This is a great question, one that roams around the hula community quite a bit. Glad you asked it Kilinahe. For me, I believe that a person must go through the proper protocol, the 'uniki, to formally become a Kumu Hula. The 'uniki is like graduating from college at the Masters or PhD level, and solidifies your understanding of what a Kumu Hula represents in the hula community.

Although I know many teachers that have not gone through  the proper 'uniki, and have self declared themselves as Kumu Hula, with or without the 'Ha' from their kumu. I do not know what their thinking is, but I do know that some of them are quite accomplished, and well versed in hula. So I'm a bit on the fence about it, although I do think that a Kumu Hula with a proper 'uniki would be my choice over the other.

I wanted to know what is everyone's take on Kumu Hula who teach without going through an 'uniki or without receiving the "Ha" from their Kumu Hula? Does it matter if you get the "Ha" from your Kumu Hula, but not go through a proper 'uniki? I ask not to stir up pilikia, but just to know what everyone thinks/knows/feels.

Mahalo for any and all replies!