Pana Ka Puʻuwai Hoʻokahi
About Nā Wai Iwi Ola
Kumu Keala Ching is a Hawaiian cultural educator, composer, song writer, and spiritual advisor to many Hawaiian organizations. Kumu Keala lives and breathes aloha into his Hawaiian heritage with his strong presence and great heart.
Keala Ching was a dancer of the Men of Waimapuna under the direction of the late Darrel Ihi'ihilauakea Lupenui. In 1999 he became a practitioner of Ho'oponopono with Kupuna Malia Craver, a cultural specialist at the Queen Lili'uokalani Children's center. He recently graduated from Chaminade University, Masters of Education Leadership Administration.
Under the tutelage of Lehua Kawaikapuokalani Hewett, Kumu Keala has spent many years learning and building his knowledge. He received the 'uniki rites of kumu hula. He is fluent in the Hawaiian language, which he uses as the foundation for teaching all of his students.
He currently lives in Kailua-Kona, where he is Kumu Hula for Ka Pā Hula Nā Wai Iwi Ola. As a composer of chants and mele, he travels the world to share hula. Kumu Keala is Co-founder and Executive Director of Nā Wai Iwi Ola (NWIO) Foundation. He is also Kumu Hula and cultural advisor to Ka Pā Hula Nā Wai Iwi Ola - Japan, Hālau Nā Wai Pana o Keala - Kumu Yukari Uchio; Hālau Nā Wai ʻUla o Keala - Kumu Mayumi Takaki both in Japan; and Hālau Nā Wai ʻŌhiʻa - Kumu Noëlle Delaquis in Zurich, Switzerland.
NĀ WAI IWI OLA FOUNDATION
Nā Wai Iwi Ola (NWIO) Foundation was founded September 19. 2000 to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and practices through hula protocol and ceremonies, the use and study of the Hawaiian language and by embracing the stories of our kūpuna past, present and future.
NWIO Foundation is a multigenerational, community-based educational foundation, currently collaborating with organizations that focus on modeling and living the Hawaiian culture, traditions and values. Through hands-on activities, NWIO applies the knowledge shared by our kūpuna through the art of hula & chants.
NWIO foundation focuses on giving students the opportunity to see the world through their own eyes. “Why did King David Kalākaua travel the world?” It is important that our students understand the PONO of existing within this world using the shoes of our kūpuna.
The foundation services all who wish to learn the Hawaiian culture and traditions through the art of hula and ALOHA. Cherish life with compassion.
“E Ola Mau ke Ola Pono” Let the righteousness of life live forever!
OUR HISTORY
Nā Wai Iwi Ola was founded 19. September 2000
in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
Nā Wai Iwi Ola is a 501(C)3 non profit organization. Donations made in accordance with IRS guidelines are tax deductable and will go towards supporting our mission of perpetuating the Hawaiian culture and practices and the use and study of the Hawaiian language. The foundation welcomes and serves all who wish to learn!
GIVING BACK
Kumu Keala and the members of Nā Wai Iwi Ola feel very strongly about the importance of giving back to the community.
One of the ways we do this is by participating in events to raise awareness or funds for community or cultural resources.