Pohai’s study and love for the hula began at the age of four, when she danced her first steps under the instruction of George Holokai and his mother, Alice Holokai. At eight, she began dancing for her aunt, Maiki Aiu, at her Ke`eaumoku Street halau until her college years. After raising her family, she later completed her studies, graduating as Kumu hula in 1991 from Mae Kamamalu Klein in the Papa Maile Kaluhea class.
Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewett is the kumu hula of Kuhai Halau O Kawaikapuolani Pa Olapa Kahiko, established in 1978. In his youth, he received specialized training from his grandmother, Eva Kana’e, and studied under Edith Kanaka’ole while attending the University of Hawaii at Hilo. He also studied with Aunty Emma Defries, and has since been recognized as her protégé. His work in the field of Hawaiian culture takes him off island and abroad on a regular basis. His halau now includes students from Kauai, Maui, O’ahu and Japan.
Leimomi Ho, Kumu Hula of Keali’ika’apunihonua Ke’ena A’o Hula established in March of 1984. This school of hula perpetuates the traditional hula stylings and legacy of Victoria Keali’ika’apunihonua II Rodrigues. Kumu Hula Leimomi instills within each haumana the importance of respecting the art of hula and the cultural traditions passed down by our kupuna. This is furthered with the understanding that this hula family’s participation at performances where each dancer shares the love of hula to the very best of their ability.
Patrick started his hula journey at the University of Hawaii with Hoʻoulu Cambra who taught hula kahiko and oli. He later studied with Edward Kalahiki (Nā Punahele O Haluakaiamoana) and graduated as an ʻolapa and hoʻopaʻa. For a few years Patrick was the hoʻopaʻa for Leimomi Hoʻs hālau, Kealiʻikaʻapunihonua Keʻena Aʻo Hula.
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.
Professional singer, songwriter, musician, producer since 1980. Born and raised on Moloka’i Hawaii in a traditional Hawaiian household. Graduate of Kamehameha Schools ’80, attended Leeward Community College where he studied “Jazz Ensemble”, with Tommy Arsisto, and 2nd year “Hawaiian Language” with Naomi Losch. He is married with 2 sons, lives currently on ‘O’ahu where he has worked full time for ‘O’ahu Transit Services (The Bus) for the past 22 years. Three of those years as a Temporary Instructor in the company’s Training Department training “New Hire Operators” and other company p
Halau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine and Kumu Hula Hiwa Vaughan, whose love for the hula began at age 3. ... Her Hālau is known for it's firm foundation in footwork and adherence to those hula traditions given to her by the masters under which she has been fortunate to study.
Born and raised on the Garden Island of Kauai, Puamohala began her journey through hula at age 5. She first studied under the tutelage of renowned Kumu Hula Joseph Kahaulelio, Ku’ulei Punua, and Ed Collier. Puamohala would uniki under the direction of Kumu Hula Roselle Bailey of Halau Kahiko Halapa’i Hula Alapa’i in Kaumakani, Kaua’i.
Hinaleimoana Wong is a community leader, teacher, kumu hula and cultural practitioner. Her roots are found on the island of Oʻahu yet has family ties throughout Hawaiʻi. She currently teaches incarcerated men within the Hawaiʻi prison system and can often be found helping many within her family and social circles. Hinaleimoana became a highly recognized face amongst other Kanaka Maoli pro-independence advocates after the continued success of her documentary film “Kumu Hina” and the shorter youth friendly rendering entitled “A Place In The Middle”.
