The term "halau" is used to describe an open-ended building or structure. As an example, the "halau wa'a" is used to house the "wa'a" or "canoe" and the "halau hula" is used to house the hula. "Halau hula" is the term used to refer to the structure itself; "hula halau" was used to refer to the hula organization. Before the Hawaiian Renaissance, the term "hula halau" was heard once in awhile and everyone who was familiar with the old time hula understood this term as a "hula group". It is important that we understand the use of the language and how to use it properly and pass this information on so that it will not go into further obscurity.
Source: Kimo Alama Keaulana
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