Kumu Hina

Kumu Hina Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu is the current Ambassador of Culture for The Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement and engages both the Kanaka (Hawaiian) and larger (non-Hawaiian) community as an educator and spokesperson for matters of Hawaiian language, history, and culture. She is a staunch advocate and leader for her people and has engaged the community at many levels. Her teachings include Kanaka philosophy and worldview, cultural sensitivity, and awareness sessions that are inclusive of Hawaiian history and perspectives from a distinctly Kanaka centric focus.

Hinaleimoana is also a Hawaiian chant, dance, and song composer and is credited for having written the song "Ku Haʻaheo E Kuʻu Hawaiʻi" that unites her people in the pursuit of justice for land struggles in Hawaiʻi. Her work in film has garnered an American Oscar Award Top 10 Nomination for Best Animated Short Film for "Kapaemahu". She has also featured, produced, and directed other award-winning films and documentaries such as "Kumu Hina," "A Place In the Middle," "Leitis in Waiting," and "Lady Eva".

Hinaleimoana is a caregiver for her mother, and remains active in Hawaiian circles, and in the Tongan Community as a member of the Siasi o Tonga Tauataina (Free Church of Tonga). Hinaleimoana is also a founding member and Board President for Kulia Na Mamo NGO serving Mahu/LGBTQIA+ and People of Color in Hawaiʻi.