Leo Kupa

Mikiʻala Wills is a young Hawaiian living in Las Vegas who carries the spirit of her homeland in everything she does. Far from the shores of Hawaiʻi, she speaks ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) fluently, dances hula with deep intentionality, and embraces traditional Hawaiian cultural practices as a form of natural healing — a way of staying rooted, whole, and connected to her identity while navigating life in the desert.

For Mikiʻala, culture is not performance, it is medicine. Hula is prayer. Language is breath. Her story reflects the quiet, daily courage of a young Hawaiian woman choosing to live her culture fully, even thousands of miles from home.

This Leo Kupa Podcast Series explores the vibrant heartbeat of Hawaiian culture thriving in Las Vegas — the place Hawaiians lovingly call the Ninth Island. Through intimate conversations with practitioners, elders, and community builders, we journey into what it means to carry the sacred traditions of Hawaiʻi across the ocean and into the desert, keeping them alive with reverence, resilience, and aloha.

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Hui Mauli Ola
Leo Kupa Podcast

Visit our website:
huimauliola.org 

Support us with a donation

Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@LeoKupa_Podcast 

Mahalo to the sponsors of this episode:
Tizzles' Grindz
Waiakea Water

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, grant number MN-252929-OMS-23. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

This project received support from Papa Ola Lōkahi through the Makamaka Ola program. We gratefully acknowledge their generous funding, which helps us continue uplifting Native Hawaiian voices and traditional healing practices through the Leo Kupa Las Vegas series.

Kumu Hula Vincent Iokimo Souza is a revered teacher and guardian of Hawaiian cultural traditions. Kumu Vincent is a master of hula and an advocate for the preservation of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language), carrying forth the legacy of his ancestors and ensuring its vibrancy in the modern world. His journey embodies the profound responsibility (kuleana) of perpetuating cultural knowledge, making him an ideal voice to discuss how Hawaiian identity thrives through spoken word, chant, and dance.

In this conversation, Kumu Vincent shares about his hula lineage which he traces through his kumu, John Lake. He discusses the importance of understanding his kuleana as both a responsibility and a privilege - one he carries with honor as he perpetuates his kumu's teachings, now from Las Vegas where he has resided since 2008. 

This Leo Kupa Podcast Series explores the vibrant heartbeat of Hawaiian culture thriving in Las Vegas — the place Hawaiians lovingly call the Ninth Island. Through intimate conversations with practitioners, elders, and community builders, we journey into what it means to carry the sacred traditions of Hawaiʻi across the ocean and into the desert, keeping them alive with reverence, resilience, and aloha.

Follow us on Instagram:
instagram.com/huimauliola/

instagram.com/leokupa_podcast/

Visit our website:
huimauliola.org 

Support us with a donation:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SAC7XBZMJZJCC

Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtwiLZWeD8usvx_z-bIrIPg

Mahalo to the sponsors of this episode:
Kanani's Cafe
Waiakea Water

 

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, grant number MN-252929-OMS-23. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

This project received support from Papa Ola Lōkahi through the Makamaka Ola program. We gratefully acknowledge their generous funding, which helps us continue uplifting Native Hawaiian voices and traditional healing practices through the Leo Kupa Las Vegas series.

Mailani Makaʻīnaʻi was born and raised in Kailua and Kahaluʻu. A graduate of Maryknoll Schools. She began learning lomilomi in her ohana since the age of 7.  Her first lomilomi kumu outside of her ohana was Ronnie Dudoit of Molokai.  Mailani attended Uncle Ronnie and Aunty Francineʻs teaching in 1996 and 1997.  In 1999 she got to attend and study with Aunty Margaret Machadoʻs school of Lomilomi.  In 1999 and 2001 she worked at the Lomilomi shop with Uncle Moe Keale and Kumu Kaʻuhane Lee.  She got her massage therapy licensed in 2000.  From 2001 to 2012, Mailani worked as a Lomilomi specialist in Waikikiʻs Hotels Spa industry. She opened her own brick and mortar shop in 2016.  Mailani currently shares her passion of Hawaiian Healing and Hawaiian Culture with the Lomilomi Collective.

