Hālau Nā Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu

Alika Nevin RayHenry Young was born and raised in Pearl City, Hawai‘i. He is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, class of 2003. He obtained his Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, in Hawaiian Studies (Fall 2010). Alika is currently pursuing his Master of Arts degree in Hawaiian Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. He also works as an administrative assistant for the Kamehameha Schools Performing Arts Department and is a music assistant for the Kamehameha Schools Song Contest and Special Events Department.

Alika was born into a family of hula dancers. At the age of seven, Alika’s parents enrolled him with Hālau Nāmakahonuakapiliwale, Kumu Hula Leimominani Cruz. As Alika began to learn the hula, the more he became interested in learning all aspects of the art form. He thoroughly enjoyed learning the different foot movements, hand gestures and songs, as well as the Hawaiian culture and protocol between hula brothers and sisters. In 1993, Alika won the coveted Master Hula ʻOni Ē title at the Hula ʻOni Ē Competition.

In August of 2001, Alika attended a gathering where Kumu Hula Sonny Ching was also a guest. When Alika asked permission to join the HNMOP Papa Maile class, Kumu Sonny graciously agreed and Alika has been dancing hula with Hālau Nā Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu ever since.

Some of Alika’s performing experiences include dancing in the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival (2003–2005, 2008–2010); featured hula dancer in Marlene Sai’s “This Is Hawai‘i” show at the Hale Koa Hotel (2009); featured pianist in

Tony Conjugation’s Kamau Pono Concert: Piano Ahiahi- Honoring Aunty Leila Hohu Kiaha at the Hawai‘i Theatre; performed at the Diamond Head Crater Celebration (2006); has performed in various cities of Japan with a highlight performance for Yokozuna Musashimaru’s Retirement Ceremony; performed hula, singing and conducting at various venues like the Neal Blaisdell Center & Concert Hall, Hawai‘i Theatre, Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Mission Memorial Auditorium, Mamiya Theatre, Concert halls in Japan and various churches throughout the State of Hawai‘i.

Alika loves all aspects about the hula: learning the physical movements; the mo‘olelo (stories) of our Hawaiʻi; the Hawaiian language; the music and melodies of each song; the fellowship between hālau ʻohana; the discipline it takes to study each chant; the pure joy of being a cultural practitioner in todays society.

“Hula has impacted my life tremendously. Not only has it brought joy and happiness to my life, but it has taught me culture and great values. Values such as: Ho‘omana – Spirituality; Ha‘aha‘a – Humbleness; Lōkahi – Unity; Aloha – Love; Hō‘ihi – Respect; Ho‘olaulima – Working together; Pono – Rightousness; Kōkua – Helpful; ‘Olu‘olu – Pleasant; Kāko‘o – To support; Ahonui – Patience. I try to live many of these values and traditions that are taught through the hula each day of my life and to the best of my ability.”