Men of Hula: Robert Cazimero and Halau Na Kamalei

In 1975, one man brought about a permanent change in the practice of hula. His name is Robert Cazimero and his vision was Halau Na Kamalei, the only male hula halau in the Hawaiian Islands. Today, Robert Cazimero is considered to be one of the most respected kumu hula of Hawaiian dance. The men of Na Kamalei perform around the world, and for 35 years, they have carried on the tradition of male hula.

Through the years, Robert Cazimero and Halau Na Kamalei have blazed their journey with Hawaiian pride, dispelling deep rooted stereotypes of grass skirt girls and coconut bras. The men of hula have swayed the heart of hula by reclaiming the masculine side of the ancient dance.