About Our Kumu Hula
ORIGIN
Nālani Kaho’onei was born and raised in Hawai'i, on the island of O'ahu, in the country town of Waimānalo. She is of native Hawaiian ancestry, kanaka maoli; both her mother and father are Hawaiian. Through her 'ohana's tireless efforts to research priceless genealogy, she's found that she is a direct descendant of ali'i, Kalani Paiʻea Wohi o Kaleikini Kealiʻikui Kamehameha o ʻIolani i Kaiwikapu kauʻi Ka Liholiho Kūnuiākea, also known as King Kamehameha the Great. Nālani’s lines trace through three separate wives of the King. She is also a direct descendant of Chief Līloa and ‘Umi a Līloa. Hawaiians believe that genealogy is very important to the people. It’s important to know your koko and your kū’auhau; who you are and who came before you. Nālani is proud to also have Māori, Tahitian, Sāmoan and Tongan ancestry.
HULA TRAINING
In 1992, Nālani began her hula training as a young child. She then joined an official hālau in Kailua, HI, called Nā Hula O Puamana, under the direction of Kumu Hula *Alice Puluelo Naipo Park. Her Kumu Hula was Lokālia Montgomery. Nālani is the type of dancer that she is today because of her kumu's early teachings. Aunty Pulu had taught the haumāna that it was very important to learn the culture and understand the meaning of the dance before jumping in to actually dance it. Hula was meant to be passed down from generation to generation so that the culture and originality would not be lost to those who seek recognition and wealth. Aunty Pulu had her dancers perform at various locations on the island. She also taught ‘Ori Tahiti. In the past, she took her Hālau to compete at the prestigious Merrie Monarch competitions on the Big Island of Hawai’i and even became a judge at the Festival. Nālani was given permission by Aunty Pulu to teach in Hawai’i (not as Kumu Hula yet) when she was just 14 years old. Following Aunty Pulu’s passing, Nālani continued her hula training under Kumu Hula **Robert Lono ‘Ikuwā. Kumu Lono comes from the hula lineage of his mother, Kumu Hula ‘Ulalia Berman. Aunty ‘Ulalia came from Kumu Hula Ma’iki Aiu Lake, who also comes from Kumu Hula Lokālia Montgomery. Nālani has been teaching Polynesian dance for over 26 years, with over 17 years being in Arizona. She has been a hula practitioner for well over three consecutive decades. Nālani completed her hula training with a formal ‘ūniki (graduation ceremony) in Kona, Hawai’i. Following proper protocol, she has earned the highly respected title of Kumu Hula, Hula Master.
KNOWLEDGE OF LANGUAGE
Growing up in a household of Hawaiians in Hawai'i, Nālani had always heard the native language in bits and pieces. Going to elementary and intermediate schools in Hawai'i provided Hawaiian language classes as a requirement to progress. In high school, however, these classes became optional or could only be chosen as an elective course. In 2001, Nālani chose to continue her education in the Hawaiian language and learned more from Kumu Hau'oli Akaka's Papa 'Ōlelo Hawai'i at Kailua High School.
EARLY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Nālani became a professional hula dancer when she began dancing in a night show at Celebrity Resorts in Waikiki on the island of O'ahu. She had been dancing professionally, on and off, with her father and sister there since 1997. In 2002, they became regular "celebrities", performing every week until she made the move to Arizona at the end of 2006. In addition to Celebrity Resorts, Nālani had also signed with Tihati Productions before she had become too busy with her other jobs at Hawaiian Airlines and 24 Hour Fitness to be able to devote enough time to dance in their shows. Yet simply to be chosen to dance is an honor. This is because they hand-pick the dancers not only for their talent, but also their Polynesian appearance.
WORKSHOP TRAINING
Nālani has had the privilege of taking Hula workshops with nā Kumu Hula: Keali'i Reichel, Robert Cazimero, Mapuana DeSilva, Vicky Holt Takamine, Keawe Lopes (Oli workshop), Huihui Kanahele-Mossman, Nālani Kanaka'ole, Kau’i Dalire, Patrick Makuakāne, Sonny Ching & Jeffrey Takamine. She has also taken ‘ori Tahiti workshops from ra’atira such as Tiana Liufau, Matatini Mou, Tehani Robinson, Leolani Gallardo & Rina Brenner.
