Performing Arts
Explore music, movement, and storytelling in a space full of creativity and culture.
What We Offer
Our performing arts programs offer a vibrant space for you to explore movement, voice, and story. Whether you’re singing in Hawaiian chorus, writing original plays, or learning hip-hop choreography, each class nurtures creativity, confidence, and cultural identity.
Dance
ʻAihaʻa
Aihaʻa blends hula (dance), mele (song) composition, and oli (chants) to strengthen cultural identity and confidence. Learn rhythm, movement, and chants that teach teamwork, respect, and aloha ʻāina (stewardship, identity and responsibility). Build stamina, leadership, and pride through practice and performance. All levels welcome! Come grow in body, mind, and spirit. Ages: 12-18
Breakground: Breaking
Step into the cypher with Breakground! Learn foundational breaking moves, freestyle with confidence, and explore the roots of Hip-Hop culture. Build strength, rhythm, and resilience while connecting through movement and community. Come ready to rise, create, and take your place in the cypher. Ages: 14-18
Hip-Hop: Groove Lab
Move with meaning. You’ll learn Hip-Hop basics such as freestyle, rhythm, and cypher-style sessions, while building confidence, creativity, and community. Explore choreography, lead warm-ups, and share your moves in a showcase. All levels welcome, just bring your energy and positive vibes. Ages: 12-18
Horo Te Vaʻa: Tāne
Discover strength through Tahitian dance in Horo Te Vaʻa. Learn traditional choreography and drumming while building endurance, discipline, and cultural pride. Explore stories and values that teach leadership and unity. Movement becomes a path to confidence and connection. Ages: 12-18
Tahitian: Horo Te Vaʻa
Celebrate Tahitian culture through dance. Build stamina, rhythm, and confidence while learning choreography, drumming, and stories rooted in tradition. Dancing together fosters teamwork, leadership, and belonging. All are welcome to learn, move, and celebrate the rhythm of Tahiti. Ages: 12-18
Music
Chorus
Grow your voice and confidence in Chorus. Explore Hawaiian choral traditions and songs from around the world while learning harmony, sight-singing, and stage presence. Build music skills and perform in a final hōʻike (performance). Whether you’re experienced or just starting, there’s a place for you. Ages: 12-18
Guitar Lessons – Middle School
Learn guitar in a fun, supportive space. Explore chords, strumming, and music basics while building confidence and creativity. Practice techniques that strengthen focus and self-expression. Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or ready to grow, this program is for you. Ages: 12-14
Guitar Lessons – High School
Learn guitar in a supportive space designed for high school students. Build foundational skills, explore music theory, and practice techniques that boost confidence and creativity. Express yourself through music while growing discipline and teamwork. Start where you are. Your interest is all you need. Ages: 15-17
Music Production I – Hip-Hop/Reggae
Create beats and music that speak your truth. You’ll explore Hip-Hop and Reggae through studio sessions, mentorship, and original music-making. Learn production skills while building confidence and cultural pride. No need to be a pro, just bring your vision. Ages: 15-17
Music Production II – Scoring for Film & Animation
Create original scores for film and animation while learning advanced production techniques and sound design. Work on hands-on projects, collaborate with peers, and gain mentorship to build confidence and professional-level skills for music and media careers. Open to all skill levels—just bring creativity. Ages: 15-17
Piano Lessons – Middle School
Learn to play, express, and grow. Youʻll build piano skills and explore music theory. Guided lessons help you gain confidence and discipline in a supportive space. Ages: 12-14
Piano Lessons – High School
Discover the art of piano and grow your creativity. Learn foundational skills, music theory, and practice techniques that build confidence and focus. Express yourself through music in a supportive space where young musicians learn and thrive. Ages: 15-17
ʻUkulele Lessons – Middle School
Strum your way into music. You’ll learn ʻukulele basics, music theory, and practice techniques while building confidence and creativity. Explore self-expression in a supportive space. Never picked up an ʻukulele? That’s totally fine, we’ll start from the beginning. Ages: 12-14
