Kumu Hula Rich Pedrina & Co-Kumu Hula Blaine Nohara, Hālua Hula ʻO Nāpunaheleonāpua
Kumu Rich Pedrina received ʻuniki status from Kumu Hula and Entertainer, Kimo Alama Keaulana, and through the “HA”, the breath or blessings of his Kumu, Chinky Mahoe. Kumu Rich Pedrina strives to instill what he has learned and been taught through the years. “What he appreciates with Kumu Chinky was his discipline and eye for perfection and creativity.”
Kumu Rich Pedrina was very blessed by having the privilege of studying under Kumu Hula George Kananiakeakua Holokai before his passing. During that time, Kumu Rich got very close with Uncle George and, as a result, Uncle George shared a great deal of his knowledge and experience of his earlier days as a trained chanter, Kumu hula, and entertainer. George Holokaʻi was very well-versed in many things, but what inspired Kumu Rich Pedrina was his use of the implements. He will always cherish what he has learned from these talented Nā Kumu Hula.
Kumu Hula Blaine Nohara has been a haumāna, kōkua, and po’o for Kumu Hula Rich Pedrina and Hālau Hula ʻO Nāpunaheleonāpua for more than 20 years. In the summer of 2024, Kumu Blaine completed his uniki from Kumu Rich and became a co-Kumu Hula for Hālau Hula ʻO Nāpunaheleonāpua. Throughout his training, he had the privilege of learning ʻōlelo, mo’olelo, and oli from Kumu such as Ipolani Vaughn, Kamana’o Crabbe, Akoni Lenchenko, and Kalani Akana. He now takes on the kuleana of teaching alongside Kumu Rich to continue hula, oli, and lei-making traditions and perpetuation to our haumāna worldwide.
Based in O’ahu, Hālua Hula ʻO Nāpunaheleonāpua (meaning “the many expressions of a favorite one”) started in 1993 and has since been broadening horizons by expanding and sharing Hawaiian culture and dance beyond the reaches of Hawaii Nei, extending their Aloha and cultural values, welcoming people from all walks of life, to learn and enjoy the dance and art form of Hula.
More info: http://napunaheleonapua.com/
Hula Hale 