Kahikina Nailiili
Aloha,
Thank you for visiting my site to learn a little about my life and what I am sharing with the world!
My name is Kahikina Nailiili and I am originally from Waimea on the island of Hawaii. I was born into a family of Hawaiian cultural practitioners—hula dancers, musicians, fishermen, and caretakers of the land. I love and appreciate the various aspects of my culture that demonstrate a holistic knowledge of sustainable life, and I find value in sharing my cultural knowledge with those who also find value in learning it.
My hula journey began as a little child when I saw my mother dancing hula. At that time, I was not a participant, I simply witnessed my mother sharing her love for our culture in that way. I attribute that experience as the beginning of my love for hula. When I was 14 years old my grandmother taught me the song, Papalina Lahilahi. My grandmother who was originally from Papakolea, Oahu, was a beautiful Hawaiian musician who taught me how to play the piano when I was just five years old. Throughout my life she has been an inspiration in my journey of learning hula and music.
My formal hula training began with Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu in August 1998 after I graduated from the Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus. Under the direction of Kumu Hula William Kahakuleilehua Haunuu Sonny Ching and Kumu Hula Lopaka Igarta De Vera, I acquired a foundational knowledge of hula, traveled the world, and danced in six different Merrie Monarch competitions. I was apart of Hālau Nā Mamo O Puuanahulu for 17 years then went to dance for Kumu Hula Ainsley Halemanu, a relative on my mother’s side of the family. I am currently in a kumu hula class under the tutilege of Kumu Hula Kuʻualoha Kauliʻa, a first cousin of my father.
I am excited to share what I know and love about the Hawaiian culture! Aloha!
