Kumu Keala Ching is a respected Kumu residing in the Kealakehe ahupua'a of Moku O Kona. He has dedicated his life in perpetuating the Hawaiian Culture through the sharing of his knowledge, dance, and the study of the Hawaiian language through chants and mele.

Kumu Keala grew up in Nanakuli on the Island of Oahu. His hula training as a dancer began with the men of Waimapuna, under the direction of the late Darrell Lupenui. He continued gaining more knowledge under the guidance of Kumu Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewitt where he graduated in the uniki rites to be a Kumu Hula.

In 2000 Kumu Keala co-founded Na Wai Iwi Ola, a mulitgenerational community based foundation of 300+ students and members that perpetuates our Hawaiian culture and practices through hula protocol and ceremonies, the use and study of the Hawaiian language and by embracing the stories of our kapuna past present and future. Fluent in the Hawaiian Language, he uses this an an important part of his teaching within in his halau.

Kumu Keala Ching currently works as a volunteer with various community organizations implementing Hawaiian culturally driven activities and educational programs for the youth of Kona, Na Wai Puna O Kona, Waikoloa Elementary School and Kona Community Adult Education at Kealakehe High School to name a few. He also develops and promotes international relationships by traveling with his students to Switzerland, Japan Italy, and New Zealand. In his spare time he continues to compose chants and mele of Moku O Keawe using the ancient knowledge of our ancestors. On many occasions Kumu Keala assisted members of Moku O Kona and other Hawaiian Groups in converting documents and prayers from English to 'oleo Hawai'i.

Upcoming Events: Ho'ulu Mana Workshop on the Island of Hawaii