HĀLAU HO’OKAHI I KA HULA
Nālani is currently teaching Polynesian music and dance to all levels of dancers, from age 5+, from beginner to advanced, for nā keiki and mākua. The name of her school is Hālau Ho'okahi I Ka Hula. When translated from Hawaiian to English, it can mean "Together To Dance”. She enjoys uniting people and cultures to become one as they dance.
NĀ LEO KŪPONO PRODUCTIONS
Nā Leo Kūpono Productions, LLC presents professional Polynesian shows which feature Hula, Tahitian, Tongan, Samoan and Maori dances. In addition, they also display the exciting Samoan fireknife dance. Nālani handles the choreography for the dancers, as well as designs the costumes for each island set. The company also has a full band of musicians, led by her father, Rudy Dolfo. The group name was chosen by Rudy, decades ago in Hawai’i. The name means natural blend.
HĀLAU KALIKOPUAKALEHUA
Hālau Kalikopuakalehua is our highest-level group, above Hālau Ho’okahi I Ka Hula and Nā Leo Kūpono Productions. The members are not just dancers, but rather, cultural practitioners with the highest levels of dedication, talent, humility, passion and the spirit of Aloha. With her ‘ohana’s permission, Nālani named this group after her grandmother.
GROUP AND SOLO AWARDS
Nālani has won numerous awards in international dance competitions. Her dancers have also competed and placed in the top 3, both as a group and as soloists representing the group.
🥇 1st Place - 2024 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Advanced Hura Tau Group ‘Ōte’a
🥇 1st Place - 2024 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Advanced Taure’a Tamaroa ‘Ōte’a Solo 13-15
🥈 2nd Place - 2024 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Vāhine ‘Ōte’a 36-49
🥉 3rd Place - 2024 Te ‘Ori Ora Competition - Advanced Vāhine ‘Aparima Solo 36+
🥇 1st Place - 2023 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Advanced Taure’a ‘Ōte’a Solo 6-12
🥇 1st Place - 2023 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Advanced Tamāroa ‘Ōte’a Solo 13-17
🥈 2nd Place - 2023 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Group ‘Ōte’a
🥇 1st Place - 2022 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Group ‘Aparima
🏆 Cinematic Choice Award - 2022 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Group ‘Aparima
🥇 1st Place - 2022 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Advanced Tamāroa ‘Ōte’a Solo 6-12
🥇 1st Place - 2022 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Advanced Taure’a ‘Ōte’a Solo 13-17
🥇 1st Place - 2022 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Tāne ‘Ōte’a Solo 19-24
🥇 1st Place - 2021 ‘Ori ‘Ori Tātou E Competition - Vāhine ‘Ōte’a Solo 30-39
🥇 1st Place - 2021 ‘Ori ‘Ori Tātou E Competition - Tamāroa ‘Ōte’a Solo 6-10
🥇 1st Place - 2021 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Tamāroa ‘Ōte’a Solo 6-12
🥉 3rd Place - 2021 Hura Tahiti Competition - Tamāroa ‘Ōte’a Solo 10-13
MISSION
Our mission is to perpetuate the native Polynesian cultures through their arts, music, dance, language, beliefs and practices.
QUOTES
——”The cherished community of Aloha that was established within our sweet hālau has become a vital part of the daily lives of many of our nā haumāna (students). I have a deep passion and sense of pride for my cultures and I aim to develop a similar desire within each haumāna. We strive to improve ourselves and to make our kūpuna (ancestors) proud, do our hula lineage justice and to simply further develop as people exuding the spirit of Aloha. I am tremendously grateful and blessed.” - Kumu Hula Nālani Kaho’onei
——”Hula is Life.” - Kumu Hula Ma’iki Aiu Lake
——”Hula is the art of Hawaiian dance, expressing all we see, smell, hear, taste, touch and feel.” - Kumu Hula Ma’iki Aiu Lake
——“Kūlia I Ka Nu’u (strive for the highest)” - Queen Kapi’olani
KUMU HULA NUI
*Some information on Aunty Pulu can be found here on the Hula Preservation Society website: https://digitalumeke.hulapreservation.org/collection/puluelo-naipo-park
**Some information on Kumu Lono can be found here on Kamehameha School’s website: https://www.ksbe.edu/article/ikuwaa-is-named-ks-kapaalama-director-of-hawaiian-culture-based-education
Kumu Lono is also the author of the bilingual book, “Mohala Mai ‘O Hau”: https://shops.kamehamehapublishing.org/products/978-0-87336-239-9
ORIGIN
Nālani Kaho’onei was born and raised in Hawai'i, on the island of O'ahu, in the country town of Waimānalo. She is of native Hawaiian ancestry, kanaka maoli; both her mother and father are Hawaiian. Through her 'ohana's tireless efforts to research priceless genealogy, she's found that she is a direct descendant of ali'i, Kalani Paiʻea Wohi o Kaleikini Kealiʻikui Kamehameha o ʻIolani i Kaiwikapu kauʻi Ka Liholiho Kūnuiākea, also known as King Kamehameha the Great. Nālani’s lines trace through three separate wives of the King. She is also a direct descendant of Chief Līloa and ‘Umi a Līloa. Hawaiians believe that genealogy is very important to the people. It’s important to know your koko and your kū’auhau; who you are and who came before you. Nālani is proud to also have Māori, Tahitian, Sāmoan and Tongan ancestry.
