About the 2019 David Malo Awardee: Hōkūlani Holt has been the Kumu Hula for Pā'ū O Hi'iaka for over 40 years. She has devoted her professional and personal time to many aspects of Hawaiian culture throughout the islands. Hōkūlani was a founding member, a parent, and a Director of Pūnana Leo O Maui Hawaiian Language Preschool. She was the first Maui Site Coordinator for Nā Pua No'eau, The Center for Gifted and Talented Native Hawaiian Children; and she was the Culture and Education Manager for the Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission. Hōkūlani currently works UH Maui College as the Director of Ka Hikina O Ka Lā scholarship program.
Hōkūlani's hula background comes from two places. Her early hula training comes from her family through her grandmother, Ida Pakulani Ka'aihue Kai'anui Long, as well as her aunt Kahili Long Cummings and her mother Leiana Long Woodside. While in Honolulu, Hōkūlani's kahiko (traditional hula) training came from Kumu Hula Hoakalei Kamau'u and it was through Hoakalei that she began to teach hula. She has also had the opportunity to study oli and cultural ceremony with Dr. Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele.
Hōkūlani Holt has participated in numerous Boards and public service organizations such as Kauahea Inc, Lālākea Foundation, Protect Kaho'olawe 'Ohana, Kamehameha Schools CEO Advisory Board, Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee Community Group, and Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commissioner.
In 2018 Hōkūlani received an Honorary Doctorate of Education (EdD) for Indigenous Knowledge and Development from the World Indigenous Nations University (WINU). Hōkūlani continues to give tirelessly to her community and is tremendously proud to be from Maui and to be Hawaiian.