Also called: Hula Instructor, Hālau Leader
Teaches hula and the chants, language, and traditions behind it, often running a hālau (hula school) in Hawaiʻi or on the mainland.
A kumu hula leads evening practice, chanting while students repeat steps that tell the story of a Hawaiian legend. They teach the meaning of each Hawaiian word, prepare the hālau for competitions like the Merrie Monarch Festival, and perform at community events.
Approximate; most run a hālau as a small business and earn from classes and performances.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Apprenticeship, about 8 years after high school. Many years of training under a kumu hula, ending in a traditional graduation (ʻūniki).
Ways in: Apprenticeship. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Hawaiian Studies, Dance.
Growing about average. Steady interest in Hawaiian culture across the US.
Low risk for 10 years. Teaching living cultural traditions face to face can't be automated.
Classes: Dance, Hawaiian or another world language, Pacific Islands history.
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