Come explore Hawaiian musical instruments and lean Hula dancing with Hālau Hula O Na Mele ‘Aina O Hawai’i, NYC’s premier hula school! The hālau, or hula school, first opened its doors in New York City in May 1968 under the guidance of Luana Haraguchi. Classes were first held in Haraguchi’s Upper East Side studio apartment. The hālau was given its name from her teacher, Iolani Luahine. The name translates to “Dance School of the Songs of the Land of Hawaii”.