Kāpili Polynesian Dance and Music Workshops
2026 Faculty
- Kawika Keikialiʻi Alfiche – Beginning Level Hula
- Jade Makana Iulio – Fa’a’oa’ora’a (meaning celebration)
- Erik Boquiren – Tahitian Drumming
- Steven Espaniola – Hawaiian Love Songs for ‘Ukulele
- Liko Puha – Intermediate Oli (Hawaiian Chanting) [CLASS CANCELLED]
- Kēhaulani Dinga – Ipu Heke Construction [CLASS FULL]
- Sonja Leimamo Yount – Lei Making [CLASS FULL]
Kawika Keikialiʻi Alfiche
Beginning Level Hula
Class Description: What does it mean to be a hula person today? Hula has evolved over these years, so it’s important to learn its fundamentals: basic movements for both lower and upper body, vocal techniques for chanting (oli), beat rhythms and vocal styling for ho`opa`a (drummer chanter), and skills for mele like singing and playing `ukulele. Hawaiian language (`Ōleo Hawai`i) connects all of these elements. This beginner-friendly class covers many of the essentials but will also offer challenges for intermediate students.
Ma ka hana ka `ike – It is in the work, when one learns.
`Ike means to know, understand, or anticipate; it also refers to knowledge and insight. Knowledge gains value only when it is applied. The on-going work leads to true understanding.
Class Requirements: No requirements, class is also open to intermediate students.
Additional Class Materials: Please bring something to write with, Hula Pā`ū, ipu (heke or `ole), `Ukulele (there will be a few on had to lend, if needed).
Recording during instruction: Recordings permitted with Instructor approval only.
Kumu Hula Kawika Keikiali’ihiwahiwa Alfiche has been teaching hula and other aspects of Hawaiian culture for over 30 years and has been a student of Hawaiian culture all of his life. Kawika is the Kumu Hula for Hālau o Keikiali’i, and is the Director for the Kaululehua Hawaiian Cultural Center in South San Francisco & Napa. With a mission to preserve and perpetuate all things Hawaiian, Kumu Kawika spends his life learning, teaching and sharing Hawaiian culture arts throughout the globe. Kumu Kawika is one of six to ‘uniki as kumu hula with the late Kumu Hula Rae Kahikilaulani Fonseca.
Jade Makana Iulio
Fa'a'oa'ora'a (meaning celebration)
Class Description: Learn the fundamentals or strengthen your foundations in ʻOri Tahiti. We will immerse ourselves in cultural history and storytelling through lecture and choreography.
Class Requirements: This class is open to dancers of all levels (beginner to advanced). Everyone will be included and challenged at their individual levels.
Additional Class Materials: Students will need a journal, writing utensil, pareo, and water upon entering my class.
Recording during instruction: Students are allowed to record.
Jade Makana Iulio writes: I am the daughter of Kumu Hula Lani Cid-Iulio, and I have been dancing both professionally and competitively since I could stand on my own two feet. I am classically and traditionally trained in both realms of Hula and ʻOri Tahiti, and I now teach and mentor students of all ages and skill levels.
Erik Boquiren
Tahitian Drumming
Beginning-Intermediate TahitianDrumming / Rōhi Pehe Workshop Description: This hands-on workshop introduces essential pehe (drum beats), ensemble playing, and cultural context for beginning to intermediate drummers. Build technique, timing, and confidence while learning the traditional pehe that bring ‘Ori Tahiti to life. Drums provided when available, bring your own if possible!
Class requirements: No prior experience is required. Come bring a good attitude and an open mind!
Additional Class Materials: Something to write with/on.
Recording during instruction: Recording permitted.
Orometua Erik Boquiren writes: I am currently the owner and director of To’erau Manu Rahi based in Benicia, CA. I have over 25 years of experience in ‘Ori Tahiti. In my earlier years, I placed as an overall award winning dancer and in my later years, I have composed, written, and arranged multiple award winning Tahitian drumming and music pieces. In addition to my experience in ‘Ori Tahiti, I have also taught multiple award winning marching percussion groups. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, Kristin, two children, Alexsys and Izaiah, and our dog, Scout. I find enjoyment in the recording arts and also run a Live Sound Production company.
Steven Espaniola
Hawaiian Love Songs for ‘Ukulele
Class Description: On this Valentine’s Day weekend, Steven will be teaching a collection of his favorite Hawaiian love songs taken from the popular He Mele Aloha songbook. Students will utilize several standard Hawaiian strumming techniques as well as learn multiple vocal parts for each song including melody and harmony parts with a strong emphasis on song arrangement.
Additional Class Materials: ʻUkulele; Music stand(s), if possible.
Recording during instruction: Recordings permitted, for personal use only, with Instructor approval.
It’s rare when an artist arrives on the scene offering a refreshing new spin on a traditional genre of music. Steven Espaniola is that artist. Raised in Aliamanu, Hawai’i and now residing in the California Bay Area, Steven is a self taught multi-instrumentalist Hawaiian artist specializing in Ki Ho’alu (Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar), ‘Ukulele, Upright Bass, and Leo Ki’e Ki’e (Traditional Hawaiian falsetto). Of Hawaiian, Filipino, Chinese and Spanish descent, his ethnicity is as diverse as his unique sound which preserves the integrity of the traditional with a flourish of the modern.
His debut recording entitled Ho’omaka, “to begin”, features a mesmerizing collection of traditional and original Hawaiian mele recorded by Nā Hōkū Hanohano and GRAMMY® Award winning producer Dave Tucciarone. Ho’omaka will be sure to transport the listener to the Hawaii of yesterday with soaring falsetto vocals, nahenahe slack key guitar and rhythmic ‘ukulele. Steven Espaniola’s highly anticipated and critically acclaimed debut album will carry you on a musical journey you won’t soon forget. In 2007, Steven’s musical efforts earned him the recognition of “New Artist of the Year” at the Hawaii Music Awards.
His sophomore release entitled Ho’omaopopo (to understand), instantly transports the listener to Hawai’i with lush instrumentation, soaring falsetto vocals and a mix of old standards and modern originals which he co-wrotie with friends Keola Donaghy and Puni Patrick. The project features guest artists Bryan Tolentino, Jeff Peterson, Casey Olsen, Matt Sproat (Waipuna) and Kumu Kawika Alfiche. Once again produced by über producer Dave Tucciarone, it is sure to become an instant classic and a favorite in every Hawaiian music collection!
Steven is currently working on his third studio album with Dave which will feature a combination of timeless Hawaiian classics and unforgettable original compositions. With a proven formula for success, Steven will once again team up with friends who have lent their talents on previous projects.
In 2015, Steven was the recipient of the Hawai’i Chamber of Commerce of Northern California’s Kūlia I Ka Nu’u Award (strive for the summit) for his contributions in promoting the Aloha Spirit throughout Northern California and beyond.
In recent years, Steven has had the distinct pleasure of performing and teaching at some of the country’s most prestigious ‘ukulele festivals including Tunes in the Dunes (Oregon), Reno ‘Ukulele Festival (Nevada), San Francisco ‘Ukulele Festival (California), and Mighty Uke Day (Michigan). Steven also periodically contributes to ‘Ukulele Magazine as a Guest Editor.
In 2023 Steven’s new original song “Sakura” was nominated for a Nā Hōkū Hanohano award in the “Hawaiian Music Video” category.
Liko Puha
Intermediate Oli (Hawaiian Chanting) [CLASS CANCELLED]
Class Description: Join Kumu Liko Puha for an intermediate workshop in Hawaiian chant and language. Deepen your skill and understanding through mele oli that celebrate ola — thriving, resilience, and connection –while strengthening your voice, memory, and relationship to Hawaiian expression.
This two-day experiential class is designed for participants with prior experience in oli and Hawaiian language who wish to expand their knowledge, technique, and cultural connection.
Recommended Preparation:
- If you are a hula practitioner, confer with your Kumu Hula or instructor before registering for this workshop.
- Expect to memorize and perform at least one workshop mele for hōʻike on Sunday.
- Bring an apron or clothes for working with acrylic paint.