ʻUkulele Lessons – High School
Find your sound and make it yours. You’ll learn ʻukulele basics, music theory, and practice techniques while building confidence and creativity. Explore music as a way to express yourself and connect with others. First time playing? We’ll guide you through it. Ages: 15-17
Theatre
Hawaiʻi Onscreen Keiki Ulu
Step into the world of film and TV acting with Hawaiʻi Onscreen Keiki Ulu (HOKU)! Explore everything from content creation to voice acting, live reporting, and motion capture. Learn techniques, meet industry pros, and discover how acting comes to life onscreen. Your creative journey starts here. Ages: 18-24
Hui Anaina
Join Hui Anaina and explore the magic of theatre! Each month, we’ll take a huakaʻi (trip) to see live performances across Oʻahu, then go behind the scenes to learn how shows come to life. Connect with actors, share your thoughts, and discover the art of storytelling on stage. Ages: 12-14 & 15-17
Kahua Keaka – High School
Step into the spotlight! You’ll build your actor’s toolbox through games, moʻolelo (story), and scene work. Explore characters, tell stories, and grow your voice on stage. No experience needed. Just bring your imagination and aloha for theatre. Ages: 15-17
Kahua Keaka – Middle School
Step into the spotlight! You’ll build your actor’s toolbox through games, moʻolelo (story), and scene work. Explore characters, tell stories, and grow your voice on stage. No experience needed. Just bring your imagination and aloha for theatre. Ages: 12-14
Puppetry
Bring your creativity to life through puppetry. Learn to design, build, and perform with your own puppets in a fun, supportive space. Explore storytelling as a way to express feelings, build confidence, and connect with others. Ages: 12-14
Performing Arts Team
Kapena Alapai
Director, ʻŌlino Pathways – Arts and Culture
Kapena Alapai
Director, ʻŌlino Pathways – Arts and Culture
Kapena Alapai is the Director of ʻŌlino Pathways–Arts and Culture at Liliʻuokalani Center, and was born and raised in North Kona, Hawaiʻi Island, with deep roots in Puʻuanahulu and Holualoa. He comes to the Trust after taking part in a 7-year project, ArtChangeUS, working to reframe the national arts conversation by embracing the cultural assets of U.S. demographic change. This unique snapshot into the field shaped Kapena’s understanding of arts and social justice issues amidst a national funding crisis, multiple divisive presidential elections, and ongoing racial injustice.
He returned to Hawaiʻi in 2020, resolved to fulfil kuleana to ʻāina, ʻohana, and kaiāulu, and envision the next generation of artists and culture bearers. With nearly 20 years of dedication to the nonprofit arts and culture sector, He is a committed leader whose career centers on uplifting Hawaiian identity, youth education, and community through creative and cultural practice.
TeHani Gonzado Pimental
Program Manager, ʻŌlino Pathways – Dance
TeHani Gonzado Pimental
Program Manager, ʻŌlino Pathways – Dance
TeHani Gonzado Pimental serves as the Program Manager for ʻŌlino Pathways Dance at Liliʻuokalani Center. She was born and raised in Kaʻelepulu and now resides in the lush valley of Mānoa. She is a passionate advocate for youth development through the arts, leading with innovation, cultural grounding, and heart.
She is the founder and director of her own dance program, now in its 12th successful year. Her curriculum fuses cultural dance and performance-based learning in both Hula and Hip-Hop and has become a trusted resource for students seeking a future in the arts. In addition to her broad dance leadership, TeHani is a former Miss Aloha Hula and the proud kumu and founder of her own hālau hula, Hālau Nā Mamo O Kealamailani.
Throughout her career, TeHani’s mission has remained the same: to inspire and empower youth to reach their fullest potential.
Pua Baker
Dance Instructor
Pua Baker
Dance Instructor
Pua Baker is the Dance Instructor at the Liliuokalani Center with a focus practice in ‘Ori Tahiti (Tahitian Dance). ‘Ori Tahiti has been a passion for her since she was 7 years old. Pua is currently one of the assistant instructors for the Pupu ‘Ori (Tahitian Dance Group) Ma’ohi Nui here on O‘ahu.
She had the honor of traveling the world, including to Tahiti, to compete in various competitions, winning many awards and overall titles. Pua also had the privilege of traveling to Japan to teach workshops to various dance groups there. She enjoys traveling, health & wellness, DIY, hiking, sunsets, and spending time with family.
