3. Living in Pilina
QUADRANT 3 (ʻEKOLU)
Kuleana • Community • Stewardship
A healthy learning community is built not only through shared knowledge, but through shared responsibility. Every interaction is an opportunity to practice aloha, strengthen pilina, and contribute to an environment where everyone can learn, grow, and flourish together.
————————
Living in Community
Ka Pā Hula Nā Manu Hoʻoheno Aloha is a community built upon mutual respect, trust, and shared responsibility.
Every haumāna contributes to the culture of our pā through their words, actions, preparation, and willingness to care for others. The policies in this section exist not simply to provide structure, but to help create an environment where learning can thrive, and every member feels welcomed, respected, and supported.
————
Communication
Clear and respectful communication is one way we practice aloha.
We encourage all haumāna to stay informed, respond thoughtfully, and communicate with kindness and respect. Questions, concerns, and celebrations are all welcomed when shared in a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding.
Our Website
www.hulamanu.com serves as the primary information hub for our pā.
Through the website, haumāna and prospective students may:
learn about our philosophy and programs
register for classes
pay tuition
enroll in Autopay
access forms and policies
view important announcements
purchase Hula Manu apparel and practice items
stay informed about events and opportunities
Whenever possible, social media posts will direct visitors back to the website, where the most current and complete information is maintained.
Email is the primary method for private communication regarding registration, tuition, attendance, scheduling, and other matters requiring individual attention.
Please allow up to 48 hours for a response during normal business days.
BAND app
BAND serves as the communication hub for enrolled haumāna.
It is used for:
class reminders
announcements
schedule updates
rehearsal information
sharing photos and celebrations
community encouragement
Participation in BAND is considered part of active membership in the pā.
Newsletter
Periodic newsletters provide additional updates, educational resources, upcoming events, and opportunities for our community.
————
Enrollment & Tuition
Enrollment in Ka Pā Hula Nā Manu Hoʻoheno Aloha reflects a commitment to consistent learning throughout the school year.
School Year
The primary instructional year runs from September through May, with continued classes during the summer that focus on review and reinforcement.
Attendance
Learning depends upon consistent participation.
Every class builds upon previous lessons. While occasional absences are understandable, regular attendance allows both the individual and the entire class to progress together.
If an absence is necessary, please notify Kumu as early as possible.
Tuition, Payments, Withdrawal & Refund Policy
Tuition at Ka Pā Hula Nā Manu Hoʻoheno Aloha supports more than the weekly class experience. It reflects the ongoing preparation, planning, curriculum development, studio rental, administrative costs, and continued guidance that make each student's learning possible. Tuition reserves a student's place within the pā and is not based solely on attendance.
Tuition
Tuition is a flat monthly rate of $65.00 per haumāna.
Students who enroll in Autopay receive a 10% tuition discount, reducing monthly tuition to $58.50.
Tuition rates are reviewed periodically and may be adjusted to reflect increases in operating expenses. Reasonable advance notice will be provided before any tuition change takes effect.
Registration Deposit
For the inaugural school year beginning September 3, 2026, a $25 registration deposit is required to reserve a student's place in Papa Kōlea: Foundations.
This deposit will be applied in full toward the student's September tuition and is non-transferable.
Payment Schedule
Tuition is due on the 1st day of each month.
Payments may be made securely through our website or by another approved payment method.
Students enrolled in Autopay will have tuition processed each month automatically.
Late Payments
A $20 late fee will be assessed for tuition not received by the 7th day of the month, unless prior arrangements have been approved by the Kumu.
Students enrolled in Autopay are not subject to late fees as long as payment is successfully processed.
Returned Payments
A $25 fee will be charged for any returned or declined payment, including checks or electronic transactions.
Withdrawal
If a haumāna chooses to withdraw from classes, written notification must be submitted by email before the beginning of the next billing cycle.
Tuition already paid for the current month is non-refundable once that month's classes have begun.
Failure to attend class does not constitute withdrawal or cancel future tuition obligations.
Refund Policy
Because enrollment reserves a limited space within the pā and tuition supports the ongoing operation of the school, refunds are limited.
