Hula New York | Hula Classes in New York and New Jersey

ABOUT OUR HALAU

Halau Hula O Na Mele 'Aina O Hawai'i first opened its doors in New York City in May 1968 under the guidance of Luana Haraguchi. Classes were first held in Haraguchi's Upper East Side studio apartment. The halau was given its name from her teacher, Iolani Luahine. From its small roots flourished a group that comprised of dedicated students who were interested in learning hula and Hawaiian traditions.

In addition to teaching hula for over 50 years, Haraguchi also owns a professional Polynesian Dance company, Hawaiian Artists Shows, alongside running the halau. She often says, "I run my dance company to pay the bills, I run the halau out of love for hula."

CLASSES

Whether you have recently taken a trip to Hawai'i, are a former kama'aina who recently relocated to New York and miss home, or simply just love to dance, we accommodate all levels of dance and experience.

The halau practices the traditional style of hula and protocols. Haraguchi teaches both kahiko, the ancient style of hula, and auana, the modern style. Haraguchi also emphasizes the learning of the chant, or 'oli, of each dance that is learned.

NYC Central Park

72nd & 5th Ave entrance
Mondays, 7-9pm
(late May - August, weather-permitting)

NYC Manhattan

Pearl Studios, 519 8th Avenue, 12th Fl Room J, New York, NY 10018
(please call/email to verify studio location)
Mondays, 7-8:30pm
non-summer months

Upstate NY

249 Betsy Ross Drive, Orangeburg, NY 10962
Sundays & Thursdays, 10am

Children (Keiki)

249 Betsy Ross Drive, Orangeburg, NY 10962
Sundays, 1:30pm

OUR PAST PERFORMANCES

All members are encouraged but not required to dance at performances. The group performs in various community events and locations throughout the city and world. Performing gives the students a chance to embrace what they have learned and share the Hawaiian culture with those who normally would not be exposed to it.