I started dancing hula in Japan in a small rec center. After that I have had the opportunity of learning hula in 3 Halau/schools since I have moved. I first saw the performance of Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani at the Ia 'Oe A Kala competition in 2006. I fell in love with their style. Gracious and authentic. I made up my mind to join them when my baby grew up a bit!! Fast forward, I joined when I lived back in Cali and now, I live in Hawaii. I still learn from Kumu. You might call me crazy, why not join a halau, here? Well, I still had not decided to make a commitment to a halau since my move here 3 years ago and so now that she started ZOOM classes, I had to join. I was in Japan when the pandemic got worse so I jumped on this opportunity. It's so convenient in the comfort in your home. There has been people joining from across the continent. It's a great opportunity to start what you have always been wanting to try and now is the perfect time, to take care of yourself in this way. And most of all, the reason I stick with Kumu Kanani? Because she's awesome. Caring, funny (well, hilarious), warm, her voice is great, her music is relaxing, and her style that has been passed down from her mother who was the original Kumu, is gracious and pretty. Every halau has their own style and every one of them is different. Kumu Kanani is willing to spread the Hawaiian culture and is generous to share it. Come and enjoy hula, ukulele with us! It will sure make your day brighter. read more

Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani - Annual competition and festival in Northern California - Performing Arts Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

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This place is the very definition of Aloha, joined about 5 or 6 months ago in the beginners hula class and already felt beyond welcome. I couldnt stop saying how everyone was genuinely nice, its a real 'ohana(family). Kumu Kenani is an amazing teacher, always kind and explains each movement of dancing and the meaning of the dance. Would highly suggest trying a class read more

October 2020 Update: I have now been with the Halau for 13 years. Here are my recent accomplishments: 1) Won 2nd place in solo hula competition and 3rd place in group hula competition 2) Learned how to play an ukulele 3) Learned how to pa'i (hit) an ipu heke (a double gourd) while chanting 4) Learned Hawaiian vocabulary and sentences Kumu Hula Kanani Densing is the reason why I was able to achieve so much. Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani is my family and we welcome you. If you want to have fun learning hula or playing the ukulele, this is the right place for you! Due to COVID SIP, our classes are now conducted online. So, anyone in the world can join us. Please email or call us! read more

I've danced at a few other halau before coming to Pi'ilani, and I can say that my experience here has been the best by far. Every person I've had the pleasure of meeting and befriending here has been extremely warm and welcoming from day 1. It is truly a friendly and supportive group to be a part of, and I felt right at home after my first practice. Kumu Kanani is a an outstanding instructor, and creates such a lovely environment for the aloha spirit to spread. In the past year, I've been so happy to consistently learn many new dances each month, make great friends, study oli and olelo, and have gotten to dance at the annual Crab Feed. This is a wonderful halau to study and advance your Hawaiian knowledge, hula dance, and Hawaiian language. I only have positive comments to share! Mahalo Halau 'O Pi'ilani!! read more

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We've been part of the halau for a couple of years now and just love it. We have two in the keiki (kid) class. Kumu is amazing and so are all of the aunties and uncles who help out. Zoom classes took some getting used to but have worked out very well during the pandemic. Hopefully we can see everybody in person again soon! read more

Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani - Keiki class performance - Performing Arts Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

My 5 year old daughter has been taking hula lessons for a few months now. From the first time we walked into the halau we felt at home. It is so family oriented from the closing, birthday celebrations, holidays, etc and everyone is there to help out. I love that they had one person stay with my daughter for her first several classes helping her out and ongoing there are so many people walking around helping the girls. So happy to have found this place for my daughter to learn hula. read more

I really enjoyed the beginner ukelele class, with options for in person social distance and zoom! Kumu keeps it fun, with her great sense if humor. On to the Intermediate class! read more

Growing up in San Jose, I always heard great things about this hālau. As an adult, I moved to Santa Clara and was excited to dance hula again, especially at the legendary Hula Hālau 'O Pi'ilani! Kumu Kanani and the rest of the hālau showed me a lot of aloha since day one and I was happy to become a part of the ohana. They performed at my wedding in 2013 and gave a great show for our family and friends. I took a few years hiatus and returned to the hālau a few months ago because I missed dancing hula and the ohana. Kumu, aunties and the rest of the halau were just as welcoming as ever. I am glad to be back, here to stay and hope that one day my baby girl will dance at the hālau when she's old enough. Kumu pretty much sings her heart out in classes and performances, and very beautifully. The choreography and costumes are also beautiful, which make for an awesome hula/Polynesian show. read more

I joined Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani a couple of months ago. It is an amazing place to be! Our classes are always lively and fun, on top of being helpful and instructive. The experience is awesome, as students are encouraged to learn Hawaiian language and culture in addition to our dances. From day 1 I've felt welcomed into the family, and I am grateful that I found them! Would definitely recommend! read more

