Pā'ū Hau

In 2023, the Kane of Halau Hi'iakainamakalehua, under the direction of award winning Na Kumu Hula Robert Keano Kaupu IV and Lono Padilla, performed "Ka Rodeo o Waimea" and secured first place in the Kane Hula Auana category at the prestigious Merrie Monarch Hula Competition, often referred to as the "Olympics of Hula." As part of their journey to this revered event, the dancers took on the task of sewing and banding their own hau (hibiscus bark) skirts, known as Pa'u Hau, for their Auana presentation. A behind-the-scenes look at this process highlighted their dedication to both their craft and the connection to their Mele.