Nicole Hiehielanilehua Custodio's Fundraising Page

Aloha e kākou! It is that time of year again when my hula sisters and I raise funds for our annual huakaʻi (trip) to Oʻahu. I have been a part of Ohana Dance Group for 8 years now and it has been a beautiful and amazing journey of learning, growth, and connection.

A little about me: My name is Nicole. My Hawaiian name is Hiehielanilehua or Hiehie for short. I was born and raised on the island of Oʻahu and moved here to the mainland to go to school and become a veterinarian. Long story short - I never left! That's a story for another time.

Prior to Ohana Dance Group, I've learned and danced hula through school and joined Na Keiki O Hawaiʻi in college.

But it wasn't until 2016 that I joined Ohana Dance Group. I was looking for a kumu to help choreograph a hula to dance for my husband at our wedding. At that time, I had always wanted to connect deeper to my Hawaiian heritage. And of course, a part of me is always in Hawaii. Little did I know how deep those feelings went, how much I was missing my roots, and how much I wanted to learn! Joining hālau was my answer - and it was not just the hula.

Hula and being a part of a hālau is not just about the dance. It is the stories passed down from generation to generation that is told through the ʻoli and the movements. It is the pilina (connection) to the past present and future. The continuous learning and growth. The culture and values that are perpetuated echoed those that I was taught by my kūpuna (elders) and mākua (parents). I am at home.

And I want to be able to share that feeling, that aloha, with everyone. This fundraiser is not just about a trip - its about being able to share that aloha with my hula sisters, to give them that opportunity of growth and learning from the source. To be surrounded by the people and places that we tell stories about. And then be able to bring what we learn back to share with the community.

If you made it this far, mahalo nui loa for reading. I hope that you can share what you can. If no can, please share the link. If can, mahalo!!!

Me ke aloha pumehana,

Nicole Hiehielanilehua Custodio