Kumu Hula, Kehaulani Kekua – Hula Master of Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai, is one of Kaua’i’s most respected Hawaiian cultural experts. Her knowledge of Kaua’i and Hawaiian culture, history, ancestral practices and art forms are vast. She is well connected with native Hawaiian masters and practitioners who specialize in various disciplines from throughout the Hawaiian Island Chain. Perpetuation and practice of authentic Hawaiian culture is her passion and life’s work.

Kehaulani Kekua has studied hula and the art form of Hawaiian oral traditions all of her life. Born in to a family of hula masters and practitioners, the foundation of her “ohana’s knowledge is deeply rooted in the hula kapu. As the hiapo, she was brought up in the tradition of hanai – freely given to be raised and groomed in hula by her maternal grandmother, Helen Kaipuwai Kekua Waiau There was always an understanding that Kehaulani would inherit the responsibility of maintaining and perpetuating the family’s hula traditions which originated in the celebrated heiau hula of Wahiawa, Kaua’i.