About Kumu Rachel Iha

E Komo Mai. Born and raised on the beautiful island of Molokai, which is the fifth most populated of the eight major islands that make up the Hawaiian Islands archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. I love my life serving our local community as Kumu Rachel.

We have so many ways to express the joy, aloha and love for the art of hula. Hula connects performers and audiences to Hawaiian deities and the sacred traditions of the islands.

Mahalo to our south shore community for an amazing May Day at Koloa Elementary School! Students (and teachers) did so well!

So much of my love of hula comes from my mother, Ruth Iha. She taught me the aloha language of this sacred dance and cultural traditions. Hula is a way to share stories, myths and historical narratives through movements, gestures and expressions.

Hula has a hidden language of its own, where hand movements represent words and phrases. For example, a wavelike motion might signify the ocean.

Every aspect of a hula performance is handled with reverence, from the making of the costumes to the gathering of plants for lei.

The style and materials of the clothing and adornments worn by the dancers are chosen based on the hula being performed. For example, lei poʻo are more often associated with hula kahiko, while lei worn around the neck are more commonly worn during hula ʻauana.

Another year with this AMAZING WOMAN! Thank you Kumu Rachel Iha for all that you do at Koloa School. Your Mom did a great job! 😚

Kumu Rachel Iha :: Kaua'i, Hawai'i

Hawaiian Studies Kumu at Koloa Elementary School

Works at Tropic Isle Music & Gifts / Kauai Souvenirs

Lives in Lihue, Hawai'i

We were so young

Kumu Rachel Iha and her sisters in Kaunakakai

Kumu Rachel Iha working with a student