Merrie Monarch Festival 2025: Honoring Wahinekeōuli

Kumu Hula Leināʻala Pavao Jardin and Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala honors the life and legacy of Wahinekeōuli of Kalalau Valley, Kauaʻi, a woman deeply moved by the changes in her world. Through mele, chant, and memory, she documented her journey from the valley to new places like Kukuiolono and Kīlauea Lighthouse. As her descendants and community bring her mele to life with their own ʻea and hula, we see a beautiful tribute unfold—one rooted in ʻike kupuna, deep connection to ʻāina, and the importance of remembering who we are. This is a story of generational knowledge, cultural resilience, and the aloha that binds us across time and place. Produced by Ponoʻī Productions Executive Producer: Ted Jung Executive Producer and Director: Vince Keala Lucero Production Manager Concepcion Saucedo-Trejo IT Director: Ethan Jung Camera: Ethan Ky Editor: Nora Aguinaldo Post Production Supervisor Luke Eclipse-Ujano