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Lessons in hula, strengthening and stretching taught to help participants understand how exercise can help with issues common to the cancer journey
Laughter and cheers filled the air on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center as nearly 120 people tried simple, fun ways of exercising at a free public workshop, titled, “Let’s Move! The Importance of Physical Activity in the Cancer Journey.”
Hula movements that could be done standing or sitting were taught by Nā Wāhine Hula ‘Ākala, a hula hālau of cancer survivors led by instructor TeMoana Makolo. Attendees were treated to dance performances by the hālau, then good naturedly took a stab at trying basic hula steps themselves, and simple choreography for such hula classics as “The Hukilau Song” and “Keep Your Eyes on the Hands.”
General strengthening and stretching exercises also were taught, including modified squats in a chair, leg raises and balancing drills. Speakers from the UH Cancer Center and REHAB Hospital of the Pacific also presented research showing that physical activity can help with many problems that are common during cancer, such as lymphedema, cancer-related fatigue, anxiety and depression.
That exercise can support physical and emotional well-being during and after cancer treatment, and can be accessible and beneficial for everyone, were the main messages of the event presented by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community and ‘Ohana Pink programs of the UH Cancer Center. The “Let’s Move!” workshop — 8-11 a.m. in the center’s Sullivan Conference Center at 701 Ilalo Street in Kaka‘ako, coincided with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“People who have undergone cancer treatment, whether it's chemotherapy or anti-hormone therapy or other things, can be really fatigued and tired. Exercise definitely helps with that,” said
UH Cancer Center Associate Professor Dr. Jami Fukui, who is faculty lead for the event’s two presenting programs. “Depression and anxiety are common during the cancer journey, and exercise has been shown to actually improve that as well. These are things that people can do without taking a medicine — a daily activity that they can incorporate to help combat some of those side effects from cancer treatment.”
“Let’s Move!” attendee Nina Rapelline vouched for the benefits of physical activity during the cancer journey. “Exercise therapy helped me find a direction for how I could take care of myself after the cancer diagnosis, and after going through treatment, it helped me to find a way to get back to feeling healthy again,” she said. “It gives you something to focus on, and you know that you're contributing to your well-being by moving.”
Topics and presenters At the “Let’s Move!” event included, in addition to hula with Makolo:
Movement activities were modifiable so that attendees of any level could participate, even from a chair, and in-person and Zoom options were offered. Presentations and scientific posters on the documented benefits of physical activity included a UH Cancer Center clinical trial published in 2023 that found that hula was beneficial as a physical activity and social support intervention for sustained activity in female breast and gynecologic cancer survivors. “Wellness tables” with informational resources from supportive organizations, and light refreshments, also were featured.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death (after cardiovascular disease) in Hawaiʻi. Nearly 76,000 people in Hawaiʻi are living with cancer, and each year an average of 2,519 Hawaiʻi residents die of cancer, says the center’s “Hawaiʻi Cancer at a Glance” report.
Upcoming free public workshops by the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community at the UH Cancer Center include:
“The Power of Intention,” where attendees will make “vision board” collages representing their dreams and plans, Jan. 30, 2027;
An event on diet and nutrition (title TBA), March 13, 2027.
Registration and details will be released in coming weeks. To learn more about the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community, go to its program web page: UHCancerCenter.org/cancercare.
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About the Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community
The Susan C. Hirano Cancer CARE Community is a patient-empowerment program of the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center. Founded in April 2025 by breast cancer “thriver” and patient advocate Susan Hirano of Honolulu, the Cancer CARE Community offers heartfelt support and aloha for patients/survivors/thrivers, caregivers, family members, healthcare providers and other supporters. Through quarterly events, participants receive guidance on the latest treatments, emotional well-being resources, practical assistance with navigating care, and more.
Learn more at UHCancerCenter.org/cancercare
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About the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center
The University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center is dedicated to saving lives in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific, and inspiring hope by working to conquer cancer. The flagship priority is to understand and address cancer health disparities. The center strives to achieve this through research, education, patient care, and community outreach, focusing on the unique and diverse ethnic, cultural, and environmental characteristics of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
The UH Cancer Center is one of only 74 institutions designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), representing a significant mark of excellence, and is the only NCI-designated cancer center in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. The center contributes more than $57 million to Hawaiʻi's economy through scientific research, clinical trials, and other activities.
As part of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the UH Cancer Center operates out of facilities located in Kakaʻako. The center directly employs more than 300 faculty and staff, with an additional 200 affiliate members and cooperative agreements with organizations that are part of the Hawaiʻi Cancer Consortium. The consortium includes The Queen’s Health Systems, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health, Kuakini Medical Center, Adventist Health Castle, Hawaiʻi Medical Service Association (HMSA), and the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), all working together with the UH Cancer Center to advance cancer research and treatment in the state.
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