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The ʻolelo noʻeau (proverb), "kū i ka māna" serves as the foundation for KHOI. It has been translated by Mary Kawena Pukui as, "like the one from who he received what he learned"— referencing the ʻike (knowledge) that has been passed from kupuna (elder) to keiki (child). In the Hawaiian culture, genealogy is the lifeline to traditional cultural learning— and this is especially true in hula. Tradition and protocol are passed from generation to generation, so it is of the utmost importance to care for that knowledge. With privilege, comes the responsibility of being a reflection of kupuna from who it was gained. While culture is always evolving, innovation should be built on top of the foundation laid down for us.

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