SALT LAKE CITY — A family from Hawaii left paradise after the pandemic and moved to Utah County, an unexpected place to plant cultural roots. Now their hula studio is keeping tradition alive, far from the islands.

In the heart of Orem, the rhythm of the islands echoes through the steps of young dancers at Hoakalei Hula Studio.

“Hoakalei Hula Studio began as a way to honor my grandmother,” said owner and instructor Kalai Chow.

Chow was just two-and-a-half years old when she learned the hula.

“My grandmother, Hoakalei Kamauu, was my Kumu Hula,” she said. “She always shared with us that hula is our way of remembering, of keeping our stories, our language, and our lineage alive.”

Now she’s teaching the next generation far from the islands she grew up on.

“I’m originally from Papakōlea, a

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