The Real Meaning of Aloha, Identity & Hawaiian Culture | Kumu Hinaleimoana Keeps It Aloha (Ep. 241)

Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong is a cultural leader from the island of Oʻahu. She is a kumu hula, Hawaiian language and culture practitioner, filmmaker, composer, and community leader who has dedicated her life to preserving and perpetuating the ʻike, values, and traditions of our lāhui.Many know her from the award-winning PBS documentary Kumu Hina, which shared her story with audiences around the world and went on to win the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Documentary, the Independent Lens Audience Award, and the Frameline Documentary Jury Award. She also co-directed, produced, and narrated the Oscar-shortlisted animated short Kapaemahu, bringing the moʻolelo of Waikīkī’s legendary māhū healers to an international stage.Along the way, she has been recognized as a White House Champion of Change, received the National Education Association’s Human and Civil Rights Award, was named Native Hawaiian Educator of the Year, and was honored by USA Today as one of the Women of the Century for Hawaiʻi. She is also the composer of “Kū Haʻaheo E Kuʻu Hawaiʻi,” the powerful anthem that became connected to the movement to protect Mauna Kea and later earned Hawaiian Song of the Year at the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards.In this episode we talk story about growing up between two different cultures, her family, going to Kamehameha Schools, finding her identity, the roots of her Hawaiian knowledge, becoming Kumu Hina, what it means to be Hawaiian these days, her future plans, and so much more. Enjoy!Find Kumu Hina here:https://www.instagram.com/sharkgoddess808/Full episodes:🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@KeepitAlohaPod/videosBuy our merch:🛍️ https://keepitaloha.com/Support us:🤙 https://www.patreon.com/kamakadiasFollow us:📸 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/keepitalohapod/🎵 TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@keepitalohapod📘 Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/keepitalohapod