Hālau

A hālau is Hawaiian word meaning a school, academy, or group.

Literally, the word means "a branch from which many leaves grow."

Often you will find that there is a hierarchy in hula schools - starting with the kumu (teacher), alaka'i (leader), kokua (helpers), and then the 'olapa (dancers) or haumana (students).

The word was also used for the long open-air houses, often constructed at the shores, where the instruction took place.

[1] A common Hawaiian adage is " ʻAʻohe pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi," which means, "All knowledge is not contained in only one school.