - you have given the team your all. Keep pushing! You’re almost there. So very proud of you. Kill it!


_______
Why do you hula?
Initially it was just to fill my extra time with a physical activity,but now it is so much more than that. I have skills like hulu and lei making that would have never came to light without hula. It’s not just dance: It’s the culture, it’s the sisterhood and it’s the good mana that Kumu instills in our team every moment. I am a hula dancer with a super full heart ❤️

Favorite hālau moment (so far):
Getting my hula name was the coolest. It was myself and Kili’ohu receiving our Hawaiian names with everyone backstage before hoike of 2024. I remember being so grateful that I ever walked through those doors and put on a pā’ū for the first time. That was the moment that I’ll never forget.

What is the first thing youre gonna do when kapu is pau?
I am running (not walking) to Kanoelani’s hair salon for a haircut and color me back to RED ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Choose - musubi or manapua?
Masubi

Choose - rice or noodles?
Rice but can never miss an opportunity to say “send noods” 🤣

What is your go to shave ice flavah?
POG and if I’m feeling up to it, with the works (vanilla ice cream and condensed milk)

Name someone on the competition team that you admire and why?
Pīkake!! I have always looked up to her since day one. My hula-spiration 💚 Not only is her hula beautiful, she has an amazing soul. I’m so glad she’s on the team because I get to see her more and dance together again. Pīkake has the farthest drive and still makes it all work. She is an incredible mom and hula sister. I’m so very grateful for her.

Weird but true fact about you:
I love backpacking and have a goal of hiking Pacific Coast Trail. Also, I plan to have a real farm one day. There will be a donkey who will be besties with Tucker, my pig. It will be epic! 🐷🫏

Ho’omaika’i to Calah and William on their wedding day! 🥰💍It is always a huge undertaking to prepare for a wedding, but t...
06/15/2026

Ho’omaika’i to Calah and William on their wedding day! 🥰💍

It is always a huge undertaking to prepare for a wedding, but to add on a surprise hula for her new husband was no easy task. I were gifted the responsibility of training Calah with not one, but TWO hula! She trained and practiced for months and was just stunning on the dance floor.

Mahalo nui e Calah and Makana for trusting me. Brava CALAH!! Wowza!

Much love and best wishes for a wonderful marriage and long life together.

Me Ke Aloha Pumehana,
Kumu

PRESENTING NAPUA 🤌🏽Wise beyond her years, Napua demonstrates high levels of self-control, listens intently, and adds cal...
06/12/2026

PRESENTING NAPUA 🤌🏽

Wise beyond her years, Napua demonstrates high levels of self-control, listens intently, and adds calm under pressure. Napua has literally grown up at hālau sharing so many of her milestones with us! We are thrilled to see her on the Wahine team and can’t wait to see her breathe life into her hula. 🌬️

www.gnhf.net
July 17-19, 2026
Doubletree Hilton
Sacramento, CA
_____

Why do you hula?
I started hula because of Lilo and stitch. I used to follow the hula movements in the movie until I finally joined a halau. Since that I fell in love with the culture, the language, and the dance.

Favorite hālau moment (so far):
When I came back to hula, I rolled my ankle and had to dance in a chair!

What are you going to do as soon as kapu is pau?
Eat a buttload of sugar and cut my hair!

Musubi or Manapua?
musubi

Rice or Noodles?
Rice

What is your go to shave ice flavah?
Cotton candy

Name someone on the competition team that you admire and why?
Pōmaika’i really inspires me because of her positive attitude, and encouragement she gives me and the other girls.

Weird but true fact about you:
I can wiggle my ears

Summer Luau at Michi Brew Co.Join us for an island-inspired summer evening at Michi Brew Co. featuring food from MabuHi,...
06/12/2026

Summer Luau at Michi Brew Co.

Join us for an island-inspired summer evening at Michi Brew Co. featuring food from MabuHi, live music by Ho‘Okani, hula with SD Hula, tiki art from Ken Ruzic, lei making workshop and a special Michi beer release.

We’re bringing together great beer, local food, live entertainment, and tropical taproom vibes for one of our biggest summer events of the season.

Come hungry, bring your friends and family, and settle in for a night of music, movement, art, and fresh pours in San Elijo Hills.

Event Highlights:
Dinner by MabuHI Food Truck
Live music by Ho’okani Band
Hula performance by SAN DIEGO HULA ACADEMY
Tiki art booth by Ken Ruzic
Lei Making workshop by Hā’awi Aloha by Cristina ✿
Special Michi beer release
Island vibes all evening

Date: June 27
Location: Michi Brew Co. | San Elijo
Dinner Tickets available @ MichiBrewCo.com

🥰 MEET KU’UIPO From La’ie, Ku’uipo is excited to be on stage to represent her family. This mana wahine shows up every da...
06/10/2026

🥰 MEET KU’UIPO

From La’ie, Ku’uipo is excited to be on stage to represent her family. This mana wahine shows up every day with intense concentration, unwavering determination, and a whole lot of heart. She expects a lot of her teammates, but demands excellence from herself.

Go get ‘em, Ku’uipo! 💪🏼

____

Why do you hula?
Hula helps me stay connected to my Hawaiian culture, heritage, and ancestors. I love being able to express stories and traditions through movement, and it makes me feel proud to carry on something so meaningful. Hula also brings me closer to the people around me and reminds me of where I come from.

Favorite hālau moment (so far):
Laughing about unreasonable things with my hula sisters.

What is the first thing you’re gonna do when kapu is pau?
Diet Coke. Sugar. Repeat.

Choose — musubi or manapua?
Emotional support musubi or three. Actually a whole bag.

Choose — rice or noodles?
Rice.

What is your go-to shave ice flavah?
Lilikoi, guava, and banana with ice cream.

Name someone on the competition team that you admire and why?
I admire Ku’upua for her constant dedication to hula and her strength to rise up. She is smart, kind, and someone you always want on your team. She always brings it and makes everything so much more fun.

Weird but true fact about you:
I have willingly jumped out of a place twice

PAPA KUKUI ✨Our ladies and gents in Kūpuna Class have truly brought a bright light to San Diego Hula Academy.These dance...
06/09/2026

PAPA KUKUI ✨

Our ladies and gents in Kūpuna Class have truly brought a bright light to San Diego Hula Academy.

These dancers continue to work hard, but show what teamwork is all about. Hours of practicing, sewing, making lei together…we haven’t found an end to their talents yet!

This week one of our OG had to say “a hui hou” as she moves on to the next step in her journey. We know we will see each other again soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if this group said “Road Trip!” 🚗🚙🚗🚙

📸: & BTS photos by haumana

Address

San Marcos, CA

Opening Hours

Monday 5pm - 8:30pm
Tuesday 5pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday 5pm - 8:30pm
Sunday 9:30am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+18582435071

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when San Diego Hula Academy posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category