About me
Kumu Hula Rolanda established Hālau Hula Nā Meakanu o Laka o Hawaiʻi, a traditional hula school, in 1985. Originally founded in Hawaiʻi, the hālau is now based in Los Alamitos, California. In 1997, Kumu also founded Ke Poʻokela Cultural Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaiian culture.
From 1992 to 2018, Kumu served as a part-time faculty member at Loyola Marymount University, teaching the course Dance of Hawaiʻi and introducing generations of university students to the history, meaning, and practice of hula.
Kumu completed ʻūniki and graduated as a kumu hula under Mae Kamāmalu Klein on August 23, 2003. Continuing the tradition of lineage and responsibility, Kumu has since trained and graduated several classes of haumāna. The Papa ʻŪniki Lehua (October 7, 2006) included Kumu Hula Bernadette Rotolante, Leoʻokalani Nakila, Kamalani Niue-Key, Pōhaikealoha Daugherty, Kameaʻe Maata, Māhiehie Arana, and Kalama Pastor. The Papa ʻŪniki ʻAʻaliʻi (August 13, 2022) recognized Kumu Hula Jessika Yonekawa, Yvonne Garcia, Joy Salas, and Roxanne Adam-Coffin, with ʻŌlapa Alohinani Garcia and Chiemi Sato. Most recently, the Papa ʻŪniki Palapalai (July 21, 2024) graduated Kumu Hula Chiemi Sato and Hoʻopaʻa Alohinani Garcia.
Through teaching, mentorship, and cultural stewardship, Kumu continues to guide students in both the practice and responsibility of carrying hula forward.