Refunds will not be issued for:
missed classes
vacations or personal scheduling conflicts
voluntary withdrawal after the month has begun
dismissal resulting from violation of school policies or expectations
weather-related closures beyond the school's control when reasonable alternatives are provided
Exceptions may be considered only in cases of extended medical circumstances that prevent continued participation. Requests must be submitted in writing and may require supporting documentation. Any refund or tuition credit is granted solely at the discretion of the Kumu.
Autopay
Students enrolled in Autopay receive a 10% discount on monthly tuition.
Autopay may be canceled at any time before the next scheduled billing date by notifying the school through the website or by email. Cancellations submitted after billing has been processed will take effect the following month.
————
Dress, Personal Appearance & Hygiene
Haumāna are encouraged to dress modestly, comfortably, and in clothing that allows for safe and unrestricted movement.
Because hula is both a physical and cultural practice, students are asked to arrive clean, prepared, and ready to learn. Out of respect for the shared learning environment, please observe the following expectations:
Hula Manu uniform should be worn in class; otherwise, wear other clean clothing suitable for movement.
Practice good personal hygiene before class.
Avoid wearing strong perfumes, colognes, or heavily scented lotions, as some members of our community may have sensitivities.
Shoes are not permitted on the dance floor. Please remove them before entering the dance space unless otherwise directed by the Kumu or facility staff.
A clean practice pāʻū and Hula Manu practice top are encouraged for Papa Kōlea and Papa ʻAlalā, and required for all other classes. Our school uniform is an expression of unity, humility, and belonging within the pā. Until a uniform is obtained, or when a uniform is not required, haumāna should wear clean, modest clothing that allows for safe and unrestricted movement. Clothing should allow instructors to observe posture, alignment, and movement while remaining respectful and appropriate for a cultural learning environment.
Hula Manu practice shirts and tank tops are available through our online shop.
Practice pāʻū may be purchased fully constructed or as a kit with sewing instructions for those who wish to make their own.
To honor traditions observed within our lineage, very dark clothing, particularly black, should not be the predominant color worn during regular classes unless specifically requested by the Kumu.
Hair should be secured away from the face, preferably in a neat bun or another secure hairstyle.
Jewelry should not be worn during class, with the exception of a simple wedding band or wedding ring.
Fingernails should be kept at a practical length to promote safe hand movements and the use of implements.
————
Caring for Our Learning Space
Our dance space is a shared place of learning. Each haumāna shares the kuleana to mālama (care for) the space by:
Entering the studio with clean feet or socks after removing shoes.
Disposing of trash properly and leaving the space cleaner than it was found.
Treating studio equipment and furnishings with care.
Cleaning up water bottles, personal belongings, and practice materials before leaving.
Helping create a welcoming environment for everyone through courtesy, respect, and aloha.
By caring for ourselves and our shared learning environment, we honor not only the physical space but also the relationships that make our pā hula a place of growth and belonging.
Studio Etiquette
Every studio becomes our learning home while we gather there.
Haumāna are asked to:
arrive on time
silence mobile devices
help maintain a clean learning environment
treat the studio and its property with care
show courtesy to other users of the facility
enter and leave with gratitude and respect
Health & Safety
The well-being of our community is a shared responsibility.
Please refrain from attending class if experiencing symptoms of illness.
Students should inform Kumu of any injuries or medical concerns that may affect participation.
Emergency contact information should remain current throughout the year.
————
Photography & Media
Photographs and videos may occasionally be taken to document classes, performances, or special events.
Separate media permissions are addressed through enrollment forms and may be updated at any time.
We ask all members to respect the privacy of fellow haumāna by not sharing photos or videos without permission.
————
Stewardship
As Nā Manu, we are called to mālama not only one another but also the places where we gather.
Simple acts of stewardship include:
leaving spaces cleaner than we found them
conserving supplies
reducing waste whenever possible
respecting the natural environments we visit
caring for borrowed equipment and implements
These practices reflect our gratitude for the people and places that make our learning possible.
Living Aloha
The success of our pā is not measured by the number of performances we present or the number of dances we learn.
It is measured by the quality of our relationships.
When we communicate honestly, fulfill our commitments, care for one another, and approach every class with humility and gratitude, we strengthen the community that makes meaningful learning possible.
Living aloha is not something we reserve for special occasions.
It is something we practice together, every time we enter the pā.