I have always been drawn to Hawaiian music and dancing. I found Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani a year ago and joined the adult beginner hula class. I have had the joy of not only learning hula dancing, Hawaiian culture and vocabulary, but have performed two times with my class at public events. The classes are 100% inclusive and non-judgemental, offering a chance to learn at your own pace. Kumu Kanani is an amazing teacher who uses her long history of hula dancing to consistently and effectively deliver education and patience to everyone in the class. I absolutely recommend Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani to anyone interested in learning about the Hawaiian culture through dance and music. read more

About a year ago, I decided to try a Lunch Hour Hula class offered by Sunnyvale Recreation. It turned out not to be a beginner class, but the teacher and the other ladies were quite supportive. Because I enjoyed the class and wanted to learn more about hula dancing, I decided to join the halau (school.) While the focus is about the dancing, we also learn about the Hawaiian culture, music and language, which all add to the understanding of hula. I find the classes to be a work out, both mentally and physically, as I am not naturally graceful. But I've been told that I am getting better, and I enjoy the people that I have been meeting. I love Kumu Kanani's patience, understanding, support and humor and I both dread and look forward to her criticism to help me become a better dancer. This is truly a family, full of ohana spirit. read more

Definitely love this Halau :) Everyone in class is so nice and sweet; and Kumu, Auntie Nani & Pua are very helpful. They not only teach you dance, but also language and respect of the culture. read more

I LOVE this wonderful Halau! I have been a student to this Halau for many years! It's Very family oriented & "special" to my heart! One day (God willing) and my health is better I will return but this time for the Kupuna class. Do you want an authentic traditional disciplined hula school to learn Hula dances, learn how to play the ukulele, chants, Hawaiian language and lots of Aloha......this is the place to go!!! read more

My daughter was 4 years old when she started with this halau (shes now 10). She has progressively grown and worked her way through the beginning keikei class to now intermediate class. She loves her halau sisters and aunties because everyone treats each other like family. With all the fun they have, they are also well disciplined. Auntie Kanani and the rest of the aunties are great with teaching all the routines for all the different classes they provide( Different levels of dancing and ukulele classes) and keeping them focused, especially with the kids!! The dancing is great. I love attending the shows and watching everyone dance in their beautiful dresses and outfits. Reminds me of being back in hawaii on our vacations. I grew up in a music school most of my childhood life so I am excited and anxious that my daughter has found an activity that she will continue to grow in and have a place in her heart for the people she knows at this halau. I highly recommend Hula Halau O' Piilani for anyone who is looking for a warm, friendly, fun halau for their kids, family or themselves to be part of!! read more

Recently decided to re-takeup the ukulele after many MANY years, and wanted to find lessons to help me get going again. Found Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani here on Yelp! This is a great environment to learn in! Kumu is great and makes it so fun! read more

Best hula school in town. From beginners to advanced, they have it all. You will learn hula, Tahitian, Maori and more. read more

Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani - Performing Arts Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

The most exciting cultural experience in all aspects. I've learned to play ukulele, dance Hawaiian & Tahitian and also speak Hawaiian language. My daughter is a dancer here now and is enriched with so much culture and growing her skills with every class and performance. If you are looking for a true cultural learning place as well as some amazing talent and entertainment Hula Halau O Pi'ilani is the perfect place for your entire ohana! read more

My daughter and I both dance hula here and it is a wonderful place that becomes like family quick! My daughter started when she was 4 and is still going strong at 6, and she was having such a good time I decided to start in the women's beginner class on Mondays and it is SO much fun. Always there is a a sense of humor and fun, even when you are being critiqued on your form. The Halau is a wonderful place to learn Hawaiian dance, language and culture. I hope to be part of this family for a long, long time. read more

After many years of talking about learning Hula, my friend and I did some searching and found Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani! Kumu Kanani, Auntie Pua and Kumu's daughters Ash and Sam are just so much fun to learn with. The experience you get here isn't just learning some dance moves, this is where you come to learn about Hawaiian culture, create a new family and learn the art, beauty and stories behind Hula! It's clear that Kumu cares about her students and has an amazing ability to remember everyone and keep track of their personal lives! She expects you to practice, learn and participate because we are all representing the Halau as a family! She and Auntie Pua perform all of the music and Kumu sings out all of the songs. We learn how to speak basic Hawaiian, sing all of our songs and if you're interested in learning Hawaiian music there are ukulele and pa'i classes. If you're considering a Halau- consider Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani and come check us out at a variety of hula competitions around the Bay Area and Hawaii! read more

I came to this Halau when I was a teenager and I loved it. It is family owned and at the time I came here, it was in Santa Clara under Auntie Linda's instruction. The Halau is now run by her Daughter Toni Kanani in Sunnyvale and she is wonderful. She is truly passing on her mothers legacy. I am happy to say that my daughter who is 5 has now taken interest in Hula and has recently joined the Halau. She absolutely loves it. She is learning so much and is building her confidence a little more each session. The Halau not only teaches the children Hula, but also a little bit of the Hawaiian culture and language. Toni Kanani also encourages friendship as she insists that the children begin each session by greeting their fellow dancers and end each session by holding hands in a circle. It's a wonderful environment and I'm glad my daughter is a part of this Halau. read more

