About me
Kumu Hula Leimomi Ho, born July 22, 1944, in Hanapēpē, Kauaʻi, has spent more than seven decades immersed in hula, guided by revered teachers and recognized as one of Hawaiʻi’s most respected kumu hula. She often shares, “If it’s in your heart and meant to be, hula will find you.”
Her journey began at the age of eight with Helen Waiaʻu on Kauaʻi and continued on Oʻahu under Kamuela Naeole, John Piʻilani Watkins, and Vickie Iʻi Rodrigues, who hānai-raised her at age 13. Under Auntie Vickie, Leimomi learned primarily through observation, following the mantra: “Listen… listen again… listen carefully… now it’s your turn.” In time, she became Auntie Vickie’s “hands and feet,” teaching hula and preserving her style. With Auntie Vickie’s blessing, she established Kealiʻikaʻapunihonua Keʻena Aʻo Hula on March 5, 1984.
Auntie Vickie passed away on Leimomi’s birthday in 1987, temporarily pausing her hula journey. With encouragement from her sister, Lani Custino, she later completed her training and graduated as a kumu hula through a traditional ʻūniki ceremony conducted by Loea Lani Kalama. In that same ceremony, her daughters, Kuʻukamalani and Vikilani, were also recognized.
Leimomi’s contributions to hula include performances with the Hauʻoli Hula Girls, the Kodak Hula Show, and Kapiʻolani Community College, culminating in her 2024 appearance in the Kilohana Hula Show. Her hula school has competed internationally, earning top honors at prestigious festivals, including the Merrie Monarch Festival.
As both a judge and teacher, Leimomi instills deep respect for kūpuna and ʻohana while honoring her Christian faith, emphasizing that “the art of hula embodies life itself in everything we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.”
The Keʻena follows an ʻōlelo noʻeau that guides its mission:
“I hoʻokahi kahi puʻuwai, i hoʻokahi kahi ka manaʻo, i hoʻokahi kahi ke aloha, i mau ke ea o ka ʻāina i ka pono.”
“We strive to be of one heart, one mind, and one love, so that the goodness of life may always endure.”
