Kumu Hula ‘Iwalani Wahinekapu Walsh Tseu

Kumu Hula 'Iwalani Wahinekapu Walsh Tseu, a cultural pioneer and fashion icon, is the Executive Director of Hui 'Iwa Academy and owner of ‘Iwalani School of Dance in Japan and in South Korea. She also just recently opened up 2 halau one in Okinawa and the other in China with her daughter Aureana serving as hula teacher. ‘Iwalani is a highly respected cultural specialist and advisor and has traveled to 35 countries perpetuating and promoting the Hawaiian arts through cultural music, dance, and expression. There are 3 bronze statue at Aloha Tower Marketplace acknowledging the contributions ‘Iwalani made as a hula dancer while she was only in her early 20s. She has been a judge for prestigious competitions including the Queen Liliuokalani Keiki Hula Competition, Ia ‘Oe Ka La Hula Festival, E Ho’i Mai I Ka Piko Hula (World Invitational Hula Festival), the George Naope Hula Festival & Competition, and the King Kamehameha Hula Festival just to name a few. Having been in the entertainment industry for over 40 years as one of Hawaii’s premier entertainers, director, and producer, she is one of Hawaii’s most sought out talent and interview coaches, especially for those competing for Miss Hawaii. She has been featured in many magazines, commercials, and the inside cover story for her continued community work through the Iwalani Foundation and the Pu’uhonua o Honouliuli, a healing sanctuary for breast cancer. In addition to all these accomplishments Iwalani worked as a Hawaiian Studies Teacher for the Department of Education for 15 years in both Central and Leeward District. She continues to serve today as an excellent keynote speaker for many organizations and functions. She is widely known for her innovative, daring, and creative ideas. Kumu ‘Iwalani provides charitable services as a mentor and life coach while encouraging Hawaii’s youth and young adults with her programs focusing on inner beauty, strength, and development through teachings of Hawaiian values, protocol, and culture.Iwalani also served last year as our Host and MC at our First Annual Kalaeloa Heritage Park Fundraiser Luau. She played such a big part in the success of our luau that she has been asked to return this year. This is the Iwalani we all want you to meet. A gracious lady of many talents. She will be serving as our host and MC of our Second Annual Kalaeloa Heritage Park Luau Fundraiser. Hope you get to bring your family and friends to see Iwalani on Saturday, July 23 at the Kalaeloa Heritage Park.Article by S. Kane