What does “Hapa Hilo Hula” mean?
Word for word, Hapa Hilo Hula means Half Twisted Dancing! But it is a word play, a pun. To me, it means that when I dance the hula, it is a combination of what I learned in my hometown of Hilo and other things I have learned since. It also means that when I perform, I intertwine stories from my own experience.
I grew up in Hawaii, but now I live in Hamden, Connecticut. I’ve driven all over this state (and out of state sometimes) to perform and teach. Everywhere I go, I try to bring some aloha spirit. I enjoy creating a little bit of Hawaii wherever I go to hula. People always comment that they learn something from me, too!