Pualani Kanaka‘ole Kanahele

Hawaiian scholar and practitioner

Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele, PhD, was born in Keaukaha, Hawai'i and is of pure Hawaiian descent. She was raised in a hula tradition that spans many generations and is responsible to her ancestral and matrilineal lineage. Dr. Kanahele knows the forests, mountains, volcanoes, and oceans of her homeland. She and her sister, Nālani, lead Hālau o Kekuhi, a world-renowned Hawaiian cultural dance group known for its 'ai ha'a style of hula Pele. In addition to being a kumu hula, or master hula teacher, Dr. Kanahele is an accomplished writer, researcher, educator, stage and film director, community leader, and public speaker. Her lifelong work to promote and elevate Hawaiian cultural knowledge has resonated with a growing worldwide audience. Dr. Kanahele currently serves as president of the Edith Kanaka'ole Foundation and director of Hawaiian Traditional Knowledge Research at Hawai'i Community College.

Links to author's other activities:

Lecture by Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele
Haena: Intense Breath of the Sun
November 2011

Lecture by Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele
An overview, introduction of Papahānaumoku, Papahulilani, Papahulihonua
April 2009

Edith Kanka'ole Foundation
President, Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele

Hālau o Kekuhi
Kumu Hula, Nālani Kanka'ole and Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele

"Holo Mai Pele"
Performance by Hālau o Kekuhi