E Kumu, you will always be the creative and inspirational source (and force) behind each of us “Mokihana” and our entire Hālau ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala, from the youngest keiki to the eldest kupuna.
Though your recent passing leaves a profound emptiness in our hearts and lives, your lessons will forever be in us: in our continued learning, in our every oli and hula and, more than anything, in our everyday lives of sharing our hula, culture and aloha.
Even while battling cancer, you led our hālau through challenging, lengthy preparations to return to Merrie Monarch to again share yours (and their) best with the world. As always, you led with grace, strength, intelligence and determination.
These are a few of my personal favorite Merrie Monarch memories: 1) 2025 Miss Aloha Hula Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao, a testament to the enduring power of your life, teachings and love; 2) 2024 Wahine ʻAuana 2nd Place KipuKai hula honoring my paniolo father Wilfred “Willy” Kualiʻi who you ensured was present; 3) 2023 Miss Aloha Hula First Runner-Up Breeze Ann Kalehuaonalani Vidinha Jardin, a testament to your love for Breeze’s Niʻihau kūpuna, as well as for Ke Akua (Our Heavenly Father God) and; 4) 2022 Overall Winner sweeping the wāhine competition and representing Kauaʻi in purple velvet magically floating across the stage to Mokihana Lullaby and Kauaʻi Lana i ke Kai sung by Robert Cazimero.
E Kumu, you taught us to dance with intention and to always share aloha; to live aloha. And that “hula is life!” You reminded us that hula is not just to be performed for an audience, it’s for our ancestors, our ʻāina and ourselves. You taught us to be stewards of our culture and language as well as of our ʻāina. You showed us how to express deep reverence and aloha in honoring others. You embodied aloha in every interaction, lesson, and embrace.
We cannot thank you enough for nurturing and instilling in us both technique and the kuleana to honor and perpetuate our culture with integrity and joy. We will forever reflect your spirit – disciplined yet joyful, rooted yet innovative. Your legacy lives on in ours and in the countless lives you’ve touched.
We will carry you, your teachings, and intention forward. And you will forever be honored in our hula, oli and mele as your spirit guides us. Mahalo nui loa for your life and your love. E hula mau nō mākou no ʻoe. We will dance for you always!
 behind each of us “Mokihana” and our entire Hālau ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala, from the youngest keiki to the eldest kupuna.){kind=link}