Ua ulu ke kōwelo a ka lā: An exploration of multigenerational kumu hula teaching styles and their impact on Hawaiian cultural transmission

Abstract

Ua Ulu Ke Kōwelo a Ka Lā explores the multigenerational kumu hula teaching styles within thecontext of preserving Hawaiian traditions and practices. Through interviews with seven kumu hula, this research examines the importance of maintaining cultural knowledge, fostering meaningful relationships between teachers and students, and adapting teaching methods to various contexts. The study highlights five key themes: personalizing education, investing in both the kumu hula and ʻōlapa, collective teaching, bridging traditional knowledge with students’ passions, and the preservation of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) as a critical legacy. Drawing on personal experiences and the guidance of my own kumu hula, this work emphasizes the significance of pilina (connection/relationships) in the transmission of hula and cultural practices. The findings underscore the responsibility of kumu hula and their students to sustain traditions, while also recognizing the adaptability of hula as it evolves with new generations. This thesis contributes to the documentation of hula lineages and aims to inspire future research and efforts to preserve and expand the knowledge and practice of hula across Hawaiʻi and beyond.