Nālani Kaho’onei, Kumu Hula (Master Teacher), 2024 | Gilbert, AZ

As a Kumu Hula, Nālani is considered a custodian of Hawaiian traditions, passing down knowledge of dance, music, language, and craftsmanship She will work with her son, Kainoa Kaho’onei to pass on the traditions.

Nālani was born and raised in Waimānalo, a town on the island of O’ahu, Hawai’i. Of Native Hawaiian descent (kanaka maoli) and other ethnicities, Nālani began hula training as a young child. She joined the hula Hālau (hula school) Nā Hula ‘O Puamana, under the guidance of Kumu Hula (hula master) Alice Puluelo Naipo Park. After Kumu Alice’s passing, Nālani continued studying under Kumu Hula Robert Lono ‘Ikuwā. At just 14 years old, Nālani was given permission to teach Polynesian dance in Hawai’i.

Throughout her hula journey, Nālani learned the importance of knowing one’s lineage and the sources of ancient traditions. With over three decades of experience, she earned the title of Kumu Hula after completing their traditional ‘ūniki (graduation ceremony) in Kona, Hawai’i.

After moving to Arizona at the end of 2006, she continued to teach, building a teaching career that now spans 26 years, with 18 of those years spent in Arizona. She has been an active member of the Hawaiian community, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Hawaiian culture through dance, music, language, costume-making, implement-making, and cultural performances. Through these efforts, Nālani and her halaus — Hālau Ho’okahi I Ka Hula, Nā Leo Kūpono, and Hālau Kalikopuakalehua — continue to share the rich traditions of Hawai’i, helping to perpetuate the culture through various artistic and educational avenues.

Hula has two main forms: kahiko (ancient) and ‘auana (modern). Kahiko involves chanting and the use of traditional instruments, such as the ipu heke (gourd drum) and pahu (sharkskin drum), which create rhythmic, percussive sounds. In contrast, ‘auana is more contemporary, incorporating instruments like the guitar, ‘ukulele, and bass. Hula tells stories about genealogy, Hawaiian royalty (Ali’i), nature, and deities. The dance, attire, and accessories must align with the story being told, with attention to details like the style of dress, color, and hair. The dancer becomes the story, and their expression is key to conveying the message.

Depending on the lineage, this knowledge can also include agricultural practices, lomi (massage), and more. Not everyone who teaches hula is a kumu hula—only those who have mastered the art and earned the respect of their peers are granted this title. Nālani explains the system of hula transmission through the metaphor of a tree: the kūpuna (ancestors) are the roots, the kumu hula are the trunk, and the many students (nā haumāna) are the branches, with each new generation of dancers branching off from the same foundation. It is the responsibility of the kumu hula to ensure the knowledge is passed down properly so that it continues to grow and thrive through every branch and leaf.