OUR MISSION
Ka Hula O Manuarii is dedicated to the learning, preservation, and perpetuation of Hawaiian cultural arts– through hula (dance), mele (song), ‘ōlelo (language), and hana no’eau (crafts). It is our mission to foster a genuine appreciation and respect for Hawaiian cultural heritage and cultural literacy in our community, and we welcome haumāna (students) of all ages, abilities, cultural background, and gender identity to join our hula ‘ohana and share in our learning of hula and its language of aloha.
ABOUT
KHOM was founded in March of 2019 (originally under the name Hula O Na Manukai), a place where students of all backgrounds and experience levels can come together as one hula ‘ohana. Together, we all engage in the learning and practice of cultural arts - not for profit - but to build cultural literacy and respect for Hawaii’s rich culture’s rich heritage. Students have opportunities to extend their knowledge and strengthen community ties through additional workshops, Polynesian cultural arts activities, cultural learning field trips, and community service opportunities.
MAHALO
We mahalo the kupuna of our hula genealogy, Loea Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. Ka Hula O Manuarii -of Sacramento, California – strives to be a reflection of that aloha as we grow in our practice of hula, and extend our helping hands to the greater community.
Governing board of directors
PRESIDENT
Robyn Kukunaokalā Guest
My love for Polynesian dance started at the age of 14 while training with Kumu Hula Rosalie Lokalia Stearns in Diamond Springs, CA. After college, I took a hula class at American River College and joined Aloha Polynesian under the direction of Cheryl Fulkerson Cook and Tyra Manuarii Calero. I am grateful to continue my training and share my love for Polynesian dance with my son as a member of Ka Hula O Manuarii.
Beyond my passion for Polynesian dance, I am also an educator, and serve as the Dance Department chair and Dual Enrollment facilitator for Los Rios Community Colleges.
SECRETARY
Sarah Lehualani Pollock
I have had the pleasure of learning from Tyra Calero for the past 18 years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in Polynesian arts and culture. In total, I have participated in Polynesian dancing for 30 years, and have previously been a member of Hawaiiana in Sacramento, CA and Na Mele O Ke Kai in Morrow Bay, CA. Polynesian dancing continues to be a way to enjoy and express myself while sharing the aloha spirit!
Beyond my involvement in the local hula community, I also teach Anatomy and Physiology at Cosumnus River College.
TREASURER
Courtney 'Ihilani Sandison
A avid juggler and amateur mime, 'Ihilani spent most of her adolescent life in Madam Flüfflé's Mime School for Wayward Children, and later served as treasurer of that fictional organization. Today, her insight on mimery is minimally applicable, but moderately entertaining. She knows her way with numbers, but sadly, can't escape her invisible box no matter how hard she mimes. She also dabbled in falconry once her short "career" as a water ballet soloist was cut short due to her distrust of rectangular bodies of water. She also loves hula.
'Ihilani is a longtime member of our hula community, and a trusted asset to our board. Her only miscalculation has been allowing her teacher and friend of 20+ years to write her bio while she has been busy having twins. Love you Courtney!
FOUNDER/ EX OFFICIO MEMBER
Tyra Manuarii Calero
As the founder of Ka Hula O Manuarii, I am happy to support the board leaders as we move forward with our shared vision and mission. Our enduring friendship is based on our shared love of Polynesian cultural arts, mutual respect and the aloha we share as hula 'ohana.
Learning and teaching extends into all aspects of my life; I have worked as in education for over 20 years, both as a high school teacher and as an adjunct professor at American River College. I currently serve as the English Department Chair at Natomas Charter School's Performing and Fine Arts Academy.
KA HULA O MANUARII is a 501(c) (3) California nonprofit organization ~ EIN # 99-0505016