Halau Na Maka Olali
The group was founded in 2010 as Nā Maka of Sacramento, a small hula dance group that started with a handful of students. Earlier hula practices were taught in someone’s living room until the group moved to a larger classroom at a local catholic church. Since that time, the group continued to grow and thrive, which is a testament to Tanisha’s and Janet’s commitment to sharing their passion, knowledge and love of the Hawaiian culture with others. In 2022, the group was renamed to Hālau Nā Maka ‘Ōlali, a name meaning (“ insert meaning”) that was given to them by their Kumu, Patrick Makuakane. The group continues to strive to move forward to preserve and perpetuate the culture for all who want to learn.
Meet Our Leaders
Tanisha and Janet, cousins, began their Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti journey at a very young age (2 and 4 years old, respectively). At that age, they mostly played and goofed around like normal kids their age, but it was important, from their parent’s point of view, that they learn their Hawaiian culture at a young age. They were involved in their family hui (Hui O Hawaii of Sacramento) where their aunties and uncles taught them hula and to appreciate the Hawaiian culture.
Throughout their teenage years, both Tanisha and Janet had amazing opportunities to learn from well-known kumu hulas. Their first Kumu was Hula Master Joseph Kamoha’I Kahaulelio. Known as “Uncle Joe”, he was an accomplished singer, musician, hula chanter and hula teacher.
After building a solid hula foundation for several years under Uncle Joe (until he passed away), Tanisha and Janet continued their hula journey learning from other amazing kumu hulas like Mark Ho’omalu, John Topolinsky, Buddy Carsen and Patrick Makuakāne.
Tanisha Reshe
Tanisha currently dances with Kumu Patrick Makuakāne and his halau, Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu [hyperlink], in San Francisco. She has been dancing with Kumu Patrick for over 30 years and with his direction and training she was able to graduate as ‘ōlapa (dancer) in her first ‘ūniki ceremony in 2006 and then graduated as ho’opa’a (chanter) and Kumu (teacher) in 2019.
Polynesian dancing has allowed her to travel the world to perform and compete all over the United States, Tahiti and Japan. She has had the opportunity to compete in both Hula and ‘Ori Tahiti competitions and has placed successfully. Kumu Tanisha’s goal is to share all she has learned over the years and to perpetuate the Polynesian culture with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below you'll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about our Hãlua.
To hire our hula group to perform at your event, simply complete our event form. Someone from our team will contact you.
Both hula dance studio and hula halaus both teach hula and Hawaiian culture and traditions. A hula halau however, is guided by a kumu (teacher) who have gone thru the educational and cultural journey and shown dedication to preserve the Hawaiian culture and traditions. Both Tanisha and Janet have graduated as Olapa (dancer) while Tanisha continued on and graduated as Ho’opa’a (Chanter) and Kumu (Teacher). They both started Na Maka Sacramento as a hula dance studio from 2010 and in 2022 they have announced a new beginning as Halau Na Maka Olali, a name that was given to them by their Kumu, Patrick Makuakane from Na Lei Hulu Ika Weiku.
Boursin cheese strings squirty cheese. Parmesan babybel cream cheese cheesecake cauliflower cheese cheese on toast cauliflower cheese feta. Cheeseburger cheese slices swiss cheese and wine smelly cheese roquefort cut the cheese queso. Rubber cheese cheddar brie.
Boursin cheese strings squirty cheese. Parmesan babybel cream cheese cheesecake cauliflower cheese cheese on toast cauliflower cheese feta. Cheeseburger cheese slices swiss cheese and wine smelly cheese roquefort cut the cheese queso. Rubber cheese cheddar brie.
Boursin cheese strings squirty cheese. Parmesan babybel cream cheese cheesecake cauliflower cheese cheese on toast cauliflower cheese feta. Cheeseburger cheese slices swiss cheese and wine smelly cheese roquefort cut the cheese queso. Rubber cheese cheddar brie.