Pua ʻOlena

This mele, written by Jimmy Kaholokula, honors the blossom of the Tumeric, a plant used for medicinal purposes in Lāʻau Lapaʻau as well as dye used by Hawaiian artisans making kapa and weaving lauhala. This choreography is inspired by a recent workshop attended by Kumu Kanoe (in March 2021) where renowned Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero taught his choreography to his famous mele “Ka Wailele o Nuʻuanu”. Kumu Kanoe created her choreography to Pua ʻOlena referencing some of the kaʻina wāwae (footwork) and attitudes of Kumu Robert’s style.