Hālau Nā Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu (HNMOP) is one of the largest hula schools in the State of Hawai‘i. The hālau’s repertoire is quite extensive, including many of the Pele chants not performed today, as well as many chants and dances for past ali‘i, from pre-western contact to the last ruling Kalākaua dynasty.
HNMOP was founded by Kumu Hula Sonny Ching on March 24,1986 with a group of 20 kūpuna (seniors) at Paki Park in Honolulu. Our haumāna (students) consists of keikimahine (girls), keiki kāne (boys), wahine (women), kāne (men) and kūpuna (seniors) who range from ages 5 to 75. As of 2012, HNMOP is co-directed by both Kumu Hula Sonny Ching and Kumu Hula Lōpaka Igarta-De Vera. HNMOP is located on the island of O‘ahu and in Japan.
Kumu Hula Sonny Ching, and Kumu Hula Lōpaka Igarta-De Vera and their hālau are recognized as one of the leading groups
practicing, preserving, and living the Hawaiian culture today. Through the language, music, chant and the history that accompanies the mele and the subject of the mele. Besides hula competitions and special performances, the hālau participates regularly in community activities lending their assistance and talents in any way needed.
The halau is structured with a General Manager, Haunani Ching along with eleven (11) Alaka’i (director), fourteen (14) Ho‘opā in training, and thirteen (13) Class Po‘o (head) and kōkua (assistants).