About Us.
Celebrating Polynesian Culture Through Dance
About
Kamokunani Hula Halau’s founder, Johnette Kamokunani Palumbo, at the age of 4 was taught hula dancing in Honolulu. Her mother Cecilia, immediately saw the talent Johnette had with her gracefulness and eager learning. Her Parents then moved her and her brother to Chicago at age 6.
At the age of 13, with already more than a decade of training by Polynesian dance master, Ms Kekoolani and her mother, Johnette assisted her mother in teaching at random places and doing hula shows while attending high-school.
As an adult in 2001, now married and moved to Rockford, IL, her husband Paul saw an ad in the paper seeking a hula dancer. Curious as Johnette was, she and Ms. Kay did well together. Ms. Kay proceeded to suggest teaching more people to create a hula troupe. She then created ads in the newspaper and a year later, Kamokunani Hula Halau was founded. Johnette began a professional entertainment business out of her home, booking Hawaiian and Polynesian dance shows as well as teaching hula.
In 2003, Johnette gave birth to Kaili Kawai Ululani and at age 5 she too was taught hula. In 2004, Siena Kehaulani was born and was also taught Polynesian dance. In 2007, Johnette and her ohana moved to Bloomington/Normal, IL to start a new business with her husband Paul Palumbo. With the love of her culture, she again wanted to start teaching hula and promoting Polynesian dance shows in a new area. In 2009, Kamokunani began again.
With daughter’s activities, Johnette took a sabbatical for 6 years and now with both daughters graduated, she is starting back to teaching hula again in 2023. With over 40 years of experience, Johnette will be sharing her culture, love of hula and aloha with all who wants to join in classes or a Polynesian show.
We're
40 Years of Dance and Aloha!
With over 40 years of experience, Kamokunani Hula Halau is a vibrant hub of Polynesian culture. Founded in 2002 and nestled in Bloomington, IL, our dedicated ‘ohana celebrates Hawaiian and Polynesian heritage through dance, connecting generations and fostering appreciation for Aloha, hula, and vibrant traditions. Join us in celebrating the Aloha spirit!
Testimonials
What peoples say
Testimonials
What people are saying
"Watching Johnette teach the audience for our show was a big crowd draw: everyone of all ages and abilities rushed up to the stage area to learn to hula."
"The depth and breadth of styles she presents covers the incredible variety of Pan-Pacific dance culture, and give you a greater appreciate for the artform and history of hula."
"We were so happy to find someone in Central Illinois who was such an expert on Hula! We wish her Halau great success!"
I grew up on the islands and Kamokunani Hula Halau is a wonderful piece of “home” available right here in the Midwest.
Our Team
Meet Our Experts
Our diverse team, united by a love for Polynesian culture, includes experienced dancers, instructors, choreographers, and cultural enthusiasts. Together, we bring the Aloha spirit to life in every performance and class.
Halau i Kapono
as a partner on website
Halau i Kapono
Charles Leemen
Theresa Hamilton
Johanson
Adam Wagner
Hasley Gilmore
Samanta Kols
Jessica Turner
Ready for an Aloha-filled Celebration?
Get ready to dance, laugh, and celebrate with Aloha’s vibrant, joyous spirit! Aloha awaits!