Kauʻionālani Kamanaʻo, together with Kumu Hula Kunewa Mook, are renowned for their
direction of Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela, an award-winning hālau. Born and raised in Honolulu,
Hawaiʻi, Kauʻi has been immersed in hula from a young age where he developed a love and
fascination with the art of hula.
In 1983, at the age of 5, Kauʻi was selected to represent the hālau as a soloist at the Queen
Liliʻuokalani Keiki Hula Competition and earned the coveted title of being the first inaugural
Master Keiki Hula. This accomplishment propelled him to excel in this art. Training from
Kumu Hula Paleka Leinaʻala Mattos included the flexibility to choreograph dances for multiple
competitions and assume the lead role in the coaching and development of the Kāne, Wāhine and
Keiki haumāna. Kauʻi would become instrumental in creating the style and grace portrayed in
every performance of Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela that you see today.
Paying tribute to his predecessors which include Samuel Naeʻole, Paleka Leinaʻala Mattos and
Kunewa Mook, Kauʻi has since expanded his reach to carry on the traditions, values and hula
style in Japan with the opening of Hula Halau ‘O Kamuela Iāpana.
It is because of his determination that Kauʻi has become one of the most esteemed Kumu Hula
both locally, and abroad.