Community Honors Legacy of Kumu Hula Nalani Kanaka'ole-Zane

Thousands attended memorial service celebrating the life of the renowned artist, songwriter, and cultural icon.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The memorial service for the late kumu hula Nalani Kanaka'ole-Zane was a celebration of her life, filled with remembrances that evoked both tears and laughter. Kanaka'ole-Zane, who passed away at the age of 79, was a renowned artist, songwriter, poet, cultural matriarch, and veteran Merrie Monarch judge. The service, held at the Edith Kanaka'ole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo, was attended by thousands who came to honor her legacy.

Why it matters

Nalani Kanaka'ole-Zane was a revered figure in the Hawaiian community, known for her dedication to preserving and elevating the practice of hula. As the co-kumu hula of the renowned Halau o Kekuhi, she played a pivotal role in the Hawaiian Renaissance movement, advocating for the rights of the kanaka maoli (Native Hawaiians). Her passing marks the end of an era, and the memorial service serves as a celebration of her immense contributions to Hawaiian culture.

The details

The memorial service was a testament to Kanaka'ole-Zane's impact on the community. Her son, Kuha'o Zane, acknowledged the large turnout, noting that his mother would not have wanted the service to be held at the Edith Kanaka'ole Multi-Purpose Stadium, the largest indoor venue in Hilo. The majority of the service was conducted in the Hawaiian language, with chants and remembrances from Kanaka'ole-Zane's family and colleagues. Her sister, Pualani Kanahele, co-kumu hula of Halau o Kekuhi, spoke about Kanaka'ole-Zane's dedication to hula from a young age, and her nephew, Keala Kanaka'ole, shared memories of her artistic talents. Sig Zane, Kanaka'ole-Zane's husband, described her as an "immeasurable talent" and a source of "radiant energy" in his life.

  • Nalani Kanaka'ole-Zane passed away on January 3, 2026.
  • The memorial service was held on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Nalani Kanaka'ole-Zane

A renowned kumu hula, artist, songwriter, poet, cultural matriarch, and veteran Merrie Monarch judge who passed away at the age of 79.

Kuha'o Zane

The son of Nalani Kanaka'ole-Zane.

Kekuhi Keli'ikanaka'oleohaililani

Nalani Kanaka'ole-Zane's niece and a kumu hula.

Pualani Kanahele

Nalani Kanaka'ole-Zane's older sister and co-kumu hula of Halau o Kekuhi until her retirement.

Sig Zane

Nalani Kanaka'ole-Zane's husband, a noted clothing designer.

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What they’re saying

“No matter who we are or how long we've known Nalani, our relationship with her, the depth of our emptiness, is ours alone.”

— Pualani Kanahele, Nalani Kanaka'ole-Zane's older sister

“The life I lived with Nalani for the past 50 years has been an incredible ride. I was fortunate to have a partner that would feed me with purity and delight in an amazing way … My life has been a blessing, over and over and over.”

— Sig Zane, Nalani Kanaka'ole-Zane's husband

What’s next

The Halau o Kekuhi, the Kanaka'ole family's hula halau, will continue to kick off the Merrie Monarch Festival's Wednesday night Ho'ike every year, carrying on Nalani Kanaka'ole-Zane's legacy.

The takeaway

Nalani Kanaka'ole-Zane's passing marks the end of an era, but her immense contributions to Hawaiian culture and the preservation of hula will live on through the generations of students and practitioners she has inspired. Her dedication to her craft and her community has cemented her legacy as a true cultural icon.