Maui artist Amanda Joy Bower’s mural titled Ha‘aha‘a, stands at the future location of the proposed Halau of ‘Oiwi Art. It will be adjacent to the new four-level parking structure in Wailuku town, currently under construction at the corner of Church and Vineyard Streets. County of Maui / Shane Tegarden

The Maui News

A group of Maui kumu hula and Maui County are in early planning stages to establish a cultural center called “Halau of ‘Oiwi Art,” to be located in Wailuku, Mayor Michael Victorino has announced.

Halau of ‘Oiwi Art will be dedicated to the study, practice, celebration and perpetuation of hula and various ‘oiwi arts connected to hula, according to a news release.

The center will be in support of the Huamakahikina Declaration, ratified by an international coalition of kumu hula and adopted by resolution by the Maui County Council in the fall.

It will be the first of its kind and the largest investment by any county or the state to establish a permanent place for hula and associated ‘oiwi arts, the news release said.

The center’s proposed location will be adjacent to the new four-level parking structure in Wailuku town, currently under construction, at the corner of Church and Vineyard streets.

“Our goal for the Halau of ‘Oiwi Art is to create a center of international significance that will advance the cultural, social, and historical impact of Native Hawaiian ‘Oiwi art,” said kumu hula Hokulani Holt, one of those spearheading the effort. “Through these efforts, our islands’ halau hula hope to empower all people in Hawaii and the world, to keep these traditions alive for future generations.”

Victorino will be proposing a planning, design and construction budget to the County Council in the fiscal year 2023 budget. 

“We are honored to be a part of this historic step toward perpetuating hula in Maui County,” said Victorino. “Establishing this cultural center helps to ensure that hula, and its associated arts, will thrive for many generations to come.”

Halau of ‘Oiwi Art, will help to advance the culture of the Hawaiian people through education, classes, workshops, exhibits, activities and events centered around hula.

Preliminary discussions are underway to explore the scope of facility uses and needs, potential funding sources, and considering the role of the center within the emerging Wailuku Arts District, Maui County and beyond. 

For more information see the E Kupa’a Kakou program on Friday. It will be on the website ekupaakakou.com/.