CULTURAL PRACTITIONER

Raised living along the shores of both O’ahu and Maui, Ua spent most of his childhood outside. Surfing, skimming, diving, hiking, biking, motorbiking, skating, and camping with friends and family were daily activities. The world of hula was opened to Ua when he joined a Halau and began dancing, drumming, chanting, and learning about kanaka culture. Ua was raised in a few different households including one in the Olowalu village with the Ka’ahui ohana. They undertook a restoration project in Ukumehame that was ambitious in scope and brought Kalo growing back to the area with only family strength and no outside funding. Ua graduated from Lahainaluna High School and joined the army. Upon returning home, Ua began a career in the luau industry. 

Over the years, Ua has taken part in lo’i restoration projects in Honokohau, Waiehu, and Kahakuloa under the guidance of many different elders. Ua joined Kipuka in 2020 and hopes to continue to build this unique resource where generations will be able to come feel the connectivity to the ancestral ‘āina through culturally educational engagement, physical and spiritual.

Several years ago, Ua went through the traditional Hawaiian uniki process which is graduation from olapa (dancer) to Ho’opa’a (chanter) under kumu Kapono Kamaunu and our Kumu Loea Keli'i Tau'a thus becoming a titled cultural practitioner.