This is the same Mailani Makaʻīnaʻi, the mother, lover, musician, entrepreneur, composer, vocalist and multiple time Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner.

 

Hui Mauli Ola proudly presents: Leo Kupa - E Hoʻolono Mai!

Makaʻala Yates returns to Leo Kupa!

Dr. Makaʻala Yates D.C. is a Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian Ancestry) who specializes in Hawaiian medicine. His studies began at the age of 6.  He has been teaching Hawaiian medicine and practices for 35 years.  He is the founder of Mana Lomi® and Indigenous Botanicals.  Makaʻala is also an original crew member of Hokuleʻa in 1976.  He is also a Vietnam Veteran.  Maka’ala received the Kaonohi Award in 2005 for his excellence in Hawaiian medicine and community support. He is the author of "Na'auao Ola Hawaii: Hawaiian Practices and Principles of Being Well."

Born and raised on the Windward side of Oʻahu, Meghan graduated from the University of San Francisco with a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science. Her health practitioner training continued with lomilomi work since 2007 studying under Kumu Lomilomi, Enrick Ortiz, Jr., as his apprentice in January 2013, and as assistant in teaching his classes since May 2014. In 2008 she went through Haku Hoʻoponopono training with Aunty Malia Craver and Lehua Pouha at QLCC in Kalihi, and trained in Lāʻau Lapaʻau with Kahuna Lāʻau Lapaʻau Levon Ohai starting in 2009.

Her graduation from Hawaiʻinuiākea, Center for Hawaiian Studies at UH Mānoa, with her MA in December 2015 in ʻIke Hawaiʻi with a thesis on historical trauma and itʻs health repercussions, bodily, spiritually, governmentally for Kānaka Hawaiʻi also informs her birthwork supporting her community’s growing families with training from New Beginnings Doula Training, and ʻEhuola – Ka Lāhui o Ka Pō's practitioner training through Kōkua Kalihi Valley’s Hoʻoulu ʻĀina program.

She studied under Reiki Master Britt Yap since 2018 and from May 2019 to March 2020 she served as Director of Education and Community Outreach at the Waimānalo Market Co-op in their non-profit sector, supporting the Ola Hou program that improved food security and practices with two populations: students at Mālama Honua Public Charter School; and women who were either pregnant and/or breastfeeding.

Kū I Ke Aloha serves as her practitioner and education platform for community healing to address personal and historical atrocities and hardships that can be revalued and transformed into opportunities to learn and grow and be a part reclaiming who we truly are - individually and communally on a path towards truth, justice, peace, growth and healing.

Hui Mauli Ola proudly presents: Leo Kupa - E Hoʻolono Mai!

Dr. Makaʻala Yates D.C. is a Kanaka Maoli (Hawaiian Ancestry) who specializes in Hawaiian medicine. His studies began at the age of 6.  He has been teaching Hawaiian medicine and practices for 35 years.  He is the founder of Mana Lomi® and Indigenous Botanicals.  Makaʻala is also an original crew member of Hokuleʻa in 1976.  He is also a Vietnam Veteran.  Maka’ala received the Kaonohi Award in 2005 for his excellence in Hawaiian medicine and community support. He is the author of "Na'auao Ola Hawaii: Hawaiian Practices and Principles of Being Well."

Kaipoʻi Kelling is a Hawaiian educator and mahi kalo (kalo farmer) carrying on Uncle Jerry Konanuiʻs teachings. Born on Oʻahu, Kaipoʻi loves to ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and is a collector of different kalo varieties. Kaipo'i returns to Leo Kupa, talking lessons of character from Hāloa, healing and sacred spaces, and keeping our keiki inspired and not being the "poi-lice."

 

Hui Mauli Ola proudly presents: Leo Kupa - E Hoʻolono Mai! 

