ISLAND PROFILE
Equestrian holds to Hawaiian traditions
By Tanya Bricking Leach
Advertiser Staff Writer
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| Keikilani Kainoa works to preserve Hawaiian culture through language, dance, music and horseback riding. |
She grew up without learning to speak Hawaiian. As an adult, she has taught thousands of tourists how to experience the Hawaiian way of life through its language, hula, 'ukulele music and horseback riding.
Married for 28 years to a third-generation Parker Ranch cowboy, she's an experienced equestrian who lives at Kahua Ranch on the Big Island.
Q. You meet a lot of tourists. What do you want them to take away after meeting you?
Keikilani Kainoa, 54, director of guest services at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott, is this year's winner of the Naupaka Award, given by the Waikoloa Foundation for perpetuating the aloha spirit and preserving the Hawaiian culture.
A. That Hawai'i is not just a place filled with beautiful beaches but a place that offers a unique way of life, of which I am honored to share with them.
Aloha spirit award
Q. What's your proudest accomplishment?
A. Organizing the first Hawaiian opening ceremony for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas on Dec. 8, 2000.
Q. What's something most people don't know about you?
A. That I have six mo'opuna (grandchildren) and one more on the way.
Q. Our thoughts are with you as you undergo chemotherapy for breast cancer. How has it affected your outlook on life?
A. My outlook on life is still and will always be very positive as I have a tremendous amount of faith in God and have put my life in his hands.
