OUR STORY
Christine “Laka” Miranda
Rudy “Koakaulana” Miranda
founders / owners
Sue Ann “Wainani” Hook
founder
Makani Kai was founded in 1993 with Denise “Leimomi” Usry, Christine “Kananiolaka” Miranda and Sue Ann “Wainani” Hook.
These dancers hailed from Erma Lehua Mallory’s “Birds of Paradise” in San Diego, an award-winning Polynesian dance group in the 1970s. To this day Erma’s legacy lives on. Christine “Kananiolaka” Miranda is now the proud owner and Creative Director for Makani Kai. With her guidance Makani Kai humbly celebrates its 25th year anniversary in 2018.
This group started with 6 professional Polynesian dancers . Today, it is a thriving Polynesian entertainment troupe with a school that offers lessons in music and dance.
Members of Makani Kai and its leaders are forever grateful for the generosity of Kumu hula and Ra’atira both local and abroad for sharing their knowledge and teachings.
Instructors here are always learning from the best and striving to perpetuate the Polynesian culture with honor and respect. We are haumāna for life. Forever a student seeking knowledge. This is our path for continued growth.
The love of Polynesia is our uniting bond. To share the cultures, traditions and of course the food, brings us together in happiness.
OUR ALAKA’I – INSTRUCTORS
Merce “Pua`ena” LeClair
Mana Wahine and Birds of Paradise hula
Honey “Tehani” Villalobos
Intermediate and Advanced
Kaikamahine
Elvee “Mopua” Froehlich
Beginning Wahine,
Aloha Pumehana and Birds of Paradise hula and Ukulele band vocalists
Pearl “Kaleolani” Eslava
Beginning, Intermediate
Advanced Keiki, and
Beginning Kaikamahine
Gerard “Kekoa” Villalobos
Ukulele band
and Tahitian Drumming
Donabel “Hakumele” Roberts
Beginning and Intermediate
Ukulele, Ukulele band
OUR KOKUA – CLASS HELPERS
Back row (left to right) – Dustin “Koamalu” Froehlich, Serena “Luana” McAloney, Victor “Kaiko” Liao
Front row – Lisa “Kahi” Yee, Trinity “Malina” Encarnacion, Rebecca “`Alaneo” Robinson, Krys-Alexis “Kanoelani” Eslava, Jalina “Mohala” Rayos