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Halau Director / Instructor Founder
/ Director for Colorado Aloha Festival Aloha, my name is Ha’awina or for most people, Tammie. I moved to Colorado from California (with my
family) in 2003 and have been dancing hula all my life. I grew up with the influence of hula and Hawaiian traditions from
my mom, many aunties, uncles and my beloved Tutu (great-grandmother). I am half Hawaiian, on my mother's side and was
blessed to have a been born into and raised in island tradition. I lived with my Tutu in Hawaii as a child and she played
a very important role in my life early on. She spoke to me in Hawaiian, as this was her first language and she instilled
in me a love and respect for my culture that I continue to share with my students. For years, prior to moving to CO, I danced
professionally and in several hula competitions. My instructors, or more appropriately, Kumu, have given me years of valuable
knowledge and understanding of the Hawaiian people and their style of dance. My first hula training began at an early
age by members of my ohana (family), I was surrounded by dance, language and mele (song) from birth. Everyone in my
family danced, sang, played guitar or ukulele (some all of the above), it was always part of my upbringing. In fact,
my Aunty Lucielle Puanani holds the record for the oldest hula competitor in Merrie Monarch, dancing competitively until the
age of 52. Formal hula started when I joined Hula Halau O Lilinoe in Carson, CA with Aunty Sissy Kaio. I later moved
inland and found my hula home with Kawika and Leinani Viloria, in Diamond Bar, CA. I trained as "alaka'i"
under their direction at Hálau Hula a Kawika laua ‘o Leinani. Students in Mauna Pohaku learn the format and style
of Kawika ‘o Leinani Hálau, which is an extension of their teaching and hula structure. In addition, I
have received instruction and counsel from other very influencial Kumu hula that should be mentioned: Kumu Randy Kaulana
Chang, Kumu Charles Ka'upu, Kumu Keali'i Reichel, Kumu Keali'i Ceballos, Kumu Mark Ho'omalu, Kumu Holoua Stender, Kumu Kulanaiakea
Kaleiki-Ahlo & Loea Kawaikapuokalani Hewett. It is an honor to impart the traditions and dance learned from my Kumu to
my haumana (students) in Mauna Pohaku.
Colorado's largest Hawaiian festival
Website to our parent halau
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| Opening Oli |
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| Kumu Charles Kaupu at HAPA concert performance |
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| Solo Auana Performance - E Hula Mau Competition |
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| Dancing hula at Boulder Creek Fest |
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