PAʻI is the acronym for Pua Ali‘i ‘Ilima, the hālau hula (school of Hawaiian dance) founded in 1977 by kumu hula (master teacher of Hawaiian dance), Vicky Holt Takamine.

Established in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, PA‘I’s mission is to preserve and perpetuate Native Hawaiian cultural traditions for future generations.

OUR MISSION

To preserve and perpetuate Native Hawaiian arts and cultural traditions for future generations.

We are guided and led by our founder and executive director Vicky Holt Takamine who is recognized as a Native Hawaiian advocate and community organizer around the issues of Native rights and the protection of the natural and cultural resources of Hawai‘i that are so vital to the perpetuation of Native Hawaiian cultural traditions.

PA‘I is anchored by members of Takamine’s hālau hula (traditional Hawaiian dance school), Pua Ali‘i ‘Ilima.

While the perception of hula for many is that it is a form of entertainment for tourists or a hobby for individuals all around the world, hula has been instrumental in the preservation and perpetuation of Native Hawaiian language, art and cultural practices.

OUR VISION

To establish and maintain a sustainable Native Hawaiian arts and cultural center in urban Honolulu.

Springing from her vision, PA‘I sees Native Hawaiian artistic practices as a form of resistance, and often uses art for organization and empowerment.

THE PAʻI MOLE

ROOTS | VALUES | PRINCIPLES

ALOHA - The genuine love and respect for our kumu, ʻohana, kaiāulu (community), and lāhui.

KULEANA - A profound responsibility and allegiance to Hawaiʻi and our culture.

PILINA - Honoring the reciprocal relationship we have to ʻāina (land), wai (water), kūpuna (ancestors), and each other.

HAKUHIA - Constant creation and innovation of ideas and ways of knowing.

LEADERSHIP & STAFF

  • VICKY HOLT TAKAMINE

    Luna Hoʻokele

    Executive Director

    Kumu Hula - Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima

  • JEFFREY TAKAMINE

    Luna Hakuhia

    Artistic Director

    Kumu Hula - Pua Aliʻi ʻIlima

  • JAY ROJAS

    Luna Keʻena Kālā

    Fiscal Officer

  • KAʻIULANI TAKAMORI

    Alakaʻi Papahana

    Cultural Curator Program Manager

  • CHARLENE HAZLEWOOD

    Alakaʻi Keʻena

    Office Coordinator

  • VERNA KUROIWA

    Kākoʻo Keʻena Kālā

    Accounts Assistant

  • NANCY KING

    Laekahi Noi Kālā

    Grants Administrator

  • NICOLE TAKAMINE

    Laekahi Hokona

    Brand Marketing Specialist

  • KAUILA MAHI

    Kākoʻo Papahana

    Cultural Curator Program Assistant

  • J. CHING-IRVINE

    Kākoʻo Papahana

    Cultural Curator Program Assistant

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • MARK KAWIKA MCKEAGUE

    Pelekikena

    President

    Planner - Group 70 Inc.

  • TOMMYLYNN MOKIHANA BENAVENTE

    Hope Pelekikena

    Vice President

    Retired Professor - Leeward Community College

  • ALISON HARTLE

    Kākau ʻŌlelo

    Secretary

    Instructor - UH Lab School

  • LUCINDA K. ʻĀINA LAU

    Puʻukū

    Treasurer

    Marketing Director - Hale Koa Hotel

  • CAROL NOELANI LAU

    Luna Kākoʻo

    Director

    Retired Administrator - Comprehensive Family Care Center

  • KIMBERLY CROZIER EVANS

    Luna Kākoʻo

    Director

    Community Planner - Federal Aviation Administration

  • MARVIN KALEO MANUEL

    Luna Kākoʻo

    Director

    Director of Water Resources - Kamehameha Schools

  • AGGY KUSUNOKI

    Luna Kākoʻo

    Director

    Faculty, St. Andrew's Schools

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