About Us

Aʻohe hana nui ka aluʻia

No task is too big when done together

Our Identity

Hōkūleʻa, “The Star of Gladness” is one of the brightest stars in the night sky (Arcturus) and the Zenith star of the Hawaiian Islands. It was this star, Hōkūleʻa, that guided early Polynesian voyagers from the Society Islands to the shores of Hawaiʻi. These early Polynesians were the first humans to inhabit this new world of volcanic terrain thus becoming the first Hawaiians. Just as Hōkūleʻa guided them to happiness in the Hawaiian islands, part of our identity is to bring people closer to happiness through our dance classes and performances.

Hōkūle'a Canoe Sailing
Logo of Hokule'a Academy of Polynesian Arts featuring a Polynesian canoe with sails and decorative text.

Our Journey

For more than a decade, Hōkūleʻa has brought the spirit of the Pacific islands across the Midwest. By fostering a culture of Care, Confidence, Community, and Growth inside our academy and through our performances, we are fulfilling a greater purpose that provides individuals with exceptional experiences that have impact and meaning.

Care. Confidence.

Community.

Growth.

Hokule'a Academy Founders smiling couple wearing floral leis and holding a bouquet in a tropical setting.

Where It Began

In 2003 David and Ale met in Hilo, Hawai‘i at the Tahiti Fete dance competition. Their friendship grew stronger over the years with the help of e-mail and modern technology. The two eventually realized that they had more in common than the love they had for Polynesia and reunited again in 2008. Shortly therafter, Ale decided to move to Chicago. In 2009 David and Ale were married and less than one year later, Hōkūle‘a was formed. It is their passion and commitment to teach what they know by staying true and respectful to the people and cultures of Polynesia. To do what they love is an honor and they are forever thankful for their blessings in life.

  • David "Kawika" Acevedo

    David "Kawika" Acevedo

    Founder, CEO and Teacher

    David’s love for performing began as a child starring in several musicals throughout elementary and high school. While studying music and dance at Columbia College Chicago, David discovered the Pacific islands and was quickly immersed by the beauty and lure of the cultures and various art forms.

    After several years of traveling to the islands, studying, and participating in events and competitions, David co-founded Hōkūleʻa Academy of Polynesian Arts in 2010.​

    Beyond operating, producing, and teaching at Hōkūleʻa, David works closely with young adults through mentorship and coaching with hopes to build strong-minded individuals that become the future leaders of the community.

  • Ale Gabino-Acevedo Photo

    Ale "Akamai" Gabino-Acevedo

    Co-Founder, Teacher

    Ale grew up in various styles of dance, including Polynesian dance in her early childhood years. At the age of 15, she got the opportunity to dance for a famous Mexican children's singer, Tatiana, which allowed her to travel and perform nationally and internationally in all different venues and on television.

    In the year 2000, she rediscovered Polynesian Dance and fell in love with it. In 2002, she started teaching and being committed to sharing these cultures with her students and audiences.

    With Hōkūleʻa, she's not only committed to sharing these beautiful cultures but also to helping her students grow not only as dancers and performers but also as better people and building a community.

Today, Hōkūle'a is home to over 80 academy students of all ages eager to learn about the Polynesian arts. In addition to our public appearances, Hōkūle'a has been hired by clientele from all across Chicagoland to spread the Aloha spirit and beautiful cultures directly from the islands. We continue to build our 'Ohana through our academy classes and working with other organizations every day.

Hokule'a Academy students sitting outside, smiling and wearing colorful clothing.
Black and white photo of Hokule'a Academy dancers in traditional Hawaiian costumes, forming a circle with outstretched hands.
A Hokule'a Academy mom and two young girls smiling and laughing outdoors at a garden party with tents and other people in the background.
Hokule'a Academy dancers in traditional Polynesian attire posing with a yellow lion dance costume at an outdoor event, with a stage in the background.
Colorful parade float with Hokule'a Academy dancers in Hawaiian-style costumes in front of the Chicago Theatre at night.
Two Hokule'a Academy students hugging and holding a plush toy, with a heart symbol on it, in an indoor setting.
Group of Hokule'a Academy dancers in colorful costumes with a lit parade float and rainbow arch in a city at night.
Group of Hokule'a Academy kids and adults in costumes posing indoors on a wooden floor.