The Journey of Inheritance…

The director of Na Lima Aukahi is Kumu Jeanella K. Keopuhiwa, specializing in the traditional Hawaiian healing arts and is licensed by the State of Hawai'i Board of Massage.

In the last decade, Kumu graduated from Auntie Margaret’s School of Lomilomi, where she was also trained to perform the Hawaiian Seawater Cleanse. Auntie Margaret told Kumu, “I want you to teach and spread the work at your hale in the rain forest. You are Lomilomi a me La’au Lapa’au.” Not knowing what the future held, she vowed to do just as she was instructed by her Kupuna.

Kumu continued her training, again as a hanai, with Po’okela Kupuna La’au Lapa’au ‘O Hawai'i, also her grandfather (in law) Henry Allen “Papa” Auwae. She is ohana and haumana. Papa made it very clear that one must have a pure heart and mind to practice the work.

Papa Auwae worked with many haumana (students) over the course of his life. Yet as the last Po’okela Kupuna La’au Lapa’au ‘O Hawai’i; Papa Auwae exercised his right to personally train Jeanella Kaumaiilunaoholaniku Keopuhiwa, the wife of his mo’opuna, Bernard Allen Kehaulani Keopuhiwa.

Jeanella trained beside Papa Auwae for many years diagnosