About Us
Kaealani's Hula Ohana formally known as Halau 'O Ko'oloa'ula was created in 2018 to help bring a cultural experience to the families of the Ewa Beach and Kapolei communities and surrounding areas. It is the intention of the halau to honor our kupuna by learning about the cultures of Polynesia through workshops, community service and dance.
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Great thought was put into creating the name for our halau. Kaealani, means the heavenly flower. Kumu Kaealani was given her name at birth by her Father Jonathan Ilikai Olores of Kekaha, Kaua'i, who named her after his 2nd oldest sister. Before the passing of her Grandmother, Evelyn "Aunty Kanae" Olores, (former County Recreation Director of Kaua'i) had a deep and meaningful conversation about the significant's of her given name. Keeping that conversation close to heart Kumu Kaealani decided to take the step and rename our Halau. Kaealani's Hula Ohana is based on cultural teachings passed down from generation to generation to generation in her Ohana.
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Our Staff
Po'o Cultural Director Kaealani Gayagas
Kumu Kaealani is originally from Kaua'i and has been dancing hula and tahitian since the young age of 3 years old. She is driven by her cultural upbringing from her father, master fisherman, hunter, polynesian dancer, musician, and retired DOE educator, Jonathan Ilikai Olores, of Kekaha, Kaua'i. Her late Uncle, Kumu Hula Dana Kauai'iki Olores, of Kekaha, Kaua'i. Her late Grandmother, master hawaiian crafter and retired County of Kaua'i Director, Evelyn Kanae Olores of Kekaha, Kaua'i. And her late Kumu, Kele Kanahele of Ni'ihau.
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Evelyn's vision is to teach our children and adults the importance of learning the culture behind the dance. The meaning of the songs and the movements; are so important to help the dancer connect with what they are learning.
She also feels it is important for the dancer to learn how to make their own costumes and implements. Dancers will come back with a great appreciation for the tools needed to dance hula, tahitian, and more.
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Head of Administration Brandon Gayagas
Co-owner and Husband to Kumu Kaealani. 'Anakala Brandon was a key support in getting our hula ohana back in action after having to shutdown for a whole year due to Covid -19.​
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'Anakala Brandon was born and raised on the island of Kaua'i. He grew up on the eastside, in Wailua and Kapa'a.
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2nd son of Chris "The Fun Lady." 'Anakala Brandon spent most of his life helping his mother run their family business on the Wailua River.
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Halau Admin and Support Staff
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'Anake Kau'i, is our Halau Alaka'i (Leader) and our Olelo Hawai'i Advocate.
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'Anake Joy, Makuahine to our Papa Haloa haumana Mahina. She is our Halau Makua for Papa Haloa.
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'Anake Krystal, Makuahine to our Papa Nanamua haumana Allison. She is our Halau Makua for Papa Nanamua.
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Halau Kokua (Helpers)
Skye and Aria Olores, daughters of Kumu Kaealani and Brandon Gayagas.
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From helping as our halau alaka'i, making costumes, posting on social media, and keeping our paperwork in order, our halau definitely would not function as it does without the huge support from our staff.
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We also have a great team of class moms who are always ready to assist whether backstage or during practice!
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