Kumu Hula Mapuana Samonte was born and raised in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii. She was formally trained by Kumu Hula Emma Farden-Sharpe of Lahaina, Maui from the tender age of 3. As a child, she spent much time with her grandmother, Helen Kapehe Ku’uleialoha Ching, who is the inspiration for her to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and hula thus bringing forth the name of our halau, Halau Hula Malani O Kapehe.
As Kumu Hula for Halau Hula Malani O Kapehe, she instructs weekly classes, sharing the arts of hula, drumming, chanting, and spiritual connections to the Hawaiian Culture. She holds a strong belief that preserving Hawaiian culture of the past and integrating modern methods of dance, results in a living tradition of dance.
She and her family are driven to continue to keep the Hawaiian culture alive. The strong connection to their Ohana’s genealogy brings forth considerable tradition and knowledge for future generations to carry forward through the halau.