Pa’i Foundation
The mission of Pa’i Foundation is to preserve and perpetuate Native Hawaiian arts and cultural traditions for future generations. Founder and executive director Vicky Holt Takamine is recognized as a Native Hawaiian advocate and community organizer around the issues of Native rights and the protection of the natural and cultural resources of Hawai‘i that are so vital to the perpetuation of Native Hawaiian cultural traditions. PA‘I is anchored by members of Takamine’s hālau hula (traditional Hawaiian dance school), Pua Ali‘i ‘Ilima. While the perception of hula for many is that it is a form of entertainment for tourists or a hobby for individuals all around the world, hula has been instrumental in the preservation and perpetuation of Native Hawaiian language, art and cultural practices.
Archival courtesy of Kawika Lum-Nelmida.