Kūhai ˙Hālau O Moana Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko

- 4561 Pacific St, Rocklin, CA 95677

For residents of California's Central Valley and the Sacramento region, Kūhai Hālau O Moana Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko in Rocklin is a vital cultural hub, serving as an authentic link to the rich traditions and arts of Hawaiʻi. This specialized training center is much more than a dance studio; it is a true hālau—a school dedicated to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture, language, and the sacred art of hula.

Under the direction of Kumu Moana Silva, who brings over four decades of personal experience and a direct lineage from Hawaiian Hula Master Loea Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, the hālau embodies the spirit of Aloha right here in Rocklin. The name itself, Kūhai Hālau O Moana Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko, signifies a traditional school focused on both ancient (kahiko) and modern (ʻauana) dance, with a deep reverence for the storytelling, poetry (mele), and history embedded in every movement.

The mission is clear: to maintain and share the integrity of Hawaiian culture. Students, or haumāna, are exposed to a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the basic Hawaiian language (ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi) alongside the physical training. This holistic approach ensures that dancers are not merely performing motions, but truly understanding and embodying the stories, respect, and reverence required to honor this ancient art form. The hālau serves all ages and skill levels, welcoming complete beginners alongside experienced and competitive dancers, fostering a family-oriented atmosphere where discipline, grace, and teamwork flourish.

As an award-winning competitive hālau, Kūhai Hālau O Moana Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko has established itself as a beacon of excellence in the California Polynesian cultural scene. Whether you are seeking a meaningful connection to your heritage, a disciplined artistic practice, or simply a fun, enriching activity, this Rocklin center offers a powerful educational journey that keeps the "Breath of Hawai'i" (E Ho'omau Ka Hā O Ka Hawai'i) alive in Northern California.

Kūhai Hālau O Moana Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko is centrally located in Rocklin, California, making it a convenient and dedicated training center for students from the local community, as well as those traveling from Sacramento, Roseville, Auburn, and other surrounding cities in the greater Placer County area. The physical address is a critical anchor for the hālau’s community engagement and teaching efforts:

4561 Pacific St, Rocklin, CA 95677, USA

The facility is committed to being an inclusive space for all who wish to learn and participate in the Hawaiian arts. The center offers important accommodations to ensure ease of access:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

These features underscore the hālau’s dedication to the spirit of ʻohana (family), welcoming students of various ages, backgrounds, and physical abilities to share in the joy and discipline of hula and Polynesian culture. The location on Pacific Street places it within easy reach of major local thoroughfares, simplifying the journey for families traveling to weekly classes or performances.

As a traditional hula school (hālau hula), Kūhai Hālau O Moana Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko provides a comprehensive array of classes and services that extend far beyond simple dance instruction, aiming instead for a complete cultural education. The programs are thoughtfully structured to accommodate students at every phase of their journey.

The core offerings at the Rocklin training center include:

• Hula Basics Class (For Beginners of All Ages): A starting point for those with no prior experience, focusing on fundamental steps, proper body posture, and an introduction to Hawaiian terminology.
• Keiki Classes (Children’s Hula): Dedicated programs for young students (often divided into age groups like 3–7 years and 8–12 years) that instill discipline, respect, and the joy of hula through age-appropriate techniques and cultural stories.
• Adult Classes (Wahine and Kāne): Structured classes for adults (ages 13 and older) that dive deeper into the technical and cultural aspects of hula, taught for both men and women.
• Competitive Hula Training: For dedicated students, the hālau offers training in both hula kahiko (ancient, traditional hula with drumming and chanting) and hula ‘auana (modern hula set to contemporary music), preparing them for local and national competitions.
• Traditional Hawaiian Cultural Classes: Instruction goes beyond movement, including exposure to Hawaiian history, language (ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi), songs (mele), and the history and use of traditional implements.
• Polynesian Dance: Classes that extend the curriculum to include other Polynesian dance styles, such as Tahitian and Maori, broadening the cultural scope.
• Workshops and Retreats: Special intensive sessions for both students and the wider community, often focusing on specific techniques, chants, or cultural crafts.
• Performance Group / Event Entertainment: The award-winning dancers are available to perform at corporate events, community gatherings, parties, and private functions, sharing the spirit of Aloha across California.

Kūhai Hālau O Moana Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko is distinguished in the Northern California cultural landscape by several key features that validate its role as a premier Hawaiian training center:

• Authentic Kumu Lineage: The hālau is guided by Kumu Moana Silva, whose formal training and ‘Ūniki (graduation) were conducted under the late Loea Kawaikapuokalani Hewett on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, ensuring the perpetuation of a respected, unbroken hula tradition.
• Award-Winning Competitive Success: The school is a recognized competitive force, a testament to the high standards of instruction, discipline, and performance quality maintained by Kumu Moana and her students.
• Comprehensive Cultural Education: Hula is taught not just as a dance, but as a living language and a vehicle for cultural preservation, requiring students to learn the Hawaiian language, poetry, history, and the deep meaning behind the movements.
• Focus on Kahiko (Ancient Hula): While many centers focus only on modern hula, this hālau maintains a strong commitment to hula kahiko, preserving the ancient, powerful style that connects dancers to the legendary origins of the art.
• Community-Centric ʻOhana Atmosphere: The core philosophy is based on ʻohana (family), promoting a supportive, multi-generational environment where students of all levels and backgrounds feel welcomed and nurtured.
• Perpetuation of Hawaiian Language: Kumu Moana Silva is actively involved in a language program grant focused on developing a community-based Hawaiian Language Curriculum, demonstrating a deep commitment to ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi beyond the studio.
• Inclusive Enrollment: The hālau embraces open enrollment with classes for all ages—from young children (keiki) to seniors (kūpuna), ensuring the tradition can be passed down and enjoyed by everyone in the California community.

To join a class, inquire about booking a performance, or learn more about the schedule and tuition rates, interested parties in the California area can reach out to the Rocklin hālau using the following information. The staff is ready to welcome new haumāna into the ʻohana.

• Address: 4561 Pacific St, Rocklin, CA 95677, USA
• Phone: (530) 320-8952
• Mobile Phone: +1 530-320-8952

Choosing Kūhai Hālau O Moana Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko is a decision to engage with the authentic heart of Hawaiian culture in California. For those living far from the islands but wanting a genuine connection to their heritage or a deep artistic study, this hālau provides an unparalleled opportunity. It is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that resonate deeply with the local community.

Firstly, the integrity of the instruction is guaranteed by Kumu Moana Silva’s direct and respected lineage, ensuring that students are learning a tradition passed down through true masters, not a generalized recreational dance style. This authenticity is rare and invaluable.

Secondly, the comprehensive curriculum offers much more than movement; it is a profound cultural education. Students become scholars of the Hawaiian language, history, and poetry, allowing them to dance with spiritual depth and understanding. This intellectual and spiritual engagement sets it apart from typical dance schools.

Finally, the inclusive ʻohana environment provides a stable, supportive community in the Sacramento region. It is a place where respect, discipline, and the Aloha Spirit are practiced daily, creating not just better dancers, but better community members. Whether you are aiming for the competitive stage or simply seeking cultural enrichment, Kūhai Hālau O Moana Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko offers a truly transformative cultural and artistic journey in Rocklin, CA.

Kūhai ˙Hālau O Moana Pā ʻŌlapa Kahiko

4561 Pacific St, Rocklin, CA 95677, USA