ABOUT NĀ LEI HULU I KA WĒKIU
Founded in 1985 by Director/Kumu Hula Patrick Makuakāne, the company of dancers is known for its unique contemporary style called hula mua, or “hula that evolves.”
The style blends traditional movements with non-Hawaiian music like opera, electronic, dance, alternative, and pop. Both hula mua and authentic, traditional pieces are showcased in the company’s visually captivating stage productions.
Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu has enjoyed tremendous national success, dazzling audiences and critics alike.
Makuakāne has won extensive recognition and numerous awards for his choreography and direction, including several Isadora Duncan Dance Awards (“Izzies”) and a lifetime achievement award from the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival.
The dance company holds annual home season performances in the fall in iconic San Francisco locations such as the Presidio Theatre and the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, and has performed throughout California and in other locations including New York, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Honolulu.
Our Mission: Nā Lei Hulu i ka Wēkiu is dedicated to exploring and preserving Hawaiian culture through hula.