Polynesian Dance Classes

Begin your journey in Hawaiian Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti

Available For All Ages

From ages 4 to 90+, we proudly offer beginner-friendly classes for everyone! Our academy follows a progressive learning style where each class builds upon the last with curriculum focused on skill, ability and execution. Evaluations are conducted at the end of each session to encourage and allow the growth of our dancers, along with opportunities to perform at our annual production showcases and public appearances.

Styles of Dance

It is a common misconception that Hawai'i is home to all styles of Polynesian dance. At Hōkūle'a, we strive to represent the different cultures of Polynesia through accurate music, choreography, and costuming. Although we demonstrate a wide range of styles from the Māori Kapa Haka to Siva Samoa and 'Ori Rapa Nui, our dancers are trained with a primary focus on Hawaiian Hula and 'Ori Tahiti.

Hōkūle'a Academy Hula Dancer

Hawaiian Hula

Hawaiian Hula is the dance of Hawai'i. It is the physical manifestation of storytelling through hand motions to chanting or music.

Hōkūle'a Academy 'Ori Tahiti Dancer

‘Ori Tahiti

'Ori Tahiti is the dance of Tahiti.  This dance style tells stories with both hand and hip motions and can be slow or fast with music or traditional log drum beats.

Available Beginner Classes

  • Hōkūle'a Academy Minis Class Image

    HŌKŪ MINIS POLYNESIAN DANCE

    Boys & Girls Ages 4 - 6

    Fridays 5:00pm - 5:45pm

    Join our fun and energetic Polynesian dance class for kids! This class offers an introduction to the basic movements, music, and culture of Hawaii and Tahiti. With a focus on coordination and musicality, kids will learn simple dance steps while exploring the vibrant rhythms of these beautiful islands. The class encourages creativity, helps build confidence, and provides a fun, supportive environment where students can grow their love for dance and culture!

  • Hōkūle'a Academy Youth 1 Class Image

    LEVEL 1 YOUTH HULA & 'ORI

    Girls Ages 7 - 11

    Fridays 6:00pm - 7:00pm

    This class is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti introducing basic technical skills, identifying musical beats, language, and cultural knowledge through physical motion, games, and coloring projects while promoting a fun and safe environment where students develop individual skills, teamwork and friendship to build confidence and self-esteem.

  • Hōkūle'a Academy Juniors Class Image

    LEVEL 1/2 JUNIORS HULA & 'ORI

    Girls Ages 12 - 14

    Saturdays 10:30am - 11:30am

    This is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti. This class promotes a fun and safe environment where dancers develop individual skills, teamwork and friendship while building confidence, self-esteem and sense of belonging in addition to building collaboration skills and choreography creation. 

  • Hōkūle'a Academy Teen/Adult Intro Class Image

    INTRO TEEN/ADULT POLYNESIAN DANCE TECHINQUE

    Women Ages 15 - 49

    Tuesdays 6:00pm - 7:00pm

    In this class, dancers learn the basic steps and terminology for both Hula and 'Ori dance. It is an introductory class that focuses exclusively on technique (no choreography) using drills for beginner dancers who would like to join the level 1 Teen/Adult class. This class is the entry point for new dancers to Hōkūleʻa.

  • Hōkūle'a Academy Mens Class Image

    ADULT MEN 1/2 POLYNESIAN DANCE

    Men Ages 15+

    Thursdays 6:00pm - 7:00pm

    In this class, dancers will learn the basics or further their knowledge of Hula and ‘Ori, language, and cultural knowledge of Hawai'i and Tahiti. They will also have the opportunity to learn other dance styles from other island nations across Polynesia. The curriculum encourages good physical conditioning, strength, stamina, and endurance.

  • Hōkūle'a Academy Gracious Class Image

    GRACIOUS HULA & 'ORI

    Men & Women Ages 50+

    Saturdays 12:30pm - 1:30pm

    This is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti. In this class, the dancers will learn the basics or further their knowledge of Hawaiian Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti, as well as the language and cultural knowledge of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.

Prerequisite Classes

  • Hokule'a Academy kids practicing, wearing blue tops and orange skirts. Instructor plays a drum in the foreground, while students follow movements in a mirrored studio.

    LEVEL 2 YOUTH HULA & 'ORI*

    Girls Ages 7 - 11 

    Saturdays 9:00am - 10:30am

    *This class is for girls 6 to 11 years old who have completed the youth Level 1 class. It is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti. In this class, dancers learn more solid technique, improve their speed and execution of each step, and introduce more complex technique and choreography. Curriculum builds upon what was learned in Level 1 with the steps, language and cultural knowledge of Hawai’i and Tahiti. This class continues to promote a fun and safe environment where dancers develop individual skills, teamwork and friendship while building confidence and self-esteem. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing it is not mandatory. 


    (*Prerequisite: LEVEL 1 Youth Hula & ʻOri)

  • Hokule'a Academy adult students in blue shirts and skirts practicing dance in a studio with wooden floors.

    LEVEL 1 TEEN/ADULT WOMEN HULA & ʻORI*

    Women Ages 15 - 49

    Tuesdays 7:00pm - 8:30pm

    *This is a class for women 15 to 49 years of age. It is a combination class of Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti where the dancers will learn more solid technique, identify the different types of dance styles, instruments used and basic drum beats. Dancers will learn basic language and cultural knowledge of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory. 


    (*Prerequisite: Intro to Polynesian Dance)

  • Hokule'a Academy adult students dancing a traditional Polynesian dance in a room, wearing straw hats and colorful skirts, with arms raised. The floor is wooden, and people are seated in the background. Walls are adorned with framed pictures.

    LEVEL 2 TEEN/ADULT WOMEN HULA & ʻORI*

    Women Ages 15 - 49

    Thursdays 7:00pm - 9:00pm

    *This class is for women 15 to 49 years of age. In this class dancers will learn more technical steps, improve upon speed, and work on proper execution of technical combinations and choreography.  The curriculum builds upon steps, language and cultural knowledge of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti learned in Level 1. Dancers will also learn how to work in a team environment, collaborate, and create choreography. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.


    (*Prerequisite: LEVEL 1 Teen/Adult Women Hula & 'Ori)

  • Group of Hokule'a Academy students practicing dance in a studio, holding white poi balls, on a wooden floor.

    YOUTH/JUNIOR MĀORI

    Girls Ages 6 - 14

    Saturdays 10:30am - 11:00am

    Dancers in this class will learn or further their knowledge and skills of dances from New Zealand based on their age and abilities. This class participates in the annual theater production, however, performing is not mandatory.


    (*Prerequisite: LEVEL 2 Youth, LEVEL 1 Junior)

Questions About Classes?

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