Tragically, Kauai has lost one of its most cherished cultural icons, kumu hula Leina‘ala Pavao-Jardin, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 51 after an unwavering fight against cancer.
Pavao-Jardin, the renowned leader of the prestigious hula school Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Laina‘ala, had been diagnosed with cancer during the summer of 2024. In a testament to her resilience and passion for hula, she participated in the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo just this past April, showcasing both wahine and kane dancers, as well as a solo performer vying for the coveted title of Miss Aloha Hula. Excitingly, her 23-year-old niece, Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao, clinched that title, adding a personal layer to an already remarkable legacy.
Before the Merrie Monarch Festival, she bravely shared her cancer journey with Hawaii News Now, a reflection of her open heart and strong spirit. Her halau had previously made headlines in 2022 by winning the top honors at the 59th Merrie Monarch Festival, achieving first place in both the wahine auana and kahiko categories.
The announcement of Pavao-Jardin's passing has ignited an overwhelming response from across the Hawaiian Islands and beyond, filling social media with remembrance of her strength, elegance, and grace.
In a heartfelt statement, Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami expressed, "On behalf of the people of Kauai and Niihau, we offer our deepest condolences on the passing of Kumu Hula Leinaʻala Pavao-Jardin, a beloved daughter of our island. Her profound aloha, talent, and commitment to hula have enriched our community and lifted the cultural spirit of Hawaii. She was the heart and soul of Halau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leina‘ala, nurturing generations of dancers with grace, discipline, and profound cultural knowledge, ensuring that the traditions of our ancestors lived on with pride and authenticity."
He poignantly added, "Her presence was a guiding light in our lives, and her legacy will be forever engraved in the rhythm of our music and the elegance of our hula. We deeply mourn her loss, celebrate her incredible life, and honor the lasting influence she has left behind. Kumu Leinaʻala will be profoundly missed."
Musician Kalani Pe‘a expressed his sorrow on Instagram, stating that his heart was broken after cherishing moments with Pavao-Jardin at the Keiki Hula Competition in July. "Your legacy is your keiki, your halau, and the communities you have impacted across Hawaii and around the globe. Your legacy continues to thrive," he remarked.
Radio host Mele Apana shared her grief on Facebook, describing her heartbreak upon losing her childhood friend. She wrote, "I will miss you forever. I know you are dancing with Jesus, sis, and you will serve as our angel. I will forever treasure our memories from when we were children."
Born and raised on Kauai, Pavao-Jardin left a profound mark on countless lives through her hula, music, and teachings, all delivered with incredible patience and compassion. She was once a dedicated student of the late kumu hula Rae Fonseca, who himself learned from the legendary hula master Uncle George Na‘ope.
But here's where it gets really poignant: As we honor such a rich legacy, it raises questions about the preservation of cultural traditions. How do we ensure that the influence and teachings of figures like Pavao-Jardin continue to resonate in the next generation? Engage with us in the comments – what are your thoughts on her impact and the future of hula?
