The 'Iolani Luahine Festival was established in 2003 with a vision to perpetuate the hula, and it also serves as a way to honor the memory of 'Iolani Luahine and her contributions to the preservation of hula and Hawaiian culture.

About 'Iolani Luahine

'Iolani Luahine was born in 1915 in Nāpo'opo'o. 'Iolani Luahine was admired as a famed hula dancer that preserved the ancient dance traditions. She was trained by her aunt Keahi Luahine, and she taught and coached her niece Hoakalei Kamau'u. Aunty 'Iolani's superb talents, attractiveness to audiences, and personal commitment kept the ancient dance art from being lost. Her career is testament to the adage that dances are passed down like myths, from one artist to another. 'Iolani Luahine is one of Hawai'i's premier performers and cultural treasures.