The He Lei No Kaiona Hula Festival is a two-day cultural event designed to perpetuate ʻike Hawaiʻi through hula, mele, and intergenerational knowledge sharing. The festival centers kūpuna, Gracious Ladies, and Gentlemen divisions, creating a rare and intentional platform that honors lineage, experience, and the transmission of ʻike kupuna.
Supporting divisions of wāhine and kāne ensure continuity across generations, strengthening pathways for cultural learning and practice. The event will include live performance, cultural protocol, and a Native Hawaiian vendor village that uplifts local artisans and practitioners.
Rooted deeply in the storied lands of Waiʻanae Moku—where the mountains embrace the sea and the winds carry the voices of our kūpuna—our festival is a reflection of place, lineage, and love. From its very beginning, it has been our intention to weave together a gathering enriched by those whose ʻike and pilina to this ʻāina run deep, honoring the spirit of Waiʻanae in every step, chant, and breath.
We are humbled to present our esteemed panel of Kumu, whose guidance anchors and uplifts this celebration
No Ka Hula:
1984 Miss Aloha Hula, cherished daughter of the late and renowned Kumu Hula Leilani Sharpe-Mendez of Hauʻoli Hula Studio, and Kumu Hula of Hālau Nā Pua A Lei, Kumu Twyla Mendez—a living legacy of grace, ʻike, and generational ʻike passed through hula.
A former member of Waimāpuna under the late Darrell Lupenui, and haumana of Kumu Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Kumu Hula of Ka Pā Hula Nā Wai Iwi Ola, Kumu Keala Ching—whose journey reflects deep dedication to tradition and the ʻike of our poʻe kahiko.
Haumana of Kumu Kimo Alama-Keaulana, Kumu Hula of Hālau Nā Pua A Kapiʻolani, Kumu Paul Boboy Kaʻawa Flores-Hatt—a bearer of ʻike and kuleana, carrying forward the ʻike of his kumu with humility and strength.
No Ka ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi:
Haku Mele extraordinaire, original member of the legendary Mākaha Sons of Niʻihau, Kumu Moon Kauakahi—a master of words and mele, whose voice continues to shape and uplift the ʻike of our lāhui.
Luna Hoʻokolokolo & Mea Hoʻokipa (Fact Sheet Judge & Master of Ceremonies):
Born and raised in Waiʻanae, with educational roots at Nānāikapono, Kamaile Academy, and Kamehameha Schools, Kahu Dr. Jonathan Kuahiwi Moniz-Tran—a devoted servant to community and culture, whose presence embodies ʻike, faith, and aloha for his poʻe.
With hearts full of gratitude, we look forward to gathering in this sacred space—to share ʻike, to exchange manaʻo, and to celebrate the enduring spirit of aloha with each and every one of you.