
Kumu Leialoha Amina was introduced to hula by her mother Mary Ann Nuela Lim. Soon after, her father sent her and her sister , Nani to his cousin Kumu Hula Auntie Margaret Kaleolani Moku of Niuli I Kohala, Hawaii. She was encouraged by Auntie Margaret to study with other Kumu Hula while under her tutelage as well as after Auntie passed on. In a program through the state Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Lealoha was exposed to the styles of Aunty ‘Iolani Luahine, Uncle Geroge Na’ope, Auntie Edith Kanaka’ole, Kaha’i Topolinsky, John Ka’imikaua and Darell Lupenui. Leialoha was introdued to Auntie Pilahi Paki who has been a pivotal and life-influencing teacher. Today Leialoha resides on Oa’hu and travels to the Big Island to teach with her sister Nani Lim Yap. Together, with the blessings of Pilani Paki, Halau Na Lei O Kaholoku was created. They have been teaching for over 20 years. Halau Na Lei O Kaholoku is a culmination of the experiences of Kumu Leialoha, her sister Nani Lim Yap and their alakai Lorna. "It is our hope that we have done justice to our ancestors. We have kuleana to pass these traditions and to perpetuate a style that is truly part of Kohala."