WHO WE ARE

Kawai

Director of Poehina

Her journey began in hula at the age of five under the guidance of Kumu Hula Johnny Lum Ho, who was also one of her motherʻs beloved Kumu. From ages five to seven, she was introduced to the beauty, discipline, and cultural foundation of hula through his instruction. She later continued her training under her mother, Kumu Hula Karla Keliʻihoʻomalu, whose teachings further deepened her love for Hawaiian culture and the art of dance.

As her mother went on to establish her own hālau hula, Kawai continued her studies there and remains a dedicated haumāna to this day. Through her motherʻs guidance, she also developed a strong foundation in Tahitian dance, beginning a lifelong passion for the cultures and traditions of Polynesia.

Born and raised in Hawaiʻi and of Hawaiian descent, Kawai carries a profound love for her heritage. That connection is beautifully reflected in her choreography, which honors the stories, values, and spirit of the islands.

Woman wearing a large feathered hat adorned with a turtle pin, pearl earrings, layered necklaces, and a strapless dress with lace details.
A woman with long dark hair, tan skin, and a red flower in her hand, sitting outdoors with a blue sky background.
A black-and-white photo of a woman with long, curly hair sitting outdoors, holding a plant with broad leaves in her hands, against a cloudy sky background.
A woman with long dark hair sitting outdoors against a clear blue sky, holding a red flower and a green leaf, with a serene expression. 
Throughout her distinguished career, Kawai has had the privilege of performing locally, across the United States, and internationally under the direction of her dear mother and other respected ʻOri Tahiti experts. Her grace, artistry, and dedication have earned her recognition on some of the worldʻs most prestigious stages, from Hawaiʻi and Las Vegas to Japan and Europe.
As a world-class performer, Kawai was honored with the title of Miss World Hula 1996 and later received the esteemed Miss Sophisticated Hula 2006 award. These accomplishments reflect not only her exceptional talent, but also her commitment to preserving and sharing Polynesian culture through dance. 
While hula has always been her first love, Tahitian dance quickly became her second passion. Her versatility as a Polynesian dancer has allowed her to perform and study a variety of cultural traditions, including Hula, ʻOri Tahiti, and Māori. Along the way, she has had the opportunity to travel the world and collaborate with renowned Tahitian artists and cultural practitioners. 
In 2019, Kawai founded Poehina, a dance group dedicated to empowering young girls and women through Polynesian dance and cultural education.

Autemumu

A woman with long dark hair, sitting on her knees on a sandy beach, wearing a black pareu with a decorative with woven headpiece, and palms trees in the background.

Autemumu's love for Polynesian culture began long before she could remember. As a proud Native Hawaiian and Sāmoan, and the daughter of our beloved director, she was raised surrounded by the music, dance, language, and traditions that continue to shape who she is today. At just three years old, she began dancing with Te Ata ʻUra under the guidance of her parents. She later continued her hula training with her Tūtū, Kumu Hula Karla Keliʻihoʻomalu, at Nā Mea Hula O Kahikinaokalālani, where she proudly remains a dedicated haumāna.

Throughout her life, Autemumu has been blessed with opportunities to perform across Hawaiʻi and Japan, sharing the beauty of Polynesian culture with audiences near and far. She has also developed a deep passion for Siva Sāmoa. Learning and practicing this beautiful art form has allowed her to honor her ancestry, strengthen her connection to her roots, and deepen her appreciation for the traditions that unite and celebrate the diverse cultures of Polynesia.

Since 2019, Autemumu has worked alongside her Mama as an integral part of Poehina. When she is not in school or on the line dancing, she enjoys dedicating her time to helping her, lending a hand wherever she is needed and supporting the many moving parts behind the scenes. She finds her greatest joy in bringing new ideas to life while creating meaningful opportunities to share culture with the community. Coming from a family of entertainers, Kawai treasures the opportunity to teach and perform alongside her daughter, an award-winning hula dancer whose dedication, creativity, and generous spirit have become an important part of Poehina's continued growth and success.

Today, Autemumu continues to learn from both her Mama and Tūtū, always striving to grow as a dancer, cultural practitioner, and teacher. She is honored to carry forward the knowledge and values passed down through her ʻohana while sharing the beauty of Polynesian culture with future generations across Hawaiʻi.

Black and white photo of a woman with long hair, seated with her arms crossed, holding a flower, looking at the camera.
Black background with a white constellation of stars forming the outline of a moon. The word 'POEHINA' is written in white, stylized text across the moon.

Our Mission

At Poehina, our mission is to share the beauty, spirit, and traditions of ʻOri Tahiti with our community through authentic cultural education, performance, and connection. We are committed to nurturing dancers both inside and out—building not only strong technique and artistry, but also confidence, discipline, humility, and a deep appreciation for Polynesian culture. Through every class, performance, and shared experience, we strive to inspire lifelong learning, strengthen our fētiʻi, and honor the traditions that have been entrusted to us.