Concert: Hui O Ka Pua ‘Ilima

After taking Polynesian dance classes for a number of years, Carol Takafuji began teaching Polynesian dance
classes at a Virginia recreation center in 2004. When a group of her students wanted to take their new skills to the stage, Takafuji organized the students to perform as Hui O Ka Pua ‘Ilima, traditional Hawaiian for “group of the ‘Ilima flower,” the flower of Oahu. More than 20 years later, the ensemble is still performing traditional Polynesian, Maori, and Tahitian dances set to music. Hui O Ka Pua ‘Ilima has performed at many cultural events in the DC metro area. The group consistently engages audiences with facts about Hawaii’s culture and music. Their performance consists of elements of a traditional luau.