Hilda Akahane Keanaaina

Uncle George Naope told us of his friend Hilda Keanaaina from Kailua-Kona that we just needed to meet! She was a student of two late great Kumu in his life, Lokalia Montgomery and Iolani Luahine. Auntie Hilda was soft-spoken and reserved, and had never done an interview or panel discussion before. Through encouragement from Uncle George, she participated in two public panels hosted by HPS at the 2005 and 2007 Iolani Luahine Festivals in Kona, back when it was run by Uncle and Kumu Iwalani Kalima. We were also able to sit with Auntie for oral history sessions, as well. We treasured the opportunity to hear about Auntie Hilda's hula life as a "Palace Dancer" under Lokalia Montgomery and then Iolani Luahine during the years they were each curators at Huliheʻe Palace in Kailua-Kona. We feel extremely privileged to have met and had time with this humble woman who deeply embodied her one hānau (birthplace).