HULA TRAINING
In 1992, Nālani began her hula training as a young child. She then joined an official hālau in Kailua, HI, called Nā Hula O Puamana, under the direction of Kumu Hula *Alice Puluelo Naipo Park. Her Kumu Hula was Lokālia Montgomery. Nālani is the type of dancer that she is today because of her kumu's early teachings. Aunty Pulu had taught the haumāna that it was very important to learn the culture and understand the meaning of the dance before jumping in to actually dance it. Hula was meant to be passed down from generation to generation so that the culture and originality would not be lost to those who seek recognition and wealth. Aunty Pulu had her dancers perform at various locations on the island. She also taught ‘Ori Tahiti. In the past, she took her Hālau to compete at the prestigious Merrie Monarch competitions on the Big Island of Hawai’i and even became a judge at the Festival. Nālani was given permission by Aunty Pulu to teach in Hawai’i (not as Kumu Hula yet) when she was just 14 years old. Following Aunty Pulu’s passing, Nālani continued her hula training under Kumu Hula **Robert Lono ‘Ikuwā. Kumu Lono comes from the hula lineage of his mother, Kumu Hula ‘Ulalia Berman. Aunty ‘Ulalia came from Kumu Hula Ma’iki Aiu Lake, who also comes from Kumu Hula Lokālia Montgomery. Nālani has been teaching Polynesian dance for over 26 years, with over 17 years being in Arizona. She has been a hula practitioner for well over three consecutive decades. Nālani completed her hula training with a formal ‘ūniki (graduation ceremony) in Kona, Hawai’i. Following proper protocol, she has earned the highly respected title of Kumu Hula, Hula Master.
KNOWLEDGE OF LANGUAGE
Growing up in a household of Hawaiians in Hawai'i, Nālani had always heard the native language in bits and pieces. Going to elementary and intermediate schools in Hawai'i provided Hawaiian language classes as a requirement to progress. In high school, however, these classes became optional or could only be chosen as an elective course. In 2001, Nālani chose to continue her education in the Hawaiian language and learned more from Kumu Hau'oli Akaka's Papa 'Ōlelo Hawai'i at Kailua High School.
EARLY PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Nālani became a professional hula dancer when she began dancing in a night show at Celebrity Resorts in Waikiki on the island of O'ahu. She had been dancing professionally, on and off, with her father and sister there since 1997. In 2002, they became regular "celebrities", performing every week until she made the move to Arizona at the end of 2006. In addition to Celebrity Resorts, Nālani had also signed with Tihati Productions before she had become too busy with her other jobs at Hawaiian Airlines and 24 Hour Fitness to be able to devote enough time to dance in their shows. Yet simply to be chosen to dance is an honor. This is because they hand-pick the dancers not only for their talent, but also their Polynesian appearance.
WORKSHOP TRAINING
Nālani has had the privilege of taking Hula workshops with nā Kumu Hula: Keali'i Reichel, Robert Cazimero, Mapuana DeSilva, Vicky Holt Takamine, Keawe Lopes (Oli workshop), Huihui Kanahele-Mossman, Nālani Kanaka'ole, Kau’i Dalire, Patrick Makuakāne, Sonny Ching & Jeffrey Takamine. She has also taken ‘ori Tahiti workshops from ra’atira such as Tiana Liufau, Matatini Mou, Tehani Robinson, Leolani Gallardo & Rina Brenner.
