KUMU HULA
Beginning Hula ‘Auana, Advanced ‘Auana,
Advanced Kahiko, Teens/Intermediate ‘Auana
Snowbird Puananiopaoakalani Bento is Kumu Hula of the award-winning hālau, Ka Pā Hula O Ka Lei Lehua. Born and raised in the tiny, taro-patch valley of Pauoa, Snowbird currently teaches Papa Oli me Hula at the Kamehameha Schools Kapālama – Middle School campus.
Her hula teachers and mentors include Leimomi Ho, Wayne Keahi Chang, Randie Fong and Holoua Stender. Her current oli teacher is Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele.
Ka Pā Hula o Ka Lei Lehua is a hālau hula which strives to preserve and perpetuate ‘ōlelo a mo‘omeheu Hawai‘i through the medium of chant, song and dance. The foundation of the hālau is built upon several major cornerstones including aloha ‘āina, laulima, ‘ohana and ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i. Kumu Snowbird and her hālau have travelled both locally and internationally, sharing the importance of hula and Hawaiian culture across the oceans.