He Makana O Aloha

Ali'i Manu O Kai - Royal Bird of the Sea

Kumu Hula of He Makana O Aloha

Received his name early in life from one of our islands highly respected kupuna (elder) Kawika Bray (aka) Daddy Bray, who made a prediction that one day Ali'i Manu would sing and dance as the birds fly over the sea. Born on the island of Oahu into a Hawaiian - Caucasian family of six brothers and one sister. Ali'i Manu at the age of six began his training of hula and chant with Kumu Hula Mary Ka'upena Cash. Although Ali'i Manu started his hula halau in 1978 in Wai'anae, he and Aunty Mary continued to share a special aloha through her dances, modern dance, ballet, tap and musical theater. Through the years he has performed and taught in major cities in Asia and on the American mainland and Europe as well as appearing in major hotels here in Hawaii.

Ali'i Manu has shared his musical aloha in performances a IOLANI PALACE with the ROYAL HAWAIIAN BAND. Other credits include sharing the stage with noted artists as Auntie Genoa Keawe, Don Ho, Bob Nelson, Loyal Garner, Auntie Irmgard Aluli, Leinala Haili, Charles K.L. Davis, Uncle George Na'ope and the list goes on. He was also the first featured artist outside of Japan to perform at the highly prestigious NAKANO SUN PLAZA CONCERT HALL in TOKYO, his son Kinau & daughter Kanoe performed with im. It was not until 1978 that he sang publicly for the first time, encouraged by his friend and entertainer Ainsley Halemanu, they are still friends today. Ali'i Manu displays a clear and unique style and talent of the Hawaiian Falsetto. In 1981 he won first place in a Waikiki Falsetto Contest Competition as Ledward Ka'apana and the group I Kona shared musical support. Today his performances are enjoyed by many people here in Hawaii and abroad.

Ali'i Manu lives in Honolulu sharing his teaching of the hula at several Oahu Locations. He also performs at special functions at major hotels and still makes regular trips for performances and classes in Japan. He has taught for the State DOE Hawaiian Studies Program, Aiea High, McKinley, Wai'anae, Liholiho, Princess Ka'iulani, Mid-Pacific, and the Island Paradise these are among many schools that he has shared his teaching and aloha with, He has also been successful in Interior, Display and Fashion Design which is well noticed in the elegance of the hula presented in his shows that grace the dancers of his hula halau "HE MAKANA O ALOHA (Tom Moffatt) FILL MY CUP WITH RAINBOWS - AMP NO KA HONUA MALUHIA and A CHRISTMAS ALOHA. Monies from recordings and performances are shared with LCC/KOMO MAI CENTER Handicapped Students Fund. Performing before royalty, statesman or a country lu'au, Ali'i Manu radiates an ALOHA that touches the hearts of everyone.

Aloha no,

Dr. & Mrs. Robert Stone