Kumu Hula Michael Lanakila Casupang leads Mid-Pacific Institute's hula program Pūpūkahi I Ke Alo O Nā Pua, as well as Halau I Ka Wekiu and KUmz, both with Kumu Hula Karl Veto Baker. The pair are graduates of Hālau Nā Kamalei O Līlīlehua, co-founded by Kumu Hula Robert Cazimero in 1975.
This year at Merrie Monarch, Halau I Ka Wekiu will honor Cazimero for his 50 years of teaching hula, through mele and dance, Casupang said in an interview with Aloha State Daily.
We recently spoke with him about Mid-Pac's hula program, which received a $250,000 donation, that will go toward supporting hula students for years to come through its endowment. The private school has sold-out of tickets for its annual spring concert, which will be on May 11.
Casupang shares more about his upbringing and introduction to hula, not to mention highlights from his busy schedule over the next two weeks.
Purchase tickets for the May Day Lei Day celebration on Thursday, May 1, at the Tom Moffatt Waikīkī Shell in Honolulu, here.
