Hālau Nā Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu

Dariel Anuenuelani Lewis was born on the island of O‘ahu and raised by her grandparents in Liliha. She now resides in ‘Ālewa Heights with her pet dog, “Delilah." She is a Registered Medical Assistant for two Orthopedic Surgeons at Kuakini Medical Plaza.

Dariel’s love for hula began when she was a little girl. She would sit in front of the television for hours watching the Keiki Hula Competition and the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, instead of cartoons. One day, her grandma stumbled across an advertisement in the local newspaper that read “Hālau Nā Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu, under the direction of Kumu Hula Sonny Ching, is now accepting applications." So in 1996, at the age of ten, Dariel joined the hālau.

Hula has deepened Dariel’s knowledge of the Hawaiian culture and it’s people. She loves how hula tells stories through dance. Dariel is grateful for the opportunities to participate in many shows, concerts and competitions. Hula has also allowed her to travel to the neighbor islands, the mainland and even Japan.

“Looking back over the years, I’ve come to realize that hula has taught me many valuable lessons. Most of these lessons go beyond the physical aspects of dancing hula. I’ve learned to be humble, responsible, respectful, and patient. Hula has helped me form special bonds between myself and my hula brothers and sisters—my second family. Being a part of Hālau Nā Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu has truly been a blessing in my life.”