Local Hawaiian community celebrates history with fundraiser

The Ke`ala `O Kamailelauli`ili`i Foundation celebrated their second annual Aloha Kalikimaka showcase and fundraiser Nov. 18 at the Auburn Performing Arts Center. Dancers of all ages performed dances to many different mele, which are songs and chants that tell stories and Hawaiian history and are often accompanied by hula.

The Ke`ala `O Kamailelauli`ili`i Foundation is a halau – or hula school – in Federal Way that has been here since 1996. They not only share dance classes and compete in national competitions, but also act as a hub for the Hawaiian community in Federal Way and the surrounding area.

Their goal is to “encourage public involvement through understanding and living the Hawaiian culture through music, dance, language, material arts, crafts and history,” according to their website, and also to “promote educational performances, workshops, retreats and other traditional activities focused on Hawaiian culture, language, music and dance” and “stimulate and encourage public involvement in activities related to the education of the Hawaiian culture, beliefs, language, music and dance.”

The hulau just returned from the Ia Oe E Ka La competition in Pleasonton, California, on Nov. 3-5. Two celebrations from that performance include third-place winner with 558 points, Leilani Kaeka for the Gracious Ladies Solo. They also brought home a second-place title for Makuahine Auana with 568 points. Ticket sales at the Aloha Kalikimaka event will go toward expenses for participation at the Ia Oe E Ka La competition next year and other events to be announced, according to a post on social media.

This year they were one of only 10 halau from Hawaii and the mainland USA to compete in the competition. This competition is “dedicated to King David Kalakaua, the 7th King of Hawaiian Kingdom in the 19th century. The competition is held in his birth month of November to honor his great achievements for his people and their culture,” according to a press release from the Kumu Hula Association of Northern California who hosted the event.

At the Aloha Kalikimaka showcase, local Hawaiian vendors shared their wares. Iwalani Creations sold jewelry, stationary and home essentials. Kristina and Yvette offered Hawaii inspired home signage, glassware, key chains jewelry boxes and more. Tony & Mike at @twodominate sold Hawai’i High School and First Responder microfiber suede Towels, PVC patches and slide sandals. Hawaii General Store brought a variety of wares. Cam’s Crafts sold a various sizes of tumblers and shot glasses. Vendor Michelle from Live Inspired jewelry had variegated monstera hoops and flame ball pearl, seashell and abalone jewelry.

Food included Hanapa’a Poke, KC Deez BBQ and Taste of Samoa.

The halau is led by Kamaile Hamada. While he is called kumu, he did not receive that title just because he instructs. It was bestowed upon him from his mother, the original Federal Way halau kumu, who taught Hamada every aspect of the lessons he teaches.

“You’re passing on genealogy. You’re passing on history, culture, language, ways of life,” he said, adding even the songs to which the hula is performed are glimpses into the past.

“Some people just dance. You can’t dance if you don’t know what you’re dancing to. It’s more than just a song. It’s like a history book opens, and at the end of the song, it closes.”

The Hui Ka’awai performed by dancers from the Ke`ala `O Kamailelauli`ili`i Foundation halau. (Photo by community member and photographer @t.g.koz on Instagram) The Hui Ka’awai performed by dancers from the Ke`ala `O Kamailelauli`ili`i Foundation hālau. Photo by community member and photographer @t.g.koz on Instagram

The Hana Mana I Ka Hale Waili’ula performed by dancers from the Ke`ala `O Kamailelauli`ili`i Foundation hālau. Photo by community member and photographer @t.g.koz on Instagram

The Oni Ke Kula O Kama’oma’o performed by dancers from the Ke`ala `O Kamailelauli`ili`i Foundation halau. (Photo by community member and photographer @t.g.koz on Instagram) The Oni Ke Kula O Kama’oma’o performed by dancers from the Ke`ala `O Kamailelauli`ili`i Foundation hālau. Photo by community member and photographer @t.g.koz on Instagram

The Panini Pua Kea performed by dancers from the Ke`ala `O Kamailelauli`ili`i Foundation hālau. Photo by community member and photographer @t.g.koz on Instagram

Kamaile Hamada speaks at the Aloha Kalikimaka 2023 opening ceremony. Photo by community member and photographer @t.g.koz on Instagram

The Panini Pua Kea performed by dancers from the Ke`ala `O Kamailelauli`ili`i Foundation hālau. Photo by community member and photographer @t.g.koz on Instagram