His Hawaiian name means "the beauty of god," and to many hula disciples, he was a master dedicated to hula artistry, studying with many experts during his time.

His passing was yet another loss for the Hawaiian community.

"2006 is becoming a year devious for wrapping its arms of death around dear members of our Hawaiian music company," said Hailama V.K.K. Farden, kumu 'olelo Hawai'i at Kamehameha Schools and a member of the prolific Farden family of entertainers.

Holokai had roots in Papakolea and was a hula protege of and alaka'i (leader) for Tommy Hiona. He also learned the art of dance from his mother, Auntie Alice Holokai, and Namakahelu of Moanalua.

In 1955, he was selected by kumu hula Lillian Maka'ena to impart her knowledge prior to her death. Under her guidance, he was forbidden to drink alcohol or even marry, according to hulapreservation.org.

He also informally studied hula under such veteran luminaries as Mary Kawena Puku'i, Pat Namaka Bacon, Pele Suganuma and Daddy Bray and he considered his hula as an extension of Tommy Hiona's style.

Holokai operated a hula studio on Beretania Street in the 1940s and '50s. In the '60s he mastered the 'ukulele and was a favored guitar player as well. In recent years, he often conducted workshops to share his knowledge and style of hula.

To a younger generation of Hawaiian music fans, he also is remembered as one of original Lei Kukui Serenaders, performing with the late Kawai Cockett.

He was born July 2, 1930, in Honolulu.