HĀlau Hula 'O Nuku 'Āina
under the Direction of: Kumu Hula Jay Kaneholani-Morningstar
Jay Kaneholani-Morningstar
Kumu Hula
Born and raised in Kapaʻa on the island of Kauaʻi, Jay Kaneholani-Morningstar’s journey in Hula began in 1987 under the guidance of Kumu Hula Keala Kinimaka-Senkus of The Hula Room in Wailua and Kapaʻa. His talent and dedication quickly stood out, and he was chosen as her soloist and later selected to represent the Hālau in competitions across Hawaiʻi. As a keiki and into his teen years, Jay earned multiple titles—carrying the pride of his community and the weight of responsibility with each step.
In 2010, Jay deepened his commitment to Hula by entering formal training once again with his original Kumu, Aunty Keala, who recognized in him both the humility of a lifelong student and the heart of a future teacher. In 2011, following his calling to teach, Jay founded Hālau Makana Pōmaikaʻi ʻO Ka Lani, beginning with just a few dancers and a vision: to share the legacy, discipline, and deep spiritual connection of Hula with others. With Aunty Keala's mentorship and blessing, Jay completed his ʻūniki (graduation) in 2012 and was formally bestowed the title of Kumu Hula.
When he relocated to Grants Pass, Oregon in 2016, his path led him to Kumu Kat Greene of Hula ʻO Nuku ʻĀina. What began as a student-teacher relationship grew into a partnership rooted in shared values. Today, Jay has taken on the role of leader of the Hālau, nurturing a growing community of haumāna (students) in the Pacific Northwest.
As Jay celebrates over a decade of teaching in 2026, his commitment remains grounded in love for his culture, reverence for his lineage, and the responsibility of a Kumu Hula.
When asked why he teaches, he says:
“Hula is my way of life. It's how I stay connected to my kūpuna, to the ʻāina, and to my identity as a Hawaiian. But more than that, it’s a kuleana — a sacred responsibility — to ensure that our stories, our traditions, and it's mana live on.”
Dr. Katherine Greene
Founding Kumu | Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Cultural Arts Advocate
Dr. Kat Greene is a third-generation Chinese American, born and raised in Central California. With a lifelong background in ballet, tap, modern, and Chinese folk dance, she has integrated the healing power of movement into her professional life as a recreation therapist and licensed clinical psychologist for over four decades.
In 1992, she relocated to Hawaiʻi, where she pursued her doctorate in psychology and deepened her connection to cultural arts. Upon moving to Southern Oregon in 1999, she continued her work in private practice while remaining active in the arts and cultural community.
Kat began her hula journey in Ashland with Hālau Aunty Malia and Hālau Hula ʻO Kawai (2009–2011). In 2012, she joined Hālau ʻO Nā Pua ʻO Hawaiʻi Nei under the direction of Big Island Kumu Pekelo Day, where she earned the title of alakaʻi (assistant) and received permission to teach. In 2013, she founded Hālau Hula ʻO Nuku ʻĀina in Grants Pass, Oregon, dedicated to perpetuating the traditions and discipline of Hula.
In 2017, Kat partnered with Kumu Jay Kaneholani-Morningstar of Kauaʻi. Together, they co-teach Hula and build community through cultural education and performing arts. In addition to her work with the Hālau, Kat is a board member of the Southern Oregon Chinese Cultural Association and is an accomplished musician, playing Hawaiian music on the ʻukulele, and Irish fiddle.
Na Kumu
(The Teachers)
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