NĀ AKUA ĀKEA HŌNAUNAU KONA PĀʻIEʻIE

Born and raised in Mōʻiliʻili, Oʻahu, Chun is a descendant of the Alama family on his father's side and Keawe-ehu on his mother's side. He moved to Hilo, Hawaiʻi in 1975, where he resides. Chun retired from the University of Hawaiʻi Community Colleges after promoting educational programs for Native Hawaiians for over thirty years. A 1984 ʻūniki hula graduate from Hālau o Kekuhi, Chun taught various aspects of Hawaiian culture. 

Kalā Holiday is a lineal descendant of the original inhabitants and caretakers of Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau, continuing the traditions and responsibilities his family has undertaken there for generations. He currently works as an interpretive ranger for the National Park Service, striving to elevate himself and others in his community through the practices and teachings of ʻike kūpuna.

Aloha! I'm Lolana Medeiros, proud to call Honokua in South Kona, Hawaiʻi, my home. My soul is deeply intertwined with our cherished Hawaiian culture. Captivated by the essence of "Pele," I've chosen to craft her likeness. She, the generous provider of land for all life forms to cherish. Through my art, I seek to express profound gratitude to her majestic beauty and unparalleled strength. 

With heartfelt appreciation, Mahalo nui loa!

My name is Melba Medeiros, born and raised in the Philippines. I'm married to Lolana Medeiros, and our daughter is Regine Keawehine Medeiros. I created a ki'i ʻaumakua representing my personal family, and it is named Makaio after my great-great-grandfather. I hold deep respect for my ancestors; to me, they are the spirits that protect me from harm and guide me along the right path in life.  Melba draws her mana from the connection with her ancestors.

Mahalo, ʻaumakua!

Born in Lehuʻula, I reside in Holualoa makai on the moku of Hawaiʻi. My genealogical connection blends from Frances Aʻalaopuna Pahio of Keaukaha, Hawaiʻi, the keiki wahine of John Kia of Kalaupapa, Molokaʻi. I was introduced to ʻie weaving in May 2023. Since then, nā kumu Haunani and Kumulā’au Sing provided me with an understanding of ʻie weaving techniques, resulting in the completion of a hīnaʻi ʻoʻopu, hīnaʻi hīnālea, hīnaʻi ʻōpae, a peahi, and my kiʻi ʻOhiʻohikupua.

Dr. Kalei Nuʻuhiwa was born and raised on the island of Maui. Kalei is an academic, practitioner, photographer, composer, and mixed media artist. She has been active in the Hawaiian language movement, revitalization of the island of Kahoʻolawe, wayfinding practices, reinstatement of the Kaulana Mahina (lunar calendar), celestial alignment rituals, and extensive study of sites on Mokumanamana, Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa.

Born and raised in the moku of Hilo and Puna on Hawaiʻi Island. His love for Hawaiʻi's native ecosystems and his interest in all things hana noʻeau have led him to work in the field of conservation education. This has allowed him to help connect more kānaka with wahi pana across Hawaiʻi, with the hope that we can continue to grow communities that have a great sense of pilina and aloha for Hawaiʻi's natural resources and rich cultural heritage. 

I am the culmination of 117 billion human ancestors, encompassing countless genealogies of chiefs, priests, farmers, warriors, scientists, engineers, and gods. Currently, I am a student at the University of Hawaiʻi, studying the culture, language, history, astronomy, biology, geology, and polemology of the Hawaiian archipelago. I apply this knowledge as the chief executive officer for Kalaninuimehameha at Hale Kealohalani in Hilo, serving as a living repository of Hawaiʻi genealogies through art, regalia, music, and endemic gardens.

Leilani Rodrigues hails from Kaʻū, Hawaiʻi, where she passionately practices Hawaiian cultural arts such as lei making, lauhala, and ʻieʻie weaving, along with hula. Currently serving as a Park Ranger at Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park, she dedicates herself to interpreting native Hawaiian culture and traditions. Alongside her duties, Leilani is a devoted mother to four boys and takes pleasure in sharing her knowledge by teaching her own children and numerous others various Hawaiian cultural activities and games.

Aloha, my name is George Kaholi Roldan. I reside in Waimea on Moku O Keawe with my wife and our two sons. Blessed with six grandchildren, family is at the heart of everything I do. By profession, I serve as a beachboy at Maunalani Auberge. Additionally, I am honored to be a member of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, a role that allows me to uphold our cultural heritage with pride and respect. Over the years, I have had the privilege of participating in the Royal Court for Aloha Festivals on Hawaii Island, further deepening my connection to our traditions and community.

Naneaikealaula Thomas was born and raised in Puna and Hilo, Hawaiʻi. She is an educator, ʻōlapa dancer for Unulau, and practices the art of ulana lauhala and ʻieʻie. As an enthusiast for nā mea Hawaiʻi, she feels blessed to have learned from all of her talented, meticulous Kumu who continue to inspire her to kūlia i ka nuʻu.

Kāhealani Wilcox was born in Honokaʻa and raised in Waimea on Hawaiʻi Island. She has dedicated over twenty years to embracing Hawaiian culture, practices, and traditions through hula. Her foundation in hula supports her journey of ulana ʻieʻie with nā kumu Haunani Sing and Kumulāʻau Sing towards a better understanding of an intimate connection to Hawaiian akua and the akua within.