Maurice Keola Ohumukini is a Master Kumuhula and Master Malalaloa (craftsman) who has been teaching and dancing for over 60 years. His knowledge comes from 14 different Grand Masters and Master Kumuhula. Keola began at the age of 5. As an adult he has performed all over the country, contributing to, supporting, judging, and even competing in many Hawaiian hula competitions and Ball’s, always placing in every category he entered.
Keola wanted to bring the Hawaiian people together in Utah. He founded the first Hawaiian Civic Club in 1983. Perpetuating the culture is important to Keola. Keola has been an assistant teacher at the University of Utah and the Salt Lake Community College perpetuating the culture over the past 2 decades. To continue his teaching and sharing of all his knowledge, Keola started teaching Hawaiian cultural seminars. His 2 and 3 day seminars allow people from all over the nation the opportunity to learn and expand their knowledge of the Hawaiian culture. His seminars have been taught in California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon and Utah. Keola focuses on protocol, lomi lomi (massage), hula, language, ‘Oli (ancient chanting), Hawaiian herbs (La’au Lapaa’u), folklore, legends and Hawaiian instrument making (malalaloa).
Keola believes in sharing his knowledge of the Hawaiian culture to anyone who has passion to learn. He believes in perpetuating the traditional ways of Hawaii, and avoids the modern changes made to the culture.