The thought provoking podcast on perpetuating Hawaiian Healing and Wellness, brought to you by:

Financial Benefits Insurance specializing in Medicare, Life and Health Insurance. Helping to educate our communities to maximize their benefits. Benefits are our business, service sets us apart. Visit Financial Benefits Insurance at fbihi.com

The Indigenous Soap Company 
Created on the Island of ‘Oahu, the indigenous comes from our passion in using native medicinal herbs and oils from all over the world. Shop online and use the coupon code: leokupa for a 20% discount.

Alana natural therapy in Town and Pikoakea Therapeutic Lomi & Rehabilitation Massage in Kailua

Mamalani 
All-Natural Deodorants, Body Powders and Body Products ~ Aloha Aina Packaging ~ Handmade by Hawaiians. Shop online and use the coupon code: leokupa for a 10% discount.

The Lotus Blossom In You
Lomilomi, hoʻoponopono, farm lāʻau lapaʻau. Doula & Pale Wahine birth support service. Shop online and use the coupon code: leokupa for a 10% discount.

For information on Hui Mauli Ola including events, merchandize and practitioners in your area come to www.huimauliola.org

Uncle Herbert Grew up in the ahupuaa of Hakipuu, from a young age the importance of ohana and ʻāina was integrated in daily living.

After retiring from the Honolulu Fire Department, Uncle Herbert recognized the health disparities amongst our Native Hawaiian people. His Ai Pono program aims to reestablish the connection of our traditional foods and our traditional well-being.

Anakala Herbert was featured in the series: Na Loea: The Masters: Food for the soul. He is a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and kupuna.

 

Hui Mauli Ola proudly presents: Leo Kupa. e hoolono mai. The thought provoking podcast on perpetuating Hawaiian Healing and Wellness, brought to you by:

Financial Benefits Insurance specializing in Medicare, Life and Health Insurance. Helping to educate our communities to maximize their benefits. Benefits are our business, service sets us apart. Visit Financial Benefits Insurance at fbihi.com

The Indigenous Soap Company 
Created on the Island of ‘Oahu, the indigenous comes from our passion in using native medicinal herbs and oils from all over the world. Shop online and use the coupon code: leokupa for a 20% discount.

Alana natural therapy in Town and Pikoakea Therapeutic Lomi & Rehabilitation Massage in Kailua

Mamalani 
All-Natural Deodorants, Body Powders and Body Products ~ Aloha Aina Packaging ~ Handmade by Hawaiians. Shop online and use the coupon code: leokupa for a 10% discount.

Lotus blossom in you
Lomilomi, hooponopono, farm laau lapaau. Doula & Pale Wahine birth support service. Shop online and use the coupon code: leokupa for a 10% discount.

For information on Hui Mauli Ola including events, merchandize and practitioners in your area come to www.huimauliola.org

 

Dennis was born and raised on the west end of Kauai in the rural plantation town of Kekaha.  This provided him with a rich multicultural environment of living and learning respect and appreciation for his own cultural background as well as for other ethnic groups with in his community. His foundational spiritual teachings in both christian and traditional Hawaiian culture, language and 'ohana were provided by his parents, Herbert Ha'o Kauahi and Christobel Ka'anohiokalani Holt Kauahi.

He graduated from Waimea High School in 1963 and furthered his education at Willamette University, attaining a Bachelors degree in Sociology in 1967.  He attended the University of Hawaii School of Social Work and graduated with a Master's in Social Work degree in 1970.  Since then until his retirement in 2012, Dennis has work with the Queen Lilioukalani Children's Center providing culturally based Social Work based healing practices to a wide range of communities

He has received mentor-ship on Hawaiian healing cultural knowledge and practices from four recognized and renowned Hawaiian cultural experts: Mary Kawena Pukui, Nahale-Elua Mahuiki, Aunty Malia Craver and Uncle Danny Hanakahi.

Dennis' interest and commitment continues to be, particularly with our males, helping all males with our community to bring their gifts and talents to the leadership of family, community and state through the strengthening of themselves and ohana.

Awards and Affiliations.

