We are a Hawaiian-cultured dance troupe located in El Paso. Texas. The troupe consists of several members who are of Hawaiian ancestry, born and raised in Hawaii or in the Continental United States, Polynesian-born of other ethnics groups (Filipino and Samoan and their siblings,) which reflect the melting pot of Hawaii. The intent of the group has been to provide the people of Hawaii, living in the El Paso area, the opportunity to share and grow in their culture through art and dance. Through the group, the members have been able to share and promote their culture with others as well.

Though the numbers in the group may fluctuate due to the military population at Fort Bliss, the halau currently consists of 13 dancers, both male and female and two support members.

The halau is under the instructional guidance of their alaka'i hula (hula leader), Renee "Linei" Kamehaiku Brooks, daughter of "Uncle Harry."
Uncle "T" takes charge of the male dancers. Though our halau is very small, we are able to continue to preserve what we have learned of the Hawaiian and Samoan culture through our dance.

Instructional classes are normally held on Sunday afternoons during the Spring and Summer months at 3:00 p.m. Instructional classes is provided for our female and male dancers in three different levels:
1) Adults
2) Beginner/Intermediate/Advance (Teenagers)
(3) Keiki (Ages 5-12)

Our instructional classes are open to others who are interested in learning of the Hawaiian, Samoan or other Polynesian culture and dance.

Because of the distance from Hawaii and the unavailability of fresh flowers and not having easy access to many Polynesian items needed for our costumes, we spend those Sundays during the cold-winter months, making our own costumes with the resources available to us in El Paso and in our neighboring sister cities of Las Cruces, New Mexico and Juarez, Mexico.

We are often asked to perform at various functions throughout El Paso and our sister state of New Mexico where we are able to express and share the Hawaiian and Polynesian culture through our song and dance.

Our music include those from the Islands of Hawaii, Maori, Samoa, Tahiti, Fiji, Bora Bora and Tonga.

For more information, you may contact Renee "Linei" Kamehaiku Brooks at (915) 856-8790 or
Assistant Coordinator: Peggy "Puanani" Griggs at
(915) 549-1554.