Moanalani Beamer, kumu hula (hula master)

Moanalani began her hula training in 1960 at the age four with kumu hula, Johnny Hokoana. In her early years, she continued training extensively with several different kumu in Hawaiʻi. Her primary source of inspiration was the famed kumu hula, Robert Kalani.

After making her professional debut, Moanalani starred in the main revues of several prestigious hotels and resorts on the island of Maui. Her professional experience includes tenures with the shows of George Paoa, Jessie Nakoʻokā, The ʻOhana Revue, Nephi Hanneman, and Here is Hawaiʻi (produced by Keola Beamer and one of the most successful Hawaiian Shows in the history of the genre).

Winona Kapualilohia Beamer, noted elder, culture historian, and mother of her husband, Keola, was Moana’s treasured mentor and teacher for over two decades. Since 2004, Moanalani has also been a member of Maui Hālau, Nā Hanona Kūlike o Pi’ilani, under the direction of kumu Sissy Lake-Farm and kumu Kaponoʻai Molitau and in January of 2011 was offered an opportunity to participate in the preparation and training process for an event known as ʻuniki (graduation as a teacher of hula) as a member of Nā Hanona Kūlike o Pi’ilani.

On October 22nd, 2011, Moana successfully completed the year long preparation for her ʻuniki and received her designation as kumu hula.Through the years, Moana has accumulated valuable teaching experience in the art of the hula. Her sensitive nature combines her understanding of the technique with the spiritual and philosophical currents expressed in hula.

Moana remains firmly committed to sharing her cultural knowledge worldwide. She has traveled to Europe to co-teach several workshops on Movement and Hawaiian Dance with renowned German movement teacher Dorothea Jollenbeck and has also traveled annually to Japan to teach hula workshops.

Moana has expanded her role in Keola’s performances. She dances, chants, sings background vocals, and plays several ancient Hawaiian percussive instruments, including ʻiliʻili (stones), kāʻekeʻeke (stamping tube drums) and ipu (gourds).

Much of Moana’s year is spent dancing, chanting, talking story, and providing percussive interludes on tour with her husband Keola, as well as teaching at Aloha Music Camp. Together they present a complete sensory experience of Hawaiian music and dance.