For over 30 years, Kumu Hula Doric Yaris our “gentle giant” entertained people from every walk of life. He taught many Hawaiian musicians and dancers, performing for top shows from Kauai to Japan.
An accomplished and talented artist, Doric went above and beyond to work with young, at-risk youth, giving them a dance platform to inspire future generations. Kumu of Hula Halau O Hiliileo, Doric was passionate about giving back to his community, emphasizing in his teaching a sound work ethic.
He shared his beautiful voice with the hope that young people would find their own.
Pualani grew up in Tahiti, French Polynesia then move to New-Caledonia. She has been a professional performer since the age of 5. She finds her strength in her children and her family, who is very supportive of what she does and is always there for her. Her father is her teacher, her mentor and her best friend.
She loves Tahitian dancing, playing music, going to the beach, reading, listening to music, camping, best and not last spending time with the children, family and friends. Luau Kalamaku is a reminder to her of what her ancestors accomplished.
In Polynesian history, they were the greatest sea travelers and she is very proud to be part of this story.
Stage Manager/Assistant Creative Director/Line Dancer
Tehane Perry was born and raised on the island of Kauai and was introduced to hula at the age of 3.
She was lucky enough to have the talented and legendary Lovey Apana as her first Kumu hula, who gave her the discipline, love and respect for her dance and culture. Throughout the years she’s been able to travel and share her passion with countries around the world. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors with her husband Kekoa near their home in Lawai. Whether she is on stage performing or in the background, the story of Kalamaku touches her inner core with a pride unlike no other.
Tehane would like to thank the cast and crew of Luau Kalamaku for their talents and the creator, Nani Marston, for this once in a lifetime experience she gets to share with guests each week.
Kathleen “Kilohana” Woodward is a Kumu Hula (Instructor of Hula) and has choreographed hula for well over 20 years. She is the leader of the “Hula Ministry”, at a local church on Kauai.
Since childhood, she has been and still is a dancer of Polynesian dance, and has choreographed for her own major luau show, which ran for 11 years as well as 2 other productions at 2 major hotels in Poipu for 8 years prior. Her company “Ka Pa Hula O Kilohana” has provided entertainment services for many hotels, restaurants, wedding & convention event planners, as well as major luau and community events for the past 13 years.
Many of her students and past employees join her, and her family in playing a major role in the success of this production of Luau Kalamaku.
Growing up the as daughter of Hawaiian musicians parents “Uncle Larry” and Aunty Irene Asing, Haunani gravitated to stage and music at a very early age.
Waikiki was her playground as Uncle Larry performed with many Hawaiian music legends like Kealoha Kalama, Uncle Andy Cummings, Jessie Kalima Jr., Papa Cazimero…and Uncle Don Ho. Music from the backyard nearly always consisted of perfectly blended voices and unmistakable stylings of Dorthy Gillette and the Kamehameha Alumni Glee Club.
As Miss Hawaii 1976 Haunani served as Ambassador of Aloha and traveled extensively with then Governor George Ariyoshi promoting Hawaiian Music throughout the world.
“Alapeto” or “Berto”, as he is affectionately called, was first inspired by the great guitar Master Uncle Manu Kahai`a`li`i, in a 1972 dance performance at Kamehameha III Elementary School. Seeing him triggered a desire in him to learn what it is to be “Hawaiian.”
Born in the Philippines and raised in Ka`anapali, Maui, Berto began studying music in the early 1970’s, under the tutelage of Manu Kahai`a`li`i. Musician, singer, recording artist, and teacher of music, he is a master of Hawaiian music, a pioneer who has contributed greatly to its perpetuation. Known for his warmth, humor, deep knowledge, captivating laugh, sweet angel voice, wicked `ukulele and guitar strum, Berto believes it is important for music students to know the other components of the Hawaiian culture, while learning the fundaments of the mele (song).
Berto has worked with groups, organizations, and halau throughout the Continental US, Tahiti, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Japan. Luau Kalamaku is “upholding the respect of our ancestors, remembering who we are and where we’ve come from.”
Kolohe?…….. That’s a rascal——- a name which fits this vocalist perfectly. Lokelani Sasil started life on that most gentle of all islands, Kauai. By her second birthday, Loke’s Mother had already energized her with a music box full of Hawaiian songs. Grandpa George Kaleiohi, composer of that well-loved song Waiulu, added the refinements.
She learned to love music, and as the sound attests, she made it her life’s goal to present it vividly and sincerely. She teamed up with Malia Tokioka and that association grew into Leahi, one of Hawaii’s most sought-after musical groups. She dug deep into her musical garden of her soul and composed songs from her heart.
That output produced two solo albums, one in which got nominated on Hawaii’s Na Hoku Hanohano musical awards. Where does her talent spring from? Ask her, and she’ll tell you: “from my heart, and from God.