Leadership
TYRA MANUARII CALERO
I began my study of hula in 1988, at the age of 8. My first teacher, Cheryl Cook, taught class at a local church in Sacramento, California. There, she introduced me to Kumu Hula - Uncle John Manuia - with whom I studied hula kāhiko. In the early ‘90s through the early 2000s, I was a Polynesian entertainer with Cheryl Cook (Aloha Polynesia), and Kimo and Jill Baird (Spirit of Polynesia). I also led dance instruction for AP. While I was in my 20s and early 30s, hula also took me to Canada, Hawai'i, Tahiti, and Spain.
In the early 2000s, I rededicated myself to the study of hula. It was during that time that Kawaikapuokalani Hewett (Lehua as he is affectionately referred) graciously extended an invitation to study hula under his direction and mentorship. Within a month, I was at Kahalelehua (his house for the study of hula, in Hawaii) to continue my hula journey, and in 2007- as a member of the Papa Maile class, I celebrated my uniki ‘olapa at Kahalelehua. It was around that time that began serving as an adjunct professor at American River College, where I taught Polynesian and Hawaiian dance until 2019. That same year, I founded our hula school Ka Hula O Manuarii (originally named Hula O Na Manukai) and adapted, as many others did, by teaching and learning via zoom for our first two years.
Today, I live blocks away from where my hula journey began back. From our current backyard, I can see the church where I took my first hula lesson, over 35 years ago! Currently, I am studying ‘Ōlelo Hawaii with Kumu Kahanuola Solatorio, and I continue my hula journey and kumu hula training under Lehua Kawaikapuokalani Hewett in both 'Oahu and the 'Big Island' of Hawaii.With my kumu's blessing, I've been teaching hula for over 20 years in my hometown of Sacramento, California. I mahalo Lehua Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, my early teachers and mentors, my 'ohana, and nā haumāna (students) who have supported me on this continuing journey of lifelong learning and sharing.
Mālama pono,
Tyra Manuarii Calero
AUNTY SWATI KO'I'ULA SHENDE
Aunty Swati Ko'i'ula (rainbow hued mist) recently stepped into a new role as Alaka'i to teach our keiki hula class. Whether learning ukulele or traveling to 'Oahu with Ka Hula O Manuarii to learn from Lehua Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, she seeks avenues to learn and grow, and has become a leader in our hula kula. She began her study with Tyra in 2008, and later served as Tyra's teaching assistant at American River College; Ko'i'ula now leads our childrens' hula class on Wednesday evenings.
Aunty Swati leading keiki (children) at our first annual Keiki Summer Day Camp in 2023.
LOEA 'LEHUA' KAWAIKAPUOKALANI HEWETT
Lehua shares hula at the Polynesian Cultural Center
Moanikeala Hula Festival- La'ie, Hawai'i 2023
Photo Credit: Kari Vanderzwaag
We are grateful and fortunate for the guidance and support of Kawaikapuokalani K. Hewett. Lehua, as he is affectionately addressed, is a distinguished Loea Hula (hula expert), gifted haku mele (poet and composer of songs), traditional healer, and revered kupuna with a 25 generation ancestral legacy in Hawaii. Lehua has dedicated his life to hula, and for over five decades, he has shared the art of hula across the globe.
As an accomplished haku mele, Lehua has been honored with several Na Hoku "Song of the Year"awards, and his influence on Hawaiian music has also earned him a Na Hoku Lifetime Achievement Award. In October of 2022, Lehua was recognized for his musical excellence when he was inducted into the Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame.
Lehua holds an honorary doctorate, cementing his status as a respected cultural icon and resource of deep knowledge. He is a professor at University of Hawaii's Windward Community College where he shares his extensive knowledge of the art of Hula, 'Ōlelo Hawaii, and Mo'ōlelo with future generations.