Meet Kau’i Castaneda | Hula Director & Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kau’i Castaneda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kau’i, what makes you happy? Why?
Taking pride in teaching people who are eager to expand their minds, talents, and skills with learning about hula, the Hawaiian culture and embark into continuing with the teachings that are being handed down to me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When people hear you’re dancing, or teaching hula, they automatically think you shake your hips really fast but that is not hula, that is Tahitian from Tahiti. Hula is Hawaiian and it is a sacred practice that has been passed down through generations to honor gods and chiefs, and to pass on knowledge. I take pride in teaching people who are eager to expand their minds, talents, and skills with learning about hula, the Hawaiian culture and embark into continuing with the teachings that are being handed down to me. What I’ve learned along the way is it’s not easy, because we have TONS of hula schools here in San Diego county and my worry is whether there are enough people to teach hula to. How I’m overcoming this “oversaturation” of hula schools is, stay humble and don’t worry about what is going on the outside of my hālau (hula school). If I continue to malama (take care) of my haumāna (students) who are with me now, then that is all that should matter.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I don’t really get out much, I’m more of a home body so even if my best friend would come out to visit for a week, it would probably be a week of eating, Hahaha! If I feel like driving down to San Diego, I’d go to Jasmine’s for some dim sum. If I want to stay local, go to Gonzo’s in Carlsbad for ramen, Pho house in Vista for pho, Mbbq in Oceanside for some kbbq, the Corner Grill in Vista for persian food, Casera Latin Kitchen in Oceanside for Peruvian food…just to name a few of my favorites!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband (Chris) and kids (Jordan and Kainoa) for for the endless support they give me, my hula sisters for keeping me sane when things get crazy and my haumāna (students) for making me feel special everytime we have class.

Website: https://www.kalamaokauikuikanani.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ka.lama.o.kaui.kuikanani/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaLamaOKauiKuikanani/

Image Credits
Bianco ‘Ohana