Hawaiian Cultural Specialist and Recording Artist

Keale is a Kahu, educator, Ho’oponopono facilitation specialist, and Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning recording artist. He is especially known for his gift of making ancestral knowledge and cultural learning accessible to anyone who wants to learn. Ho’oponopono—creating healing through our differences—is infused in every aspect of Keale’s work. He comes from a family rooted in the traditions of Ni’ihau (the “forbidden island” of Hawai’i), where his mother’s family has been for over a thousand years. This rich cultural heritage has guided him through both formal, institutional learning and traditional, indigenous practices.

Keale grew up with his mother and Arkansas-native father during the Dust Bowl era: they lived in the rich agricultural farmland of San Joaquin Valley among humble ranchers, farmers, and migrant workers. Keale’s passion for sharing his culture eventually brought him back to Hawai’i over two decades ago. In Keale’s 20-year career with the Pacific American Foundation, he created culturally relevant math and science materials for the Hawai’i DOE. He currently works with a team to bring hands-on, college level STEM opportunities to at-risk youth and atypical learners in Hawai’i.

Keale serves as a Kahu to those reviving the nearly lost tradition of Hawaiian tattoo artistry. Through the mutual influence of these practitioners, he keeps close to his ancestral and storytelling past, sharing freely with those willing to listen. Keale is the nephew of Hawaiian music legend Uncle Moe Keale, and first cousin to Skippy and Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. When he’s not teaching or sharing his wisdom as a Kahu, you might find Keale strumming his ukulele with Kupuna and keiki on Windward Oahu.