2012  -  Papa Ola Lokahi

              Native Hawaiian Health Award for ongoing dedication to improving 

              the health and well-being of Kanaka Maoli.

2012 -  Hawaii National Association  of Social Workers

             Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions made in the field of Social Work

             for the enhancement and well-being  of individuals and families in the state of

             Hawaii.

2013 - Honpa Hongwanji Mission Of Hawaii

            Living Treasure of Hawaii Award, for unique accomplishments and contributions

            made towards enriching our society. 

2012 - Board Member, Aha Kane Organization, focusing on the development of male

            leadership in our families communities and state.

Hui Mauli Ola proudly presents: Leo Kupa. e hoolono mai. The thought provoking podcast on perpetuating Hawaiian Healing and Wellness, brought to you by:

Financial Benefits Insurance specializing in Medicare, Life and Health Insurance. Helping to educate our communities to maximize their benefits. Benefits are our business, service sets us apart. Visit Financial Benefits Insurance at fbihi.com

The Indigenous Soap Company 
Created on the Island of ‘Oahu, the indigenous comes from our passion in using native medicinal herbs and oils from all over the world. Shop online and use the coupon code: leokupa for a 20% discount.

Alana natural therapy in Town and Pikoakea Therapeutic Lomi & Rehabilitation Massage in Kailua

Mamalani 
All-Natural Deodorants, Body Powders and Body Products ~ Aloha Aina Packaging ~ Handmade by Hawaiians. Shop online and use the coupon code: leokupa for a 10% discount.

Lotus blossom in you
Lomilomi, hooponopono, farm laau lapaau. Doula & Pale Wahine birth support service. Shop online and use the coupon code: leokupa for a 10% discount.

For information on Hui Mauli Ola including events, merchandize and practitioners in your area come to www.huimauliola.org

 

Earlier this year Ka Pā o Lonopūhā hosted a huaka’i to retrace the path of Lonopūhā and what many consider the origins of healing in Hawai’i. Around the path of the volcano and through her merciless afterbirth were formed and foundationalized relationships in healing. Workshops, meals and stories were exchanged between multiple generations of practitioners. And to date this last-minute airport run from Waimea to Keahole is the only know podcast to come of it:

Nathan Nakasone is fortunate to have acquired his healing skills and wisdom from his Kumu. Kumu La’au Lapa’au, Aunty Alapa’i Kahuena. Kumu Lomilomi, Alva Andrews. Keola Chan and Sheila O’Malley. And through their guidance, he nurtures and respects his gifts of healing. As a result he honors their teachings in his daily life and work. Nate Nakasone has a true gift in the way he provides spiritual, physical, mental and emotional healing to all people with his gentle voice and talk story style.

Kalalena Ako is a lomilomi 'A'e practitioner living and working on Oahu with Kohala roots. Check them both out at huimauliola.org/practitioners.

Hui Mauli Ola proudly presents: Leo Kupa. e hoolono mai. The thought provoking podcast on perpetuating Hawaiian Healing and Wellness, brought to you by:

Financial Benefits Insurance specializing in Medicare, Life and Health Insurance. Helping to educate our communities to maximize their benefits. Benefits are our business, service sets us apart. Visit Financial Benefits Insurance at fbihi.com

The Indigenous Soap Company 
Created on the Island of ‘Oahu, the indigenous comes from our passion in using native medicinal herbs and oils from all over the world. Shop online and use the coupon code: leokupa for a 20% discount.

Alana natural therapy in Town and Pikoakea Therapeutic Lomi & Rehabilitation Massage in Kailua

Mamalani 
All-Natural Deodorants, Body Powders and Body Products ~ Aloha Aina Packaging ~ Handmade by Hawaiians. Shop online and use the coupon code: leokupa for a 10% discount.

Lotus blossom in you
Lomilomi, hooponopono, farm laau lapaau. Doula & Pale Wahine birth support service. Shop online and use the coupon code: leokupa for a 10% discount.

For information on Hui Mauli Ola including events, merchandize and practitioners in your area come to www.huimauliola.org