Halau ‘O Makalapua is an extraordinary place for renewal, making new friends, exercise, and positive learning about Hawaiian culture. We learn how to dance hula and once a quarter, Auntie Des holds a party for the class. I consider this hula class the best event in my week and always look forward to attending the next class.
Lindsey Pappas
Mar 2025
Absolutely love this halau! Auntie Des is the best, so warm and welcoming to folks of all experience levels. When I first called to inquire about classes 13 years ago, I immediately had a great feeling about the place because of auntie's kind, bubbly voice. I've made so many great friends at the halau over the years, that I now call family. Highly recommend this halau to anyone who's interested in learning to dance either Hula or Tahitian. It's such a warm, encouraging environment. Dancing here is therapy for the soul.
Lianna N.
Dec 2024
Auntie Des and Hokulani are some of my favorite teachers I've ever had! They are so sweet, encouraging, and welcoming. The community are so sweet and couldn't imagine being in the Bay Area without them.
Teresa Barellano
Aug 2023
I've always wanted this and it was my calling and it finally happened. My first lesson today and i enjoyed it and it was so much fun. Its an honor to a part of it. ?
Chanel A.
May 2023
There are so many types of classes taught at this halau (from hula to salsa to taihitian and more), and the energy for them is so fun and engaging! Aunty Des really takes her time making sure you understand what you are doing, and she is so sweet and talented! The halau itself is very clean (you must be barefoot) and located in an alleyway, so it's easy to miss. Highly recommend trying this place out if you are looking for ways to broaden your horizons, try something new, or work out in a fun and engaging environment through dance! All ages and body types take part in the classes, so it's very welcoming and beginner friendly!
Donna W
May 2023
Been taking ukulele lessons with Des and she is an exceptional instructor. So patient and sweet making sure you understand every new chord or strum before she continues. After I told my husband about her, he started taking ukulele and Tahitian drumming lessons too. And she’ll add a couple hula lessons too. ?
Donna W.
May 2023
Been taking ukulele lessons with Des and she's an awesome instructor. Very patient and she makes sure you understand every chord and strum before continuing the lessons. Told my husband about her and now he's taking ukulele and Tahitian drumming lessons too. Highly recommend this place.
Weng W.
May 2023
Best Halau in the Bay area. Must visit and see for yourself. Kumu Desiree is very patient and knowledgeable. From ukulele, toere drums to hula dancing and more. The halau resident talking parrots ,Pua, Oscar, Max and Lani will certainly keep you entertained. The welcoming atmosphere from the Kumu to the students are the friendliest people and are always ready to help.
Jenn W
Jul 2021
Auntie Des is a fantastic teacher! I have been taking beginners' hula with her for the last few months and it is awesome. Amazingly, the classes even work well over Zoom. The classes are reasonably priced too. Auntie Des does a great job of explaining the meaning of Hawaiian and Tahitian words, the moves that we practice and what they represent and more. It's also a good, relaxing workout. Highly recommend signing up!
Grace A.
Mar 2020
ALLLLOOOOOOOHA! I love taking hula class here. This is my first year and I'm loving it. I've been a student for about 4 months now and I'm enjoying every moment of it. The classmates are a joy to dance with. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. Thank you Auntie Des for teaching us and having such a graceful way of teaching. My cousin and I get excited to come in everyday and learn new dances as well as practice the ones we are currently learning. I definitely would recommend joining if you have been Interested. They also have music classes, beginners hula and tahitian and a class for those who are more proficient. There is parking in the back of the building and also street parking on San Bruno Ave.
Gregory K. Tanaka
Halau ‘O Makalapua is an extraordinary place for renewal, making new friends, exercise, and positive learning about Hawaiian culture. We learn how to dance hula and once a quarter, Auntie Des holds a party for the class. I consider this hula class the best event in my week and always look forward to attending the next class.
Lindsey Pappas
Absolutely love this halau! Auntie Des is the best, so warm and welcoming to folks of all experience levels. When I first called to inquire about classes 13 years ago, I immediately had a great feeling about the place because of auntie's kind, bubbly voice. I've made so many great friends at the halau over the years, that I now call family. Highly recommend this halau to anyone who's interested in learning to dance either Hula or Tahitian. It's such a warm, encouraging environment. Dancing here is therapy for the soul.
Lianna N.
Auntie Des and Hokulani are some of my favorite teachers I've ever had! They are so sweet, encouraging, and welcoming. The community are so sweet and couldn't imagine being in the Bay Area without them.
Teresa Barellano
I've always wanted this and it was my calling and it finally happened. My first lesson today and i enjoyed it and it was so much fun. Its an honor to a part of it. ?
Chanel A.
There are so many types of classes taught at this halau (from hula to salsa to taihitian and more), and the energy for them is so fun and engaging! Aunty Des really takes her time making sure you understand what you are doing, and she is so sweet and talented! The halau itself is very clean (you must be barefoot) and located in an alleyway, so it's easy to miss. Highly recommend trying this place out if you are looking for ways to broaden your horizons, try something new, or work out in a fun and engaging environment through dance! All ages and body types take part in the classes, so it's very welcoming and beginner friendly!
Donna W
Been taking ukulele lessons with Des and she is an exceptional instructor. So patient and sweet making sure you understand every new chord or strum before she continues. After I told my husband about her, he started taking ukulele and Tahitian drumming lessons too. And she’ll add a couple hula lessons too. ?
Donna W.
Been taking ukulele lessons with Des and she's an awesome instructor. Very patient and she makes sure you understand every chord and strum before continuing the lessons. Told my husband about her and now he's taking ukulele and Tahitian drumming lessons too. Highly recommend this place.
Weng W.
Best Halau in the Bay area. Must visit and see for yourself. Kumu Desiree is very patient and knowledgeable. From ukulele, toere drums to hula dancing and more. The halau resident talking parrots ,Pua, Oscar, Max and Lani will certainly keep you entertained. The welcoming atmosphere from the Kumu to the students are the friendliest people and are always ready to help.
Jenn W
Auntie Des is a fantastic teacher! I have been taking beginners' hula with her for the last few months and it is awesome. Amazingly, the classes even work well over Zoom. The classes are reasonably priced too. Auntie Des does a great job of explaining the meaning of Hawaiian and Tahitian words, the moves that we practice and what they represent and more. It's also a good, relaxing workout. Highly recommend signing up!
Grace A.
ALLLLOOOOOOOHA! I love taking hula class here. This is my first year and I'm loving it. I've been a student for about 4 months now and I'm enjoying every moment of it. The classmates are a joy to dance with. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. Thank you Auntie Des for teaching us and having such a graceful way of teaching. My cousin and I get excited to come in everyday and learn new dances as well as practice the ones we are currently learning. I definitely would recommend joining if you have been Interested. They also have music classes, beginners hula and tahitian and a class for those who are more proficient. There is parking in the back of the building and also street parking on San Bruno Ave.