- Bring any kīhei previously created with Kumu Liko.
- Personal audio recording devices encouraged.
Contact Kumu Liko Puha at nowelo@gmail.com with any questions.
Class Requirements: When registering, please provide an email address you check regularly to the Kāpili registrar so you receive workshop communication from the instructor. Or email me directly that you have registered.
Additional Class Materials: Materials fee for creating the kīhei payable in cash at the workshop to Kumu Liko.
- $5 Acrylic Paint and Stamping Supplies Only
- $25 Sewn Kīhei Blank – Only a few available
Recording during instruction:
- Audio recording: Recommended.
- Video recording: Allowed during specific parts of instruction.
Kumu Liko Puha is a Native Hawaiian cultural educator specializing in oli (Hawaiian chant) and Hawaiian language. He teaches across Hawaii and the U.S., blending cultural traditions with modern teaching approaches. Based in Santa Rosa, California, he helps learners explore the living voice of Hawaiian culture through change and language.
Kēhaulani Dinga
Ipu Heke Construction [CLASS FULL]
Class Description: Participants will construct an ipu heke (double gourd drum) and learn to pa’i (play beats). Haumāna will also learn an oli (chant). All levels welcome.
Additional Class Materials: There will be a materials charge of $50 for the gourds.
Please pay instructor, directly, via cash or check (payable to Lora Dinga), on the day of the workshop.
Recording during instruction: Audio recordings ok.
Kēhaulani Dinga is Alaka’i for Hālau Ka Ua Tuahine under the direction of Kumu Hula Māhealani Uchiyama. Kēhaulani began implement crafting after making her first ipu heke for the King Kamehameha hula competition in the early 2000’s. Her ipu heke teacher was ‘Iolaka Swan. Since, she has learned pūniu-making from Kent Apo of Maui, lapa’iki crafting from Uncle Buddy Makaiau, and ūli’ūli making from Kumu Kamuela Chun.
Sonja Leimamo Yount
Lei Making [CLASS FULL]
Class Description: During this two day class, participants will learn the basic techniques involved in making three styles of Hawaiian lei (Kui, Hilo, and Wili). Participants will learn about selecting and preparing materials for lei making, and will receive hands-on practice and instruction over the course of our time together. Participants will keep all lei they make to wear or give with Aloha!
Class Requirements: This class is intended for adults with all levels of experience. We will be focusing on the basics, but welcome more experienced lei makers who wish to share in a fun weekend of learning and making lei in community.
Additional Class Materials: Please bring a towel and a pair of scissors. There is a $30 materials fee for this class.
Please pay your instructor directly when your workshop begins, via any of the following methods:
- Venmo: @Sonja-Yount (9033)
- PayPal: sonjaseckinger@gmail.com
- Cash or Check, payable to Sonja Yount
Recording during instruction: Not permitted.
Sonja Leimamo Yount: Born and raised on the Island of O’ahu, some of Sonja’s earliest memories are of sitting with family and teachers, making lei and working with the abundant flowers and greenery found in Hawai’i. Since moving to California, Sonja has continued to make lei, experimenting with the different materials available here in the Bay Area.
Sonja is a member of Hālau Ka Ua Tuahine, under the direction of Kumu Hula Māhealani Uchiyama. She has had the privilege of sharing her knowledge of Hawaiian lei making techniques, and locally available materials, with the Haumana and Keiki of Hālau Ka Ua Tuahine. Her lei have been a part of ceremonies and performances over the years, including the recent San Francisco debut of Pōpoloheno – Songs of Resilience and Joy.
We are honored that the Kāpili Polynesian Dance and Music Workshops have been recognized by funding from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts Living Cultures Grants Program, and that the Center for International Dance is supported in part by a Civics Arts Grant from the City of Berkeley.
We would also like to thank the generosity of Pear Tree Community School and donors like you, who help to make Kāpili possible.
All participants will receive a complimentary unisex Kāpili Tee Shirt with their application fee! Just include your size and pick it up at registration.
2026 Kāpili Tee Shirt design is in the works and will be updated here soon…
Until then, check out our beautiful 2024 design above!
