Pualani Kanakaole Kanahele was born in Keaukaha, Hawai'i and is of pure Hawaiian descent. She is a Kumu Hula, a master hula teacher, and is an accomplished writer, researcher, educator, community leader and public speaker. Dr. Kanaka'ole- Kanahele currently serves as president of the Edith Kanaka'ole Foundation and Director of Hawaiian Traditional Knowledge, Research at Hawai'i Community College.
Kekuhi Kanahele has trained in the tradition of Hula 'Aiha'a for years and has recently been ritually elevated to the status of Kumu Hula, of Halau o Kekuhi by her mother, Kumu Hula Pualani Kanahele and her Aunt Kumu Hula Nalani Kanaka'ole. Halau O Kekuhi was founded by their ancestors whose lineage can be traced to the very beginnings of hula (according to Hawai'i Island traditions), to the Pele clan.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)