Uncle George was fiercely dedicated to his culture. He was beloved by many who were captured by his pleasant and caring personality, and inspired by his lifelong commitment to the perpetuation of hula. (1930–2006)
Auntie Emma was born in rural Kapaʻahu, Puna, and was punished at school for speaking her mother tongue. She never lost her love for hula and language, ultimately contributing to the renewal of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi in the late 1900s. (1916-2008)
Rose Joshua & the Magic Hula Studio are well-known in modern hula history. Hula was a family affair, & her children grew up performing & helping the family business. Daughters Lorraine & Blossom followed in their mom’s footsteps & became teachers.
Uncle George Naope was a leading authority on hula. Known for his talents, fun-loving ways, and key role in founding the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, Uncle's love for hula was deeply rooted in the aloha he had for his homeland and its people. (1928-2009)
Auntie Queenie’s hula roots were planted from an early age by her mother, Sophie Kalili, a kumu herself. As a teenager in the 1940s, she met ʻIolani Luahine (1918-1978), a renowned woman of hula, and her life was changed forever. (1930- )
Auntie Rhea was an endearing kupuna who loved her homestead community! She even wrote a book entitled, “Kuʻu Home i Keaukaha.” Auntie grew up dancing under her mama, a hula student of Pua Haaheo. She knew familiar Hilo hula names like Rose Kuamoo, Helen D
Auntie Pearl was the daughter of a Kumu, & she was blessed with the family’s gifts in music & hula. Young Pearl enjoyed dancing with Kent Ghirard's Hula Nanis, & throughout her life she helped connect people through hula and music. (1923-2018)
Auntie Kauʻi started hula at a young age & enjoyed the teachings of different Kumu over the years. She had no idea she would become a well-known and much-loved ambassador for Hawaiʻi 5,000 miles from home. (1932-2020)
Auntie Lauaʻe was a proud Keaukaha homesteader & daughter of Kumu Hula Rose Kuamoʻo (1903-1958). Both of her parents were talented musicians, & not surprisingly, Auntie loved to sing & play music to bring joy to others. (1926-2006)
Sweet Auntie Lehua was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. She has beautiful memories of her kumu Helen Desha Beamer and learning hula after school in “Auntie Helen’s” home, Halehuki, on the banks of the Wailuku River. (1926- )
