Born as Edith Ke‘kuhikuhiipu‘uoneonaali‘iokohala Kenao in Honomu, Puna, Hawai‘i, “Aunty Edith,” as she is respectfully and affectionately known, was a teacher, dancer, composer, chanter, ethnobotanist, activist, and entertainer who left an indelible impact on the Hawaiian cultural community. A revered and loved kumu hula—a title that identifies her as an accomplished Hawaiian arts practitioner in an unbroken cultural lineage—Aunty Edith is also one of a handful of figures universally recognized as a loea hula, an utmost expert in Hawaiian culture. She is one of the most influential Hawaiian culture bearers of the last century with many current kumu hula tracing their lineage back to her teachings.

Aunty Edith began her study in Hawaiian culture, focusing on oli (traditional chant) and hula with her mother, Mary Keliikuewa Ahiena. She later studied under Akoni Mika, the well-known dancer and chanter. For Aunty Edith, the oli formed the basis of Hawaiian culture and history, so she became fluent in Hawaiian to better understand the kaona, or layered meaning, of each chant, which would also enable her to better choreograph hulas to these chants. In her youth, she performed in shows and festivals, touring the United States, Canada, as well as extensively in Asia. In 1953, she founded her own hula school, Halau O Kekuhi.

In 1971, after retiring from performing, Aunty Edith became an instructor at Hawai‘i Community College, and in 1973 began teaching at University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, holding both positions until her death. At these institutions, she pioneered courses and seminars in ethnobotany, chant, mythology, genealogy, land ownership, Polynesian history, and the Hawaiian family structure. In 1979, she was recognized with the Hawai‘i Governor’s Award of Distinction for Cultural Leadership. Upon her death, she left behind her husband, Luka Kanakaole, whom she married on January 21, 1933, and her six children. Two of her daughters, Nalani and Pualani Kanaka‘ole, took over the halau and continued to teach Hawaiian culture. In 1993, these sisters were awarded the National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts. Indeed, several of Aunty Edith’s grandchildren and great grandchildren are well known as impressive culture bearers of Hawaiian traditions. In 1990, to honor Aunty Edith’s life and impact, her family began the Edith Kanakaʻole Foundation, which offers scholarships, runs a family-based preschool, a visual arts school, and a public charter school in Keaukaha. While the school covers the usual topics (physics, world history, algebra), it also elevates traditional Hawaiian practices, teachings, and ways of knowing. 

Her award-winning albums include:

Haakui Pele I Hawai‘i (Pele Prevails in Hawai‘i, a selection of traditional and original chants), 1978

Hiipoi I Ka Aiina Aloha (Cherish the Beloved Land), 1979

Eric César Morales