HĀLAU HO’OKAHI I KA HULA
Nālani is currently teaching Polynesian music and dance to all levels of dancers, from age 5+, from beginner to advanced, for nā keiki and mākua. The name of her school is Hālau Ho'okahi I Ka Hula. When translated from Hawaiian to English, it can mean "Together To Dance”. She enjoys uniting people and cultures to become one as they dance.
NĀ LEO KŪPONO PRODUCTIONS
Nā Leo Kūpono Productions, LLC presents professional Polynesian shows which feature Hula, Tahitian, Tongan, Samoan and Maori dances. In addition, they also display the exciting Samoan fireknife dance. Nālani handles the choreography for the dancers, as well as designs the costumes for each island set. The company also has a full band of musicians, led by her father, Rudy Dolfo. The group name was chosen by Rudy, decades ago in Hawai’i. The name means natural blend.
HĀLAU KALIKOPUAKALEHUA
Hālau Kalikopuakalehua is our highest-level group, above Hālau Ho’okahi I Ka Hula and Nā Leo Kūpono Productions. The members are not just dancers, but rather, cultural practitioners with the highest levels of dedication, talent, humility, passion and the spirit of Aloha. With her ‘ohana’s permission, Nālani named this group after her grandmother.
GROUP AND SOLO AWARDS
Nālani has won numerous awards in international dance competitions. Her dancers have also competed and placed in the top 3, both as a group and as soloists representing the group.
🥇 1st Place - 2024 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Advanced Hura Tau Group ‘Ōte’a
🥇 1st Place - 2024 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Advanced Taure’a Tamaroa ‘Ōte’a Solo 13-15
🥈 2nd Place - 2024 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Vāhine ‘Ōte’a 36-49
🥉 3rd Place - 2024 Te ‘Ori Ora Competition - Advanced Vāhine ‘Aparima Solo 36+
🥇 1st Place - 2023 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Advanced Taure’a ‘Ōte’a Solo 6-12
🥇 1st Place - 2023 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Advanced Tamāroa ‘Ōte’a Solo 13-17
🥈 2nd Place - 2023 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Group ‘Ōte’a
🥇 1st Place - 2022 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Group ‘Aparima
🏆 Cinematic Choice Award - 2022 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Group ‘Aparima
🥇 1st Place - 2022 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Advanced Tamāroa ‘Ōte’a Solo 6-12
🥇 1st Place - 2022 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Advanced Taure’a ‘Ōte’a Solo 13-17
🥇 1st Place - 2022 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Tāne ‘Ōte’a Solo 19-24
🥇 1st Place - 2021 ‘Ori ‘Ori Tātou E Competition - Vāhine ‘Ōte’a Solo 30-39
🥇 1st Place - 2021 ‘Ori ‘Ori Tātou E Competition - Tamāroa ‘Ōte’a Solo 6-10
🥇 1st Place - 2021 Heiva I San Francisco Competition - Tamāroa ‘Ōte’a Solo 6-12
🥉 3rd Place - 2021 Hura Tahiti Competition - Tamāroa ‘Ōte’a Solo 10-13
MISSION
Our mission is to perpetuate the native Polynesian cultures through their arts, music, dance, language, beliefs and practices.
QUOTES
——”The cherished community of Aloha that was established within our sweet hālau has become a vital part of the daily lives of many of our nā haumāna (students). I have a deep passion and sense of pride for my cultures and I aim to develop a similar desire within each haumāna. We strive to improve ourselves and to make our kūpuna (ancestors) proud, do our hula lineage justice and to simply further develop as people exuding the spirit of Aloha. I am tremendously grateful and blessed.” - Kumu Hula Nālani Kaho’onei
——”Hula is Life.” - Kumu Hula Ma’iki Aiu Lake
——”Hula is the art of Hawaiian dance, expressing all we see, smell, hear, taste, touch and feel.” - Kumu Hula Ma’iki Aiu Lake
——“Kūlia I Ka Nu’u (strive for the highest)” - Queen Kapi’olani
KUMU HULA NUI
*Some information on Aunty Pulu can be found here on the Hula Preservation Society website: https://digitalumeke.hulapreservation.org/collection/puluelo-naipo-park
**Some information on Kumu Lono can be found here on Kamehameha School’s website: https://www.ksbe.edu/article/ikuwaa-is-named-ks-kapaalama-director-of-hawaiian-culture-based-education
Kumu Lono is also the author of the bilingual book, “Mohala Mai ‘O Hau”: https://shops.kamehamehapublishing.org/products/978-0-87336-239-9
