Upcoming Classes and Events

City of Torrance Spring Schedules (includes Polynesian Dance classes in 3 levels) Kalani Islander Reunion Practice: Every 3rd Saturday of Each Month at Kaulana Ka Hale Kula ‘O Na Pua ‘O Ka ‘Aina Halau.  The Kalani Islanders were formed in the 1970s in Carson, CA, under the direction of Moana Chang.  They are currently planning … Continue reading →

Cultural Associations

Carson: Lei Hulu of California: “Lei Huluʻs objectives are to maintain this tradition of feathercraft by creating an awareness for an art long preserved by the Hawaiian people” Contact: 206 E. 220th St., Carson, CA 90745 Office of Samoan Affairs Performing Arts: “an outreach program targeting Samoan/Pacific Islander youth with interests in cultural performances of … Continue reading →

Na Halau

Here is just a listing of all the Halau in Torrance, Carson, and Gardena with as much contact info. as I could find… Carson: Echoes of the Islands, Kumu Kita Austin Phone: 310-835-9860 Email: bobandkita@hotmail.com Hula Halau ‘O Lilinoe, Sissy Kaio Phone: 310-217-0055 Email: slkaio@aol.com; halaulilinoe.org Gardena: Kanani Kalama Hula Studio, Kanani Kalama Phone: 310-327-7736 … Continue reading →

American Aloha

So last night I watched the PBS special, American Aloha, which focuses on Hula in California following three halaus: Sissy Kaio’s Hula Halau ‘o Lilinoe in Carson, Mark Hoʻomalu‘s Na Mele Hula ‘Ohana (which was disbanded in 2002.  In 2003, he opened the Halau, Acadamy of the Hawaiian Arts) in Oakland, and Patrick Makuakane’s Nå … Continue reading →

Textbooks

So today I began reading some of the textbooks used by Compton Unified School District (which services parts of Carson) and Los Angeles Unified School District (which services Gardena), K-12.  I was looking primarily at Social Studies and HIstory textbooks, looking for the treatment of Hawaiian history and how much they included, and whether or … Continue reading →

More Media – Newsletter

The Borders in Torrance used to carry out of state newspapers, including the local Maui paper.  Unfortunantly, around the time I quit working there the first time, they stopped carrying them. An endogenous paper has come out though, called Ka Hoku Newsletter: Hawaiian Living in Southern California.  The newsletter is bi-monthly and began in June/July … Continue reading →

Halau Carson

There are two main Halaus in Carson which show up on AlohaWorld as well as Hawaiian Music Island. One is Echoes of the Islands, which is under the direction of Kita Austin but has no website.  I have tried contacting Kumu Kita and am awaiting a reply.  If anyone has any information on this halau … Continue reading →

Some Exogenous Classes Offered

Torrance Library: (Past Event) Ribbon Lei Making Date: Sat, Jan. 26, 2008 Time: 10am Place: Katy Geissert Civic Center Library Description: Leis are suitable for many special occasions, especially Valentine’s Day! Learn the art of     Ribbon Lei making, and create your own ribbon lei to take home. This program is free,     and materials … Continue reading →