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JAYSUN KALEOHANO

Whats poppin?
My name is Jaysun Kaleohano
 

...but here I go by Pono.

 

My journey with the Academy starts before I was even born. My mom, Josette Kaleohano, was dancing with Uncle Mark’s previous halau, Na Mele Hula Ohana. Growing up in the halau, I was surrounded by plenty of great hula dancers, and that definitely helped me get to where I am today.

As a keiki, I wasn’t playing outside with the other keikis. I was inside watching the kanes and wahines practice and listening to Uncle Mark and Sally.

Before there was an actual keiki class, there was a few of us that were just there because our parents were practicing.

 

So the uncles and aunties decided to have a keiki class.

Many have come and gone but, I am happy for the few that stayed and will now embark on road to Merrie Monarch and for some, for the first time.

When I was 13, I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to travel to Japan. Getting to see the appreciation for the Hawaiian culture in a different country gave me another reason why I enjoy dancing so much.

 

Taking on more responsibilities as I got older, I realized that helping the new haumana and getting to see their enjoyment in dancing hula makes everything more worth it.

 

In 2016, I competed in my first Merrie Monarch. Remembering back to watching the kanes and wahines, I was ready for what it took to get the that MM stage.

 

Now, as we prepare for Merrie Monarch 2024, it feels great to be back training and bonding with the team. We are ready to “break da floor”! We appreciate all the love and support you all have given us throughout the years and we are excited to have you be apart of this journey.

 

Thank you!

 

 

 

 

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