Events

HE LEI HOʻOKAHI FUNDRAISING CONCERT

7:30pm-9:00pm

Friday, May 22nd 2026

Kennedy Theater, UH Mānoa

TICKETS ON SALE HERE

https://manoa.hawaii.edu/outreach/asiapacificdance/2026-concert/

The ticket prices are as follows:

General - $40

Senior / Military - $30

Student - $15

Details: 

The foundation of EO LEI ʻILIAHI in partnership with the Asian Pacific 150th Celebration present the Former Men of Waimāpuna, the former Ladies of Ke ʻAla o Ka Lauaʻe, and the many generations to highlight their legacy of the late Kumu Hula Darrell Lupenui, the pioneer of the male hula.

Featuring

Kumu Chinky Māhoe, and Hālau Hula o Kawailiʻulā

Kumu Blaine Kamalani Kia, and Hālau Hula o Kahulaliwai & Kawaikahelanimālie

Kumu Paʻakea Hicks, and Hālau Hula o Paʻakea Wai Lehua

With special surprise guests and ceremonial presentations.

On behalf of EŌ LEI ʻILIAHI, The former Men of Waimāpuna and former ladies of Ke Ala O Ka Lauaʻe, we present HE LEI HOʻOKAHI. “To be of one fragrance.” Itʻs been many years since we loss our beloved kumu, Darrell Lupenui. It was a time during the Hawaiian Renaissance of distinct cultural identity. And hula became a renewed interest. Darrell was a part of this movement and perhaps did not realize the incredible impact his hula would make or his legendary status that stands today.

From 1976 to his passing in 1987 Darrell Lupenui would shape, form, and establish a hula style unlike anyone had ever seen. And did so within a small window of just ten years! The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival became the arena that catapulted his acclaimed name with his Men of Waimāpuna that generated a movement of sort, in the male hula. With notable teachers such as Thaddeus Wilson and OʻBrian Eselu, The Men of Waimāpuna was a “household” name! Darrell soon started his womenʻs hālau back in 1982. This birth of his womenʻs hālau actually began at McKinley High School in 1981 when he took a bunch of high school girls to the Kualoa Hula Competition and named them, The Ladies of Ke ʻAla O Ka Lauaʻe.

This evening we feature the OGs and their downlines as a new generation emerges to strengthen and awaken their senses to this kuleana (responsibility) that lay before them. Ascformer men and women of our late kumu hula, this new generation has never known kumu Darrell. And can only be expressed and past down to them through our examples, our devotion, our unwavering love. And above all, to know the scent of ʻIliahi.

HE LEI HOʻOKAHI carries the scent of ʻIliahi to be present this evening. To fill this room with our kumuʻs love. And to recall yet again, is undying passion for hula. And to see his legacy soar with greatness. And give witness to a new generation to carry on his sacred name. Tonight, we are of one fragrance!

Kumu Hula Blaine Kamalani Kia - President

Kumu Hula Chinky Mahoe - Vice President

Kumu Hula Paʻakea Hicks - Executive Board Member

The Late Kumu Hula Darrell ʻIhiʻihilaukākea Lupenui (1952-1987)

The Late Auntie/Mama Muriel Ka Pono O Na Lani Lupenui (1900-1981)