ABOUT OUR HĀLAU
Under the direction of Kumu Jaycee Lāhapa Doroen, Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie and Hālau Kahulaliwai – Brentwood is deeply rooted in the rich traditions, culture, and history of Hawaiʻi.
Our Hālau Mission: All properties of knowledge, wisdom, and cultural aspects belonging to the dance, as passed down and rooted from generation to generation, shall be maintained by the hālau principals for the benefit of all who are part of the dance.
Our Hālau Vision: To enhance and to sustain strong cultural and spiritual values by better educating the hula practitioner to care, support, and respect the dance so that each practitioner, as they aspire to their full potential, can spiritually and humbly make a contributing impact (through example) to the community and all walks of life.
Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie and Hālau Kahulaliwai – Brentwood was founded on March 25, 2001 by Kumu Hula Juni Kalāhikiola Lovel. Originally located in Oakley, the hālau first moved to Antioch, then moved to the current home in Brentwood. In 2017, Kumu Kalāhikiola entrusted the direction of the hālau to Kumu Jaycee Lāhapa Doroen, who is privileged to continue the legacy of her Kumu Hula and honor the teachings and traditions of her hula lineage.
The name of the women’s hālau, Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie,” translates to “the peaceful, heavenly, flowing water.” The name of the men’s hālau, Hālau Kahulaliwai, translates to “the water’s reflection.” Just as water is essential to life, each student contributes to the life and legacy of the hālau. Our students, ranging from keiki (children) to kūpuna (elders), drink the waters of knowledge passed down by Kumu Lāhapa to share Hawaiian culture, to live Hawaiian values and traditions, and give back to our local community.
The hālau hosts an annual Hōʻike performance showcasing the lessons our students have learned and practiced over the course of the year. Under Kumu Lāhapa, the hālau has performed at local events such as the Heart of Oakley Festival, the Nihonmachi Street Fair’s Aloha by the Bay in San Francisco, the Sacramento Aloha Festival, and the Lei of Aloha Festival in Vallejo.
Kumu Lāhapa is a firm believer of giving back to our local community and she and her students have devoted countless hours volunteering for the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, organizing donation drives for local seniors, and performing for schools and senior retirement homes in Brentwood, Oakley, and Antioch. In support of hula and Hawaiian culture, the hālau also proudly assists in the operations of the Sacramento Aloha Festival and E Pili Kākou I Hoʻokahi Lāhui in Sacramento.
Our hālau’s vision of unity and hula preservation spans the vast Pacific waters. Just as the water's reflection blends the grace and beauty of heaven and earth, the creations and contributions of the hālau blend the past and present of hula and Hawaiian culture.
