New Cultural Programs Director Kahulu Maluo joined the Maui Arts & Cultural Center as campaign assistant in 2003 during its second phase of construction.

KAHULUI – The Maui Arts & Cultural Center announced that Kahulu Maluo has been appointed cultural programs director. Maluo succeeds Hokulani Holt, who joined the University of Hawaii Maui College as its Hawai’i Papa o ke Ao Program cultural director.

“As the MACC moves forward, we’re in very good hands with Kahulu taking the reins of our cultural program,” said MACC President and CEO Art Vento. “Hoku’s contributions and dedication to the MACC are deeply valued.”

In 2001, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center established a cultural programs initiative entitled Liliko Ka Pua, which resulted in the creation of the position of cultural programs director.

Holt joined MACC and launched the position, which is unique among arts presenters in Hawaii. The goals of the initiative were to expand and enrich the nature of MACC’s Hawaiian programming and provide Maui’s diverse cultural communities with greater access to the center’s programs. The initiative also stimulates the MACC’s daily operations to reflect values and heightened sensitivity to cultural issues and to internalize the center’s respect for and connection with Hawaiian culture.

The respected kumu hula of Halau Kamaluokaleihulu, Maluo has been serving as MACC programs manager, which includes facilitating the center’s Artists in the Community Program. This program takes touring season artists into the communities of Hana, Molokai and Lanai, and Central Maui to share their talents and skills.

A student of hula since the age of three, Maluo studied with esteemed Maui kumu hula such as Emma Farden Sharpe, Holt and Hawaii Island’s Rae Fonseca. In June 2004, she completed her traditional ‘uniki ceremony under Kumu Hula Holt, along with Fonseca, on the pa at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Maluo and her sister, Napua Greig, co-founded Halau Na Lei Kaumaka O Uka in 1996. She established Halau Kamaluokaleihulu in 2013.

A lifetime Maui resident and Maui High School graduate, Maluo attended the University of Hawaii at Hilo and later completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration at Regis University in Colorado.