George Lewis Lanakilakeikiahiali`i Na`ope passed over at his home in  Hilo in the early morning hours of October 26, 2009.

You are missed dearly by all who loved and knew you.

February 25, 1928 - October 26, 2009

George Lanakilakeikiahiali`i Na`ope,is a world renowned Kahuna nui, Kumu Hula, Hula Master, Lo`ea, and one of the worlds most knowledgeable historians of Hawaiian chanting and hula. He began his studies at age three, under the tutelage of his great grandmother, Mary Malia Pukaokalani Na`ope, who lived to be over 100 years old. Their lineage goes back to Pa`ao, well known cornerstone figure in Hawaiian history. At ten, George studies continued under Kumu Hula Joseph Ilala`ole for ten years. Just after high school, Uncle George moved to Honolulu where he opened the George Na`ope Hula School. He later furthered his studies under Kumu Hula Lokalia Montgomery and Tom Hiona. 

"Living Golden Treasure" and "Treasure of Hawai`i"  Uncle George's lifelong commitment to perpetuating Hawaiian culture through the sharing of his vast knowledge of Hawaiian chants, language, and hula has been recognized by both the Governor, the State Legislature of Hawai`i, and the President of the United States.  He was honored with the "Living Golden Treasure" designation by the Governor and State Legislation of Hawai`i in 1960, and named in the Smithsonian Institute as a "Treasure of Hawai`i" by President George Bush, Sr.

The myth, the legend, and the man (written by Keawe) Uncle George is continuously bridging the gap with Hawai`i’s hula and culture.  Similar as with Hawai`i’s last King, David La`amea Kalākaua, the “Merrie Monarch” many years ago, it has been through Uncle George’s efforts that hula was revived for the Hawaiian people and through his legacy hula continues around the world.  Starting with the “Olympics of Hula” – the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, Uncle George has helped to organize many groups and organizations around the world.  He taught hula in many countries such as "Japan, Canada, throughout Europe, the Orient, South Pacific islands and the United States".  As the gap closes, “Hawai`i’s Golden Treasure” has been the Ambassador of hula promoting our culture and making all societies feel 'Hawaiian at heart.'  Uncle George represented United States at the royal wedding of Japan’s Emperor Akahito, son of Hirohito.  Representing Hawai`i, he welcomed President Franklin D. Roosevelt at Hawai`i’s Volcano House and President John F. Kennedy in Honolulu.

Uncle George is diligent in his quest to keep the aloha spirit and hula alive in Hawai`i and around the world.  He also served and was instrumental with the Hula Preservation Society of Hawai`i. 

I am deeply humbled and honored, and it is with heartfelt gratitude and tremendous pleasure to have enjoyed Uncle George's friendship, support, and belief in me in gifting his permission and blessings to teach Hawaiian cultural studies (La'au Kahea) in the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the world.  

In order to perpetuate his wishes the following entities were created by Uncle:

Halau Hula Is Hawaii Trust dated December 5, 2007

Hula Is Hawaii LLC

George Naope Foundation   

To an immense spirit of a man housed in his menehune body who was ever giving of his aloha, wisdom, support, and loving kindness,

Mekealoha pumehana Uncle. Without you, our world is more dim.  

808-557-5224

maggie@maggieconnor.com

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