Our daughter has been taking hula lessons from Kumu Kanani for more than a year at Halau O'Piilani. We love the true "ohana" (family) atmosphere at this halau. The keiki or children's class is well supported with lots of assistant teachers to help guide the children through new steps or routines. Our daughter has met a great group of friends and hula mentors and is motivated to learn challenging routines through Kumu's guidance. She is excited to perform at all the halau's events. read more

The nicest Halau ever! Very warming and welcoming. Kumu and Auntie Nani and Auntie Pua will help you with anything. (:

My daughter joined the halau a few years ago when she was 5. She loves her Kumu and aunties who all treat her like family. The older girls are great mentors to her, especially Kanani's daughters who always take the time to patiently work with her. This is a halau that emphasizes culture and family and helps you stay connected to your Hawaiian roots. read more

This is such a wonderful hidden gem in Sunnyvale and I am so happy to have found it. I have been taking ukulele lessons here for few months and it is always such a wonderful, welcoming, and educational experience. I am a beginner and Toni is so patient with me and kind. The price is also very reasonable. I always leave in a happy mood. I highly recommend this school! read more

I didn't get to be a part of this halau for very long because I moved away, but the time I was there, I really enjoyed it! Kumu Kanani is a great teacher and very funny! The girls were also every fun and made the class enjoyable. I highly recommend joining this halau, if you're looking for a good one! read more

The love of hula, music, and Hawaiian culture taught by Kumu Kanani makes every visit to Hula Halau 'O Pi'ilani wonderful. I've played ukulele with Kumu for over a year now. We have a fun group of players as well as a great selection of songs in both English and Hawaiian. As a ukulele player I enjoy being able to play for the hula classes. Another great benefit of playing and dancing with Kumu Kanani is the many show appearances she organizes for the Halau. It has been an incredible experience to be a part of bringing the joy of hula to crowds around the Bay Area. read more

Saturday we brought our daughter to Hula Halau 'o Pi"ilani for a trial, she is 3 years old and she loved it. Everyone was so welcoming from the moment we came through the door. There was no question that we wanted to sign her up. It is so great that they teach dance, singing, language, and so much more. We are not Hawaiian, but we love the culture and values they teach. We are so excited to become a part of this "Family" and we look forward to everything we will learn. read more

Great place to learn, not only hula, but Hawaiian culture overall! Kumu Kanani shares her gifts of everything from dancing modern and ancient hula; playing the ukulele; learning language; making leis; trips to Hawaii, competitions, shows; and sharing ALOHA. Whether you're a beginner or a long time dancer, there is something for everyone. I've been a part of the Pi'ilani ohana now for 14 years and have made wonderful friendships that will last a lifetime through our love of hula :) read more

My son has been going for eight months doing hula and he loves it and has learned so much but I also signed him up for her private lessons for ukulele and he's enjoying that also. Everybody treats us like family. Everyone is nice and very good with the kids. He started at 9yr . read more

My granddaughter started a few years ago and I see how her confidence has grown... I love all the support this halau brings to my granddaughter. Kumu, aunties and the sisters all mentor my granddaughter with kindness, patience, structure and great discipline. This Halau is a very positive influence for everyone. We look forward to spending as much time as we can with our Halau.and supporting them as well... They are our family in so many positive ways. We just LOVE THEM!!!!!! read more

I have been a member of Halau 'O Pi'ilani since 2006 and LOVE LOVE LOVE dancing there!!! I have learned sooooooo much about culture, language, dance, customs, costumes, and more!! The learning NEVER stops!! Challenging and great exercise too! Great , good times for mind and body! There is none other like our KUMU....teacher....Kanani Densing ! She takes great interest in each and every one of her students. WE ARE O'HANA (family) for life! With Aloha No and mahalo aplenty!!! Kealohilani read more

I have been dancing with Kumu Kanani for 5 years, starting as an adult beginner. Kumu Kanani not only teaches hula technique and tradition but also other aspects of Hawaiian culture and the language (olelo) as well as the dances of Tahiti and of the Maori. She is patient, caring, and truly gives of herself. Auntie Nani and Auntie Pua are also such lovely ladies, always eager to help and so very supportive of all the students, no matter their age or level. The students range from young keiki to the senior ladies of the kupuna class. All haumana, including the beginners, get the chance to perform in local shows and really show off their skills. The more advanced students get to compete in their groups and as soloists. We are even going to competition in Hawaii this year! I also started learning to play the ukulele from Kumu Kanani 2 years ago, and it is so much fun. Learning hula at Halau 'O Pi'ilani is truly embracing the spirit of aloha. Everyone is 'ohana there! read more