KOA WĀHINE RETREATS:

HUI (TEAM) & NĀ KUMU (TEACHERS)

HUI (TEAM) KOA WĀHINE

Dr. Kumu Michelle Manu

Co-Founder - Koa Wahine Productions, ‘Alihikaua (General), Kumu Po’okela Lua (master teacher and school head), and Kāula Kahua Nui o ka Lua (seer and lineage architect).

At Koa Wahine Retreats, Manu serves as a guide and guardian of the Loina Wahine container—holding space for wahine to remember who they are, reclaim their bodies, and step forward as sovereign wahine rooted in lineage, clarity, and strength.

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Manu is a lineage holder devoted to the restoration of feminine sovereignty, self‑protection, and ancestral intelligence in women. A multi-disciplinarian, elite athlete, and master martial artist, teacher, and weapons maker. Her existence disrupts the patriarchal conditioning through penetrating discussions and warrior movements that empower wahine through personal sovereignty, total wellness, and self-protection—restoring their inherent right to govern themselves and move powerfully through the world.

She is a published author, including non-fiction books Mea Kaua ‘o Kaihewalu Lua, The Archetype of the Woman Protector, and The Butterfly Effect.

Internationally recognized for public role in transmitting and protecting the only indigenous warrior tradition of Hawaiʻi—Maoli and modern. Manu is the only high-ranking woman teacher of Lua and the first public representative of a koa wahine lua (woman warrior) in over 200 years. In recognition of her work protecting and perpetuating the Kānaka ‘Ōiwi culture and tradition through Lua, she was knighted as a Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I (Oʻahu Chapter).

Before her prominence as a public Kumu Lua, Manu was a professional Polynesian Hula dancer and choreographer in the diaspora, touring the Midwest for a decade. Today, she uniquely integrates Hula and Lua to awaken timing, balance, biomechanics, intuition, and spiritual authority—guiding women back into right relationship with their bodies and power. She selectively teaches this method internationally, including at UCLA, Honolulu Community College, and her private school, Nā Koa/Pā Lua ‘o Manu.

Through her work, Manu has supported women across the world—survivors, leaders, mothers, professionals, and protectors—particularly those navigating high‑risk environments or life transitions. Her teaching weaves warrior discipline, metaphysical science, wellness, and ceremonial practice into a grounded, compassionate path of self‑governance. Her dedicated students also study Maoli and modern warrior disciplines of metaphysical science, warrior massage, wellness, and conditioning.

Beyond her over twenty years of warrior training under ‘Ōlohe Solomon Kaihewalu, Manu has been a legal professional for three decades. She earned a Juris Doctorate (JD), business credentials from George Washington University, a senior executive leadership credential from Harvard Business School, a master’s degree in Metaphysical Science (MMsc), and a PhD in Philosophy specializing in metaphysical counseling.

Manu is a respected figure in the entertainment industry representing wahine sovereignty and wahine koa in television, film, and live media. She has earned credits as a producer, director, host, fight actress, and fight coordinator, contributing to various films, series, and projects. Her work and expertise have been featured in leading publications worldwide, including Hawaiian Airlines Hana Hou!, Sports Illustrated, Black Belt Magazine, International Martial Arts Magazine, Custom Trends Magazine, Inside Kung Fu, Martial Arts Masters Magazine, Seni Beladiri (Malaysia), Tae Kwon Do Times (Korea), Martial Arts Xperience, Martial Kombat Times, USAdojo.com, KenpoGirl, Herstory, Martial Arts Illustrated UK, Warrior Magazin (Germany), Martial Journal, Immersion Labs, and El Camino The Way (Spain).

Learn more about Kumu Manu at: https://michellemanu.com/

Keala Hill, MS Internet Marketing

Co-Founder - Koa Wahine Productions, Brand Strategist & Business Consultant - BE is for Brand

Keala Hill has a near 20 year long, diverse background as a marketer, conceptual designer, collaborator and entrepreneur. This has cultivated her ability to intuitively see others’ gifts and opportunities. A skilled guide, Keala has helped her clients craft and deliver compelling, authentic marketing communication – both on and offline. Her career in marketing began in 2007 with 4 years of event production and promotions for Hollywood studio films. In 2017 she shifted to designing websites and creating marketing campaigns for innovative small to mid-sized business owners.

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NĀ KUMU (TEACHERS) KOA WĀHINE

These are the kumu who are teaching in our May 2026 retreat.

Kumu Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaole

Kumu Hula of Hālau o Kekuhi, Senior Scholar at The Kohala Center

Kumu Kekuhi Kealiʻikanakaole is an educator who has trained in the tradition of Hula ʻAihaʻa and Hula Pele, chant and ritual for 39 years under Hālau O Kekuhi, named for her grandmother, Edith Kekuhi Kanakaʻole. She was ritually elevated to the status of Kumu Hula (hula master) of Hālau o Kekuhi by her mother, Kumu Hula Pualani Kanahele, and her aunt, Kumu Hula Nalani Kanakaʻole. Kekuhi has co-produced some of Hālau O Kekuhi’s most significant contributions to oral and ritual arts stage performances, namely, Holo Mai Pele, Kamehameha Paiʻea, Kilohi Nā Akua Wahine, Hānau Ka Moku, Wahinepōʻaimoku, Ka Hana Kapa, and CD resources Uwolani, Puka Kamaʻehu and Hiʻiakaikapoliopele.

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Dr. Kapualeinani Beyer Cavaco, PsyD, MS

ANFT Certified Forest Therapy Guide. Clinical Psychologist of Ahonui Psychological Services

Dr. Kapualeinani Beyer Cavaco is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and Kānaka maoli owner of Ahonui Psychological Services on the island of Maui. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Chapman University, a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chaminade University, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Hawai’i School of Professional Psychology. She has worked in numerous mental health settings since 2005 including the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Waimanalo Health Center, Kalihi-Palama CMHC, Honolulu Clubhouse, Hale Kipa, and Home Maluhia.

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May 21st - 24th, 2026 - Thursday - Sunday

Moku o Keawe (Big Island) - Honoliʻi, Hilo

By Invitation Only - Book today and take advantage of early commitment perks!

Pre-register and gain access to limited perks!

Koa Wāhine Journal

Access to join in dinner & small group evening talk-story led by Kumu Manu - limited for day guests.

Merchandise perks will be available for purchase at the retreat.

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