Free hula, ‘ukulele classes offered beginning Thursday

KALAHEO — A group of four dedicated teachers committed to perpetuating the Hawaiian culture will offer ‘ukulele and hula classes each Thursday in Kalaheo. The classes will extend to the entire semester, and it’s all free.

“This is something we wanted to do to reach to the community,” said Auntie Nani Higa, who teaches ‘ukulele for keiki and adults.

These days, many things are directed toward tourism. “But what about the local people?” said Higa, explaining why she is offering the free classes.

Mostly, she said, she wants the Hawaiian language and culture to live through generations. While teaching the keiki to play Hawaiian songs in the ‘ukulele, they also learn the Hawaiian language.

In the hula class, teachers Kauinalani Yamamoto, Pualani Rita and Pi‘ilani Balauro go deep into the real story of the songs, including their meanings and history.

“We have really terrific teachers,” said Higa, who helps coordinate the classes.

Mostly everything is free, she said. The only expense is on materials. But even some of those materials are free, as they are gathered from nature, such as the poi pounders used to make poi.

Last semester, the students learned how to dig an imu, and had a pa‘ina to celebrate the end of classes.

The classes will be offered at the Kalaheo ward of the Church of the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Higa said there is no religion involved; she is offering the classes there because the church offered its Culture Hall free of charge.

The ‘ukulele classes for the keiki ages 5 to 12 years old are each Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. The ‘ukulele classes for older students are from 5:15 to 6 p.m.

The ‘ukulele class is not for beginners. “Everyone should be able to play the ‘ukulele,” Higa said.

Hula classes, focusing on mele this semester, are from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., and students are being asked to bring their skirts and T-shirts.

Call Higa at 742-8306 for more information.