The Haumana

Those of us in the hula community can relate to this film whether one is a Kumu Hula or a student of hula (haumana). Jonny Kealoha's haumana deal with common problems that we, as hula dancers may encounter in real life. His students deal with internal conflicts that hula may interfere with their own religious beliefs, and fear that friends or family may not accept hula because of preconceived ideas. Thank you for helping to clear up some of the stereotypes so that others can understand the Hawaiian culture; a most beautiful culture that must be preserved and passed on to future generations.

I come from a four generation family of hula dancers. My mother, who is from Hawaii, myself, my daughter who is a Kumu Hula in training, and my granddaughter. We laughed and cried as we followed Jonny Kealoha through his trials and tribulations. It was fun to see his haumana and the "drama" that halau life can sometimes bring about! We hope to see more films like this! Thank you to the actors and those involved in production of the film who came to San Diego to have a Q & A with the audience. The actors were so kind to pose for pictures, too! Mahalo!