The Maui News

WAILUKU–The 2024 Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival Legacy Award was proudly presented to Carolee “Doll” Aricayos on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center. Aunty Doll, as she is affectionately known, was recognized for her lifelong dedication to hula and culture.

Aunty Doll’s journey with hula began at the tender age of 8, under the mentorship of Kumu Hula John Piilani Watkins. With his guidance, she received his blessing and ‘ūniki (graduation) with full kumu hula rights and status. This achievement marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would take her around the world, sharing the beauty and spirit of hula.

Her performances have graced stages from New York on the Guy Lombardo Show to Guam, Hong Kong, and across Canada, Japan, Korea, and Tahiti. She has also captivated audiences throughout the United States, including at prestigious venues in Hawaii such as the Kodak Hula Show, Tavana’s Polynesian Revue, and the Kaanapali Beach and Sheraton Hotels. Aunty Doll even showcased her talents on the Lurline and Matsonia cruise ships.

In 1971, Aunty Doll founded Pohai Hula Hale, a Polynesian dance studio in Lahaina, Maui. The studio, located in the Old Lahaina Shopping Center, became a cultural cornerstone for the community. Alongside her brother Alwood Kia and other family members, Aunty Doll’s dance group performed throughout Lahaina and Kaanapali, leaving an indelible mark on the local arts scene.

Despite life’s challenges, Aunty Doll’s commitment to hula remained unwavering. In the 1980s, she rebranded her dance school as Pohaikealoha Hula Halau, and today, it thrives as Ka Pa Hula O Maui. This halau is dedicated to serving the kupuna (elders) of Maui, continuing to share the joy of hula and ukulele music at various celebrations and senior centers across the island.

Aunty Doll’s legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who continue to embrace and perpetuate the traditions she holds dear. Her daughter Pohaikealoha co-teaches at Ka Pa Hula O Maui, her son Iokepa assists, and her other son Isaia shares Hawaiian music in Colorado. Aunty Doll’s daughter-in-law Tammy Cabanilla-Aricayos, a former student of Aunty Emma, Hailama, and Kathy Holo’aumoku Ralar, along with her daughter Tehani and granddaughter Jaezlyn, are current students of Napua Silva.

Upon receiving the award, Aunty Doll humbly stated, “I give all glory and honor to God, my Heavenly Father. It is He who gave me the talent and opportunity to share my culture. I am blessed! Hula is alive and thriving. Mahalo to Aunty Emma and all her ‘ohana for this recognition. Eō Maui!”

The Emma Farden Sharpe Hula Festival celebrates the rich heritage of hula and honors those who have dedicated their lives to preserving and promoting this beautiful cultural art form. This year’s award to Aunty Doll is a testament to her enduring influence and dedication to hula and Polynesian culture. She joins the prestigious list of recipients, including:

¯ 2023 – Kathy Holo’aumoku Ralar

¯ 2022 – “The Fabulous Emma Sharpe Entertainers”: Phyllis Ross, Alice Shimomura, Mokihana Shipe, Kalei Jaramillo, Makanani Catugal, Malihini Heath, Stephany Sepulveda, Penny Schneider, Leimomi Santana, Pualei Estrella, Ku’uipo Haupu, Panui Shepard, No’eau Ralar, Kalani Naeole, Steven Lono, Sean Grady, Patrick Grady, Wayne Hirata, Manuel Criste, Randy Casco, June Kalepa and Pualalea Cabacungan

¯ 2021 – Roselle Bailey

¯ 2020 – COVID

¯ 2019 – Alehandro “Ale” Arao

¯ 2018 – Mary Kawena Pukui (posthumously), Kuhailikui Opunui (posthumously), and Joseph Ilalaole (posthumously)

¯ 2017 – Martha Medeiros (posthumously)

¯ 2016 – Ualani Makaike-Calleja

¯ 2015 – Moana Dudoit (posthumously)

For more information about the festival and to see highlights visit: Facebook.com/efshf