Trinity Karapani
Youth Engagement Specialist – Dance
Trinity Karapani
Youth Engagement Specialist – Dance
Trinity Karapani is the Dance Youth Engagement Specialist at Liliʻuokalani Center.
Raiatea Helm
Program Manager, ʻŌlino Pathways – Music
Raiatea Helm
Program Manager, ʻŌlino Pathways – Music
Raiatea Helm currently serves as the Program Manager for ʻŌlino Pathways Music at the Liliʻuokalani Center.
Born on Oʻahu and raised on the island of Molokaʻi, Raiatea is deeply passionate about uplifting authentic Hawaiian music and honoring ancestral legacies through the performance and teaching of mele Hawaiʻi.
With over 20 years of experience in the Hawaiian music industry, Raiatea has dedicated her life to preserving and perpetuating the Hawaiian falsetto tradition. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hawaiian Music from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
In her free time, she enjoys going to the movies, golfing with her husband Bill, gardening, and traveling across the islands to spend time with ʻohana and friends—especially back home on Molokaʻi.
Bowe Souza
ʻŌlino Pathways – Choir Director
Bowe Souza
ʻŌlino Pathways – Choir Director
Bowe Souza is the ʻŌlino Pathways Choir Director at Liliʻuokalani Center. Born and raised on Oʻahu, Bowe developed a passion for music early in life. He is also the choir director at Christ Church Uniting and a music assistant at Kamehameha Schools. Bowe earned a BA in Music and a minor in Hawaiian language from UH Mānoa.
Previously, he was choir director and Performing Arts Department Head at St. Andrew’s Schools and taught piano at Kapena School of Music. Passionate about Hawaiian choral music, he has arranged mele for many schools and organizations across Hawaiʻi. Bowe also enjoys traveling, sports, video games, and spending time with friends.
TJ Keanu Tario
ʻŌlino Pathways – Music Teacher/Pianist
TJ Keanu Tario
ʻŌlino Pathways – Music Teacher/Pianist
TJ Keanu Tario is the ʻŌlino Pathways Music Teacher/Pianist at Liliʻuokalani Center. TJ is a Juilliard-trained classical pianist, film composer, and cultural practitioner by day, and fabulous drag artist by night. A multifaceted Kanaka Maoli artist, that meshes composition, piano performance, and drag within the identity & gender of my Hawaiian Culture.
Past teaching experiences have included workshopping Hawaiian Musical based on the life of Queen Liliʻuokalani (Eugene O’Neil Musical Theatre Conference Finalist) – at the University of Southern California in the School of Dramatic Arts Division. Teaching film scoring & music theory to students for the Community Arts Partnership Dorsey High School Summer Program, as well as collaborating composer-in-residence for the Queen Liliʻuokalani Trust ʻOlino Summer Animation Program in 2018.
Jorin Young
ʻŌlino Pathways, Theatre Program Coordinator
Jorin Young
ʻŌlino Pathways, Theatre Program Coordinator
Jorin Young is ‘Ōlino Pathways Theatre Program Coordinator for Lili’uokalani Trust (LT) based out of Lili’uokalani Center.
She was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and is passionate about all forms of performing arts and storytelling. She received a BA in Theatre from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and prior to joining LT, she worked in the TV and Film industry. Jorin is honored to serve our Queen and support the incredible work that is happening at LT. She is most excited to see what stories our kamaliʻi will share in the center.
In her free time, she loves to support local theatre, sing karaoke with friends, and explore different food venues.
Anneliese Wirsching
‘Ōlino Pathways – Youth Engagement Specialist (Theatre)
Anneliese Wirsching
‘Ōlino Pathways – Youth Engagement Specialist (Theatre)
Anneliese Wirsching is an ‘Ōlino Pathways Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) for Theatre for Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) based out of Liliʻuokalani Center.
She was born and raised in Hayward, California, and has always had a love for performing arts, specifically theatre and dance. Anneliese received a BFA in Dance from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and, prior to joining LT, worked as a dance educator. She is beyond grateful for the opportunity to share her love of performing with the kamalei, hoping they can find their own joy.
In her free time, you will find her crocheting, reading, and performing in local theatre productions.
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Ready to join our community and discover your passions? We can’t wait to meet you!