Some of My Favorite Friends and Mentors
Above header photo (left to right): Aunty Mahealani, La’akea, Aunty Val Mete, Huhana Mete, Aunty Neaulani, Nancy and Nina in Mahia, Aotearoa, NZ.
Since 1993, I’ve been studying Hawaiian cultural healing arts and lomi lomi massage techniques directly from Hawaiian elders over several decades. Just some of the elders, mostly located on the Big Island, that I count as my dearest teachers and friends include:
- Uncle Robert Keliihoomalu (above), beloved elder and wisdom keeper
- Aunty Margaret Machado, LMT, lomilomi / ho’opono master and teacher
- Uncle Kalua Kaiahua, herbalist, ‘opu huli and healing master practitioner
- ‘Papa K’ Sylvester Kepelino, singer and lomi master
- Aunty Mary Fragas, lomi master practitioner and wisdom keeper
- Aunty Pali Jae Lee, Hawaiian cultural historian and author
- Papa Henry Allen Auwae, master herbalist and wisdom keeper
- Kauka Maka’ala Yates, D.C., lomilomi and cleansing specialist
- Kumu Leina’ala Brown-Dombrigues, lomilomi and spiritual wisdom keeper
- Kai Kaholokai, master herbalist and horticulturist
- Kahuna Daddy David Brae, Jr., honored kahuna practitioner
- Kauka Dane Ka’ohelani Silva, lomilomi and cleansing specialist
- Kumu ‘Elele Aunty Mahealani Kuamo’o-Henry, ho’o pono ke ala messenger and practitioner (below)
Sadly, half of them have since walked the rainbow into spirit. I am so deeply grateful to have known them in my own life and been gifted the opportunity to help archive their teachings and precious wisdom.