A memorial service held on March 15, 2024, for the renowned kumu hula Nalani Kanaka‘ole-Zane drew thousands of attendees to the Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo, Hawaii. The event, which honored her life and legacy, included heartfelt remembrances that ranged from laughter to tears. Kanaka‘ole-Zane, who passed away on January 3, 2024, at the age of 79, was not only a celebrated hula teacher but also an artist, songwriter, poet, cultural matriarch, and a respected judge of the Merrie Monarch Festival.
During the service, her son, Kuha‘o Zane, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting, “We are here with a shared reverence for the life my mom, Nalani Kanaka‘ole, lived.” He acknowledged the venue’s significance, stating that Kanaka‘ole-Zane would not have chosen such a large gathering but recognized the necessity given the number of attendees.
Emotional Tributes and Cultural Celebrations
The majority of the memorial was conducted in the Hawaiian language, featuring traditional chants. Kekuhi Keli‘ikanaka‘oleohaililani, Kanaka‘ole-Zane’s niece and a fellow kumu hula, delivered a poignant chant while visibly emotional. She reflected on their family legacy, stating, “79 years is a good many years to live, and she lived it well.” Keli‘ikanaka‘oleohaililani highlighted her aunt’s dedication to hula, recalling how Kanaka‘ole-Zane began teaching at the young age of 14.
“She always had the ipu in her hand, ready to pa‘i the ipu,” she said, emphasizing her sister’s commitment to the art form. The service also featured personal anecdotes, with family members recalling their experiences alongside Kanaka‘ole-Zane. Nephew Keala Kanaka‘ole reminisced about summers spent with her, describing her as both a strict mentor and a talented artist who created intricate designs for hula garments.
The ceremony also paid homage to Kanaka‘ole-Zane’s role in the Hawaiian Renaissance of the 1970s. Kala Mossman, husband of kumu hula Huihui Kanahele Mossman, noted her active participation in movements advocating for Hawaiian rights. “Aunty Nalani stood proudly in the forefront of the movement of our people, kanaka maoli,” he said. He added that she was instrumental in the founding of the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana, a group dedicated to environmental and cultural preservation.
A Legacy of Passion and Artistry
Her husband, Sig Zane, described Kanaka‘ole-Zane as an “immeasurable talent” whose vibrant energy inspired those around her. “The life I lived with Nalani for the past 50 years was an incredible ride,” he said, reflecting on their partnership. Zane compared her spirit to the ti leaf, explaining how she shared her energy and passion through various forms of art, including hula, sculpture, and design.
“She taught us that we are now the vessel to share her teachings,” he added, underlining the responsibility that her family and students now carry to preserve her legacy. The service served not only as a remembrance of Kanaka‘ole-Zane’s contributions to hula but also as a testament to her impact on the broader cultural landscape of Hawaii.
As the community continues to mourn her passing, the messages shared during the memorial highlight the profound influence that Nalani Kanaka‘ole-Zane had on her family, students, and the larger Hawaiian community. Her legacy will undoubtedly endure through the many lives she touched and the cultural practices she championed.
