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Darrell 'Ihi'ihilau'akea Lupenui was an extraordinary Kumu
Hula and renowned musician. His many accomplishments
gained him the respect and dignity he deserved in his short
but fulfilling life time. He has inspired many of our younger
generation of musicians and dancers.

Darrell has mentored two Halaus under his teachings. The
Men of Waimapuna and The Ladies of Ke'ala O Ka Laua'e.
Darrell impacted the hula world with his daring, vigorous
and diverse movements and choreography. His voice
would fill a room with a " one of a kind" sound that no other
could imitate. When he chanted the audience would know
that Darrell is in the house.

He was a member of Aloha Pumehana Serenader's where
he recorded his first album under Hula Gems. Darrell's
contributions were many which included numerous
awards at the Merrie Monarch Hula Festivals and the
Kamehameha Day Hula Competition . He produced two
Miss Aloha Hulas 1985 and 1986. Darrell resided in Aiea,
O'ahu with a loving family who supported him during his
many triumphs and tribulations. His students became his
extended ohana. Today his na haumana continues to
honor and reverence Kumu through the perpetuation of
Hula.

Stanette Leimomi "Auntie Hao" Nu'uhiwa is the Kumu Hula
of Halau Hula 'O Kawahineali'inoho'ikeanuenue which has
been in existence for 17 years. She has embraced Hula for
nearly 41 years and continues to do so today. She began
learning hula and ukulele at Paki Playground under the City
& County Parks & Recreation. That's where many Kumu
Hula would come and teach on a weekly basis to a
populated community of Kapahulu. It was then that Stanette
realized that this would become her passion and desire.

Stanette planted her roots with Darrell and Ke'ala O Ka
Laua'e in 1981 which lasted for eight short years before
Darrell's passing. She was honored and privileged to
participate in the 1985 & 1986 Merrie Monarch Hula
Competition. Being a member of The Ladies of Ke'ala 'O Ka
Laua'e allowed Stanette to gain knowledge, wisdom and
leadership. Many people know Darrell as being a
compassionate, funny and multi-talented man.
Performances was endless, competitions successful but
the knowledge and experience surpasses all others.

Being with Darrell has taught Stanette perseverance and
respect. She will always remember to remain humble in all
of her ways. To give without wanting anything in return. To
share hula with all who desires to learn. It is our "kuleana"
to perpetuate the legacy of a loving man who has given so
much to the Hula world.

Thus Halau Hula 'O Kawahineali'inoho'ikeanuenue a name
given by Darrell shall live on.

Darrell Lupenui

Niece Desiree Koanui