Opihi Reveal

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Nālani Kanakaʻole wanted to bring the best out of all her students.

For years, Kanakaʻole had worked tirelessly in teaching her students hula at Hālau o Kekuhi. Her life’s work was dedicated to continuing the ancient traditions of Hawaiian chant and hula kahiko, teachings she inherited from her mother, Edith Kanakaʻole.

She continued her work, preparing her students for the annual Merrie Monarch Festival, when she died on Jan. 3 at the age of 79. A public memorial service will honor the revered kumu hula and cultural matriarch on Feb. 21 at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium in Hilo.

Keep reading her story here: https://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/local-news/2026-02-17/family-and-friends-mourn-cultural-matriarch-and-kumu-hula-nalani-kanakaole

📸: Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation