Nā Kumu

Kumu Ka’ea and Kumu Kahelelani are lifetime hula dancers having had the opportunity to be traditionally trained from birth by their late mother Sally Kalala Alohikea Toko. Sally was the daughter of Moses Unauna Kuulei Toko Alohikea and Mary Ka’eamoku Kahoonei and was raised in Wainiha, Kaua’i. Sally’s father Moses was the son of the great Hawaiian composer, entertainer, and Kaua’i state representative Alfred Unauna Alohikea and his first wife Ohumukini Toko of Waipi’o, Hawai’i. Ohumukini was the daughter of Tokujiro Sato, one of the well-known first Japanese immigrants (or Gannenmono) to Hawai’i who arrived in 1868. Sally’s mother Mary was the daughter of Peter Kaho’onei and Kila Meheula of Waimea, Kaua’i. Sally gained notoriety as an entertainer on O’ahu and later on Hawai’i island where she was also part of a cohort of Hulihe’e Palace dancers under the direction of ‘Iolani Luahine. Sally trained her daughters in the traditional manner and as was customary, she also sent them to other kumu for additional training during their youth. Ultimately, Ka’ea and Kahelelani became students of kumu Nani Lim Yap and graduates of her award winning Hālau Hula Nā Lei ʻO Kaholoku.

  • Kumu Ka’ea Lyons-Yglesias

    Having a passion for Hawaiian language, culture and hula, Ka’ea has enriched the lives of our keiki as a kumu with several Hawaiian Language Programs from Punana Leo- Hawaiian Language Preschools to Ke Kula ‘o ‘Ehunuikaimalino – Hawaiian Language Immersion School for 20 years, until moving to radio fulltime in 2011. She is also a lecturer at the Hawai’i Community College-Palamanaui and now teaches Hawaiian Language College courses at HCC and Haleo, while still supporting the kids at Ehunui whenever she can. Ka’ea joined the morning team with Jaz in January of 2011, and is the Content & Brand Manager for KAPA Hwn FM. She continues to spread her Knowledge & Passion for Hawaiian Culture & Language by keeping KAPA active in the community helping to perpetuate the Hawaiian Culture and is Founder of Kako’o I Na keiki Program and the Lahui Project, which benefit Big Island keiki.

    Ka’ea has had the blessing of traveling throughout the world and the mainland USA sharing her aloha through hula. Through over 25 years of study, she has graduated to Kumu Hula from the award winning halau, Nä Lei ‘O Kaholokü, under the direction of Kumu Hula Nani Lim Yap.

    Ka’ea continues her desire to humbly serve others. While strengthening and nurturing cultural identity by enriching community relationships through education, Hawaiian culture and language.

  • Kumu Kahelelani Lyons Alohikea-Smith

    Kahelelani Lyons Alohikea-Smith was born and raised in Kailua-Kona on Hawai’i Island and is a kumu hula and co-founder of Hālau Ka’eaikahelelani. As a cultural ambassador through hula, Kahelelani has traveled to Japan, New Zealand, Tahiti, Australia, Canada, Taiwan, and throughout the USA. Her previous career in the hospitality industry included positions such as Director of Front Office and Director of Culture at the Sheraton Kona and she also worked with other resorts in Hawai’i. While at the Sheraton, Kumu Kahelelani developed the cultural programming for employees, guests and coordinated many programs and events connecting the Resort to the greater community. Kumu Kahelelani’s passion for historic places and information has inspired her to serve as a Commissioner on the Hawai’i County’s Cultural Resources Commission to help protect and preserve historic sites and places on Hawai’i Island. Additionally, Kahelelani is currently on the Kona Historical Society Board of Directors. Her commitment to continue to learn and grow has taken her back to college to complete her education, pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and Hawaiian Immersion.

    Hula is the heartbeat of Kumu Kahelelani’s life. It is not just what she loves but it is a kuleana and birthright passed down through the generations of her mother’s family. Chanting, music, hula, genealogy, leadership and philanthropy is her ‘ohana legacy and continues to be “the source” that guides her and her sister with Hālau Ka’eaikahelelani today.

    Married to renowned native gourd planter and master craftsman Kalim Smith, you will often find Kahelelani on the farm with her ‘ohana tending to the land, raising pua’a, planting taro, vegetables and gourds. Kahelelani loves to travel, research family history and spend time with her ‘ohana in Hawai’i and abroad. As a mother to her children Lilia and Alohikea, wife and kumu hula, Kahelelani strives to ensure the foundation of ALOHA is lived every day.