‘Ike Akamai Scholarship
We are proud to congratulate our 2026 ‘Ike Akamai Scholars:
These remarkable young leaders represent the future of our lāhui and communities, carrying forward ʻike, culture, and a deep commitment to learning. Through the support of our scholarship donors and partners, they will join us at KAHĀ 2026 to deepen their knowledge, strengthen pilina, and engage with cultural practitioners, educators, and fellow haumāna from across our communities. The ‘Ike Akamai Scholarship supports Native Hawaiian and Hawaiian at heart youth in participating in KAHĀ’s Conference and other KAHĀ programs. This opportunity uplifts ʻike, identity, and leadership rooted in aloha and kuleana.
CHANNYN ANELAMAKAMAE CHANG
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, I am a proud haumāna of Kumu Kanani Cadaoas and Ka Pā Hula O Ke Ola Nani. This September, I am honored to travel to Kauaʻi to represent my hālau as a solo competitor for the prestigious title of Miss Mokihana at the annual Mokihana Festival. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love of hula, honor my kumu and hālau, and continue growing in ʻike, discipline, and aloha through this meaningful experience.
NANEA CHANG
I am from Las Vegas, Nevada. I have the privilege of studying hula under the guidance of Kumu Kanani Cadaoas at Ka Pā Hula O Ke Ola Nani. Through hula, I have learned the importance of dedication, humility, and honoring the stories and traditions of our kūpuna. This September, I am thrilled to travel to Kauaʻi and represent my hālau at the Kauaʻi Mokihana Hula Festival. I look forward to embracing this opportunity to grow as a dancer, and deepen my understanding of hula.
CHARLIZE KEALOHA GATMAITAN
I was born in Modesto, California, and I grew up in the Philippines. A few years ago I moved to Las Vegas, where I dance under Kumu Kawahine Aulelava at Halua Anuhea I ka poli ‘o Kawahine Ho’omanawanui. I cannot wait to meet people with the same passion and interests as me at the KAHA conference.
ALYSSA PUMEHANAOKAPU’IWAI DE LA CRUZ
I grew up in the suburbs of Chino Hills, CA, and I currently live in San Diego, CA. I am a proud student at Hālau Na Pua Lehua I Ka Ua Noe under the direction of Kumu Hula Keoni Chang, and daughter of Kumu Hula Lilinoe De La Cruz-Foster. I am very honored and excited to be a part of KAHĀ this year, and to have the opportunity to learn from the many leaders and teachers who have diligently preserved the Hawaiian arts and culture. I’m looking forward to delving into topics I never thought I would get exposed to and meeting new faces who are just as enthusiastic as I am to attend KAHĀ 2026.
LUANA HOAPILI
I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, where I previously danced hula with Kumu Vincent of Kailiha’o Hula. In my next steps for my future, I plan to play college volleyball while continuing to expand my knowledge of my culture by taking Hawaiian language classes to further my connection to my native homeland.
PUAITI KAMANU
I was raised in Henderson, Nevada, and am a dancer of Hālau Anuhea i ka Poli ʻo Kawahine Hoʻomanawanui under Kumu Kawahine. In the future, I plan to return home to Hilo, Hawaiʻi, in order to provide therapy for those who reside there and as a service provider rooted in cultural knowledge and Aloha. This year, I begin my cosmetology training at Aveda Institute and my tattoo apprenticeship under my mom, Healoha Kamanu, owner of Lokahi Studios and the one who has inspired me to become both a business owner and service provider.
LORELEI LA’AU
I am a senior in high school living in Las Vegas. I am passionate about my Hawaiian culture and staying connected to my roots through hula and cultural practices. I have been dancing hula since the age of five, beginning with Halau Na Lei O Kahikilani, later dancing with Halau Ka Lei Hoku under Tiffany Zuttermeister, and currently dancing with Halau Anuhea i ka Poli 'o Kawahine Ho'omanawanui. Through hula, I have gained a deeper appreciation for Hawaiian traditions, values, and 'ike. I am honored to receive the KAHA Conference scholarship and look forward to expanding my knowledge, strengthening my connection to my culture, and continuing to share the "ike I gain with my community and future generations.
MARTINA LOUIOUKINE
I grew up in Henderson, Nevada, where I dance hula with Kumu Kawahine under our halau, Hālau Anuhea i ka Poli ʻo Ho‘omanawanui. I am a tattoo artist and enjoy sharing my art with my community and creating something meaningful and beautiful to carry through life. I am so excited to attend the conference and receive such valuable knowledge and experiences.
OCEAN PAHUKOA
I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, where I dance hula for Kumu Kahiki in Hālau Nā Lei O Kahikilani. I have been dancing with my Kumu for about nine years, and through hula, I have gained a deeper appreciation for Hawaiian culture, traditions, and storytelling. Hula has been an important part of my life and has taught me discipline, teamwork, and dedication. I enjoy spending time with my hālau, learning new things, and continuing to grow as a dancer. I look forward to learning from others at this experience and gaining new knowledge that I can bring back to my hālau.
SHARDENEI KU’UIPO SWANN-MERRITT
I grew up in Wai‘anae, on the island of O‘ahu. After relocating to Las Vegas, I was fortunate to find Ka Pā Hula O Ke Ola Nani directed by Kumu Hula Kanani Pharr Cadaoas, where I continue to dance hula. At this conference, I hope to learn new mele’s and dances, along with the history and meaning behind each class topic I participate in. I strive to always better myself, honor my family’s sacrifices, and pay their love forward by embracing our culture and receiving as much ʻike as possible.
KAYA MALIA ALOHALANI SARTE-WARE
I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Hawaiian culture, traditions, values, and aloha have always been an important part of my life. My mother, Marilyn Leimomi Sarte-Ware, was born and raised in Nānākuli on Oʻahu and attended Waiʻanae High School, while my father, Rico Aloha Ware, grew up in Makakilo and graduated from Radford High School. My family’s roots in Hawaiʻi run deep, including my great-grandfather, who immigrated from the Philippines and worked in the sugarcane fields. Growing up, my family taught me the importance of mālama ʻāina, caring for animals, supporting one another, and serving our community. I have been dancing hula for the past year with Kumu Kawahine and Hālau Anuhea i ka Pōli ʻo Kawahine Hoʻomanawanui, where I have found not only a kumu I deeply admire but also an ʻohana that has strengthened my pride in our culture. As I look toward the future, I hope to pursue studies in investments or attend Officer Candidate School and serve in the military, while also working toward my dream of becoming a flight attendant with Hawaiian Airlines by beginning my career in customer service. My family means everything to me, and their love and support have helped shape me into the woman I am today. Through the KAHĀ Conference, I hope to deepen my understanding of the culture that raised me, gain valuable ʻike to share with future generations, and continue finding ways to serve my community, care for the ʻāina, and grow both personally and culturally.