The Maui Arts & Cultural Center is welcoming Kahulu Maluo as its new Cultural Programs Director. Maluo replaces Hokulani Holt, who has joined the University of Hawaii Maui College as its Hawai‘i Papa o ke Ao Program Cultural Director.
“As the MACC moves forward, we’re in very good hands with Kahulu taking the reins of our cultural program,” said MACC President and CEO Art Vento. “Hoku’s contributions and dedication to the MACC are deeply valued.”
The MACC established a cultural programs initiative, called Liliko Ka Pua, in 2001; the program resulted in the creation of the position of Cultural Programs Director. The goals of the initiative were to expand and enrich the nature of MACC’s Hawaiian programming and provide Maui’s diverse cultural communities with greater access to the Center’s programs, according to the Arts & Cultural Center. The initiative also stimulates the MACC’s daily operations to reflect values and heightened sensitivity to cultural issues and to internalize the Center’s respect for and connection with Hawaiian culture.
Maluo, the respected kumu hula of Hālau Kamaluokaleihulu, has been serving as MACC Programs Manager, which includes facilitating the center’s Artists in the Community program. This program takes touring season artists into the communities of Hana, Molokai, Lanai and Central Maui to share their talents and skills.
She’s also served on Maui County’s Cultural Resource Commission. Maluo joined the MACC as campaign assistant in 2003 during its second phase of construction.
A student of hula since she was three, Maluo studied with esteemed Maui Kumu Hula such as Emma Farden Sharpe, Hokulani Holt and Hawaii Island’s Rae Fonseca. In June 2004, she completed her traditional ʻuniki ceremony under Kumu Hula Hokulani Holt, along with Rae Fonseca on the Pa at the MACC.
Maluo and her sister, Napua Greig, co-founded Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka in 1996. She established Halau Kamaluokaleihulu in 2013.
A lifetime Maui resident, Maluo graduated from Maui High School and attended attended the University of Hawaii at Hilo; she completed her Bachelors of Science in Business Administration at Regis University in Colorado.
Photo courtesy the MACC
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