This Maverick Choreographer is Taking Hula into the 21st Century

You’ve never seen hula like this before.

Photo: Courtesy of Patrick Makuakāne

Kumu Patrick Makuakāne is hula’s maverick master innovator, choreographing stories to contemporary, even pop, music. He’s bringing his landmark show to the Hawai‘i Theatre in May, but you don’t have to wait. Instead, immerse yourself in a new and gorgeous coffee-table book by author and occasional HONOLULU Magazine contributor Constance Hale. The Natives Are Restless: A San Francisco Dance Master Takes Hula into the 21st Century chronicles Makuakāne’s artistic process, his Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu hālau and the making and staging of dances such as Salva Mea (“Save Me,” pictured).

READ MORE STORIES BY MICHAEL KEANY