Hālau ʻIlima Kū Kahakai is committed to maintaining and perpetuating traditional and contemporary hula.  The hālau is named after the ʻilima kū kahakai—a low-lying beach plant known to withstand the elements of wind, sun, rain, and ocean.  Its flowers are dainty, graceful, beautiful, and highly prized.  It is hoped that dancer of Hālau ʻIlima Kū Kahakai will take on the characteristics of its name—humble, strong, graceful, and beautiful—able to withstand many elements while being strongly rooted to its foundation.