Lehua Carvalho’s Halau Hula Ka Ulu Pua ‘A‘ala O Ka Lani.
By Staff Reports
(Kailua) — If you love hula and the best in traditional Hawaiian music, Kailua is the place to be in April. Noted Kumu Hula Lehua Carvalho will bring her Halau Hula Ka Ulu Pua ‘A‘ala O Ka Lani to the “I Love Hula” monthly celebration of dance at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 14. Another Lehua – one of Hawaii’s most successful singers and songwriters – Lehua Kalima, will perform original works at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, as part of the celebrated “Kanikapila in Kailua” music series.
“We’re really excited to welcome Lehua Kalima, one of Hawaii’s great singers and songwriters to our ‘Kanikapila in Kailua’ stage,” said Terry George, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Harold K.L. Castle Foundation. “And we equally look forward to having Kumu Lehua Carvalho and her Halau Hula Ka Ulu Pua ‘A‘ala O Ka Lani for our ‘I Love Hula’ series. Both ‘I Love Hula’ and ‘Kanikapila in Kailua’ are continuing the tradition of bringing the best of Hawaiian entertainment to the Windward side and sharing the cultural richness that Kailua and its people have to offer.”
Kalima is well known as one of the members of Na Leo Pilimehana, the trio with Nalani Choy and Angela Morales that has won 23 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards. She not only is an award-winning performer but also an accomplished songwriter and lyricist.
Kalima released her first solo album, “Rising In Love,” in 2011. While she loves performing with Na Leo, “Rising In Love” gave her an opportunity to write and sing more personal songs. She wrote the album’s title song because she thought the phrase “falling in love” sounded like a “disaster waiting to happen.” Instead, the feeling of being in love is more like rising than falling, she says.
Kumu Hula Lehua Carvalho started her hula training at age 5 in Kailua under the direction of the late Ellen Pukaikapuaokalani Castillo. Her desire to carry on the traditions of her ancestors inspired Carvalho to study language and history under noted Hawaiian historians and kumu. In 1986, Carvalho earned the title of Kumu Hula. As a kumu she has earned numerous awards in haku mele (Hawaiian poetry/songs), hula kahiko (ancient hula) and hula ‘auana (modern hula). Carvalho has shared her talents throughout the world including in Australia, Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Peru and Switzerland. In 2005, Carvalho began serving as a judge in hula competitions held on the island of Kyushu, Japan.
“I strive to pass on the traditions and love for Hawaii through my students so that the heritage that keeps Hawaii alive may live for generations to come through the hearts of all who are touched by the beauty of Hawaiian culture,” Carvalho said.
“Kanikapila in Kailua” – founded in partnership with noted Hawaiian composer, producer and slack key artist Kawika Kahiapo – takes place monthly on most third Saturdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Kailua parking garage behind Longs Drugs. “I Love Hula” is coordinated by Charlani Kalama, also a kumu hula, and daughter of Kailua’s renowned late kumu hula, Aunty Lani Kalama. “I Love Hula” takes place on most second Sundays from 3 to 4 p.m. between Pier 1 and Macy’s (some performances may be held in the parking garage). Attendees are encouraged to grab a plate lunch from one of Kailua’s favorite eateries and bring a chair or mat to sit on and enjoy these free programs.
The hula performances and music concerts are sponsored by Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, which this year is marking 50 years of grant giving in Hawaii. For more information about the shows, call the Foundation at 263-7073 or check for updates to the 2013 performance schedule online at www.castlefoundation.org.
The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation, the largest private foundation headquartered in Hawaii, is committed to closing the achievement and preparation gaps in public education so that all Hawaii’s children have access to high-quality pre-K-12 education that prepares them for success in college, career and citizenship. Its grants also focus on restoring nearshore marine ecosystems and strengthening Windward Oahu communities.