Leilani’s honors Padilla as its inaugural Kumakua honoree

2022 Kumakua Honoree Hokulani Holt Padilla is recognized by Leilani’s on the Beach General Manager Jason Donez.
KAANAPALI — Leilani’s on the Beach recently presented its inaugural Kumakua award to Hokulani Holt Padilla in recognition of her cultural contributions to the local community.
The restaurant established the annual award to honor excellence and commitment to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture on the island of Maui.
Padilla is a kumu hula, cultural leader, educator, playwright, composer, director and advocate for the environment and lahui. She helps to lead a number of initiatives and programs, including Maui’s only invitational hula competition, Ku Mai Ka Hula; the University of Hawaii Maui College’s Ka Hikina O Ka La and Hawaii Papa O Ke Ao programs; her own halau, Pa’u o Hi’iaka; the Lalakea Foundation; and Kauahea Inc.
Leilani’s on the Beach is located at Whalers Village in Kaanapali. For reservations or more information, call (808) 661-4495 or visit www.leilanis.com.