About me
Kū Koanui-Souza began his performing arts journey in 1989 as a member of the world-famous Honolulu Boy Choir, directed by Mr. and Mrs. Roy and Nyle Hallman. In 1990, he started studying hula under Kumu Hula Chinky Māhoe. While attending Kailua High School in 1996, Kū met his longtime mentor, Hau‘oli Akaka, who taught him Hawaiian language, culture, hula, and music.
Kū founded Hālau Hula ‘O Kawaiho‘omalu on April 2, 2001. Seeking deeper mastery, he participated in traditional ‘ūniki rites with Kumu Hula Kalani Akana of Ka Pā Hula O Kāheakūlani in 2017, completed his ‘ūniki as a ho‘opa‘a in 2019, and received the title of Kumu Hula ‘Ūniki ‘Ailolo in 2021. He then renamed his hula school to Ka Pā Hula ‘O Kawaiho‘omalu to honor his kumu and hula traditions.
Kū has taught Hawaiian language & hula for 19 years at Kailua High School, Kamehameha Schools, and ‘Iolani School. He currently teaches the Hula Kāne and Hawaiian Ensemble classes at ‘Iolani and conducts online Hawaiian language classes for the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i.
