Hōkūle'a Leadership Team
The Hōkūle'a Leadership Team is the life energy, the mana, of the academy. Each leader is a professional dancer at Hōkūle'a and plays an integral role in the formation of the company's growth, prosperity, and future.
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Annjill (Anuhea)
Annjill (Anuhea) is from Kapolei, Hawai’i and has a background in jazz, ballet, hip hop, hula, latin ballroom, and began 'Ori Tahiti in 2019 when she moved to Chicago.
She chose Hōkūle’a because of the quality and credibility. Being part of Hōkūle'a makes her feel close to home and gives her the opportunity to share the Aloha.
Director of Social Media
Emily (Heiura)
Emily (Heiura) joined Hōkūle'a in 2022 after moving to Chicago from Pittsburgh, PA. After studying various styles of dance as a child and finding her way back to dance in adulthood through Middle Eastern Dance, Emily then started learning 'Ori Tahiti in 2016.
She is thankful that Hōkūle'a has allowed her to continue to learn and deepen her appreciation for Polynesian dance and culture.
Director of Internal Marketing, Academy Culture
Hannah (Tiare)
Hannah (Tiare) is from San Diego, CA—it was there where she started Polynesian dancing at the age of 13. When she moved to Chicago after graduating college in 2021, joining Hōkūle’a was a no brainer.
She chose Hōkūle’a because she loves their commitment to staying true and respectful to the cultures of Polynesia, and this community has truly become a family to her.
Co-Director of Youth Development, Teacher
Kayla (Kalea)
Kayla (Kalea) was born in Chicago and has been dancing since she was 5 but fell in love with Polynesian dance at 18.
She chose Hōkūle’a because of their sense of community and authenticity to the culture, in addition to feeling immersed into the true values and customs of the people of Polynesia when teaching the young Keiki (kids) of the academy.
Director of Information Technology
Luke (Mataroa)
Luke (Mataroa) was born and raised in Chicago. Having been in the performing arts since 4 years old, Luke fell in love with Polynesian culture and has danced since 2017.
Luke chose Hōkūle’a because of the cultural immersion it provides, the community it creates, and the opportunity it offers to grow as an individual and leader.