Hula Halau ‘o Makalapua Marama Te Mafatu Nui

My cousin & I we’re looking for something more active to do in between our tight schedules. We were/​are on a mission to try to get back to pre-​marriage and pre-​baby weight, but personally aren’t really into/​comfortable with the ‘gym’ scene, maybe it’s the partially self-​consciousness (especially after kids), or something else (at least for myself). Who knows, could be a mix between a few things.
Anyway, we recently decided to try the Island Infusion boot camp out.
The dance studio is located in the upstairs area. Auntie Des makes you feel really comfortable the moment you meet her. We took our first boot camp class and, let’s be honest, it kicked our butts, but in a good way! An hour long of sweating, laughing, and working out to hula, Tahitian, Zumba, kickboxing & yoga moves equals out to a great time! The atmosphere is so laid back and welcoming we’re even considering taking up one of the classes when the New Year starts (and new personal schedules can be adjusted)!

I’m older than most of those gals that attends these classes, at first a little initimated as I’ve never shaken my hips like this before but after a couple of classes you get the hang of things. Auntie Des does a great job, her soft spoken words of encouragement. Great work out regardless! I recommend this class and definitely a must try!

First of all, let me tell you what types of class my family and I take here.
My daughter takes the keiki hula class, my son takes the ukulele class and I take the hula infusion exercise class.
Hands down… the most family oriented place! Everyone here is so friendly and kind. You get the feeling of FAMILY here.
Keiki hula class — very cute!!! My daughter just started about 5 months ago and her personality has just blossomed. She is a bit shy, but when she’s at the halau, she is a different little girl. I love to see her smile and DANCE!!!
Ukulele class — my son usually bounces off the wall, but when he’s at the halau, he’s focused. Auntie Desi is a great teacher and also very patient with my son. It’s amazing to hear and watch my son play the uke!!!
Hula Infusion exercise class — it’s fun and very personal. Lots of sweating and big smiles even when my quads are burning!!!

This place is a $ 15 escape to Hawaii. Tropical décor, live music, real tropical animals, one of my bay area favorite dance studios. Definitely a MUST TRY.

My daughter has been coming here for the past 2.5 years. She is in in the 5:30 Keiki class, which is a mix of hula and Tahitian. Auntie Des is very professional and when I first called halaus, I was impressed she called me back right away and answered all my questions. We also were able to observe a class so we knew we wanted to participate. The drive is rough (we are 20 miles away in rush hour traffic) but worth it. When I asked around in an effort to get a closer studio, I heard «Halau Makalapua is the best!» They do about 2 shows a year and also some smaller off site shows the studio is invited to.
My daughter, now 7, loves the class and has been able to perform solo for a variety of functions, including her grandfather’s 70^th birthday party and a 50^th anniversary party. I also have to have the music on my iPhone as she gets asked all the time for impromptu performances.

Kumu is very nice. I tried the Saturday morning class a few times. Unfortunately, I am in a process of moving, and the drive will be too far. It’s very clean inside and nicely maintained. I haven’t tried the week night classes due to work. I have been a Tahitian/​hula dancer for 5 years.

If you asked me years ago if i thought i could dance, i would have laughed and laughed and laughed and told you i had two left foot, now, i’ll tell you i can… no, i am not good at it, but i have lots of fun doing it, and that’s important to me.
You’ll find this dance studio above the Roma Deli at 426 San Mateo Ave. in San Bruno. The studio offers Polynesian dance lessons which includes Hawaiian Hula, Tahitian and New Zealand Maori for beginners as well as intermediate and advance. Adults and children are welcomed. They are also going to add a «mommy and me» dance class soon. The dance studio has wood floor and the walls are covered with mirrors, photos of dancers, awards and decorations that make you feel like you are on an island… island of Hawaii?
Kumu (teacher), who we affectionately refer to as Auntie Des, is a beautiful petite lady with tons of energy and patience. You can tell she loves what she does. She teaches basic techniques that can make you sweat like you are in a gym, and she goes over them as warm up exercises at every lesson. So, if you want to lose some weight but dislike the sweaty, musty smell of a gym or if you want to be at a place where there isn’t too much testosterone… this is the place for you! Of course, you have to like music too. Just be prepared to dance barefoot and have sore leg muscles if your legs are weak like mine.
The monthly fee is done by automatic withdrawal and the initial contract is for 6 months. If you don’t sign the contract, you can pay a fee for each one hour class you take, which of course is at a slightly higher rate.
Oh, if you are a member, you and your family also have the opportunity to learn Tahitian drumming and/​or ukulele… i started the ukulele lessons about 3 months ago. It is a group setting, we strum and sing, yes, sing… which i discover i am not good at it either… lol
The dancers do get to perform, they had their Ho’ike (performance) at Capuchino High School in March of this year, and will perform at the San Mateo County Fair on August 15. So if you like to dance and perform or if you just want a little exercise with music, check this place out… you can also call or email the studio to arrange for a time to observe one of their classes.