Frank Palani Kahala
In her introduction to “The Mahale of Our Bodies: Nā Moʻolelo Kūpuna Māhū/LGBTQ,” editor Stephanie Nohelani Teves mentions the emergence of HIV/AIDS in Hawaiʻi and its impact within the hula community:
“On the surface Hawaiʻi seemed to be a leader on AIDS prevention, but there was still a lot of fear and homophobic conservative beliefs that pervaded politics in the 1980s. As time went on, more human interest stories showcased “normal” local people who were living with AIDS in the shadows. A topic seldom discussed within the Hawaiian community, AIDS could no longer be ignored by the mid-1990s as a number of prominent kumu hula and others within the hula community were dying of AIDS.”
The footnote on this paragraph cites a Honolulu Star-Bulletin article (11/5/91) titled “Kumu Hula, AIDS Activist Kahala Dies,” providing a glimpse of the challenges raised by Teves through the inspiring life, work, and cultural artistry of Frank Palani Kahala.
Kumu Hula Frank Palani Kahala was born in 1957 in the Kahana Valley on Oʻahu, the ancestral home of his family. He trained under renowned hula masters Robert Cazimero and Nona Beamer, becoming known for his innovative approach to hula that blended traditional elements with modern expression. His hālau, the Gentlemen of Maluikeao and the Ladies of Kahanakealoha, gained national attention, including a feature in a National Geographic film about hula.
Kumu Palani's work was both celebrated and critiqued by traditionalists, but he remained a beloved figure in the hula community. He passed away in 1991 at the age of 34, leaving a long lasting legacy. In his final days, he entrusted his students with the responsibility of preserving and sharing his teachings, dances, and chants. A tribute event held in 2020 marked the 25th anniversary of his passing, bringing together surviving dancers from his hālau and their descendants.
His influence continues through hālau such as Halau Keahiokamalulani, founded by his protégé Kumu Hula C. Pomaika'i Gaui, which has performed at prestigious events like the Prince Lot Hula Festival and the King Kamehameha Chant and Hula Competition.
Kumu Palani's innovative spirit and dedication to hula have left an indelible mark on Hawaiian culture, inspiring future generations to honor and perpetuate the art form.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, November 5, 1991
Remembering Kumu Hula Frank Palani Kahala by Kokua Films Hawaiʻi
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 16, 1991
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 21, 1991
Header image by Dennis Oda, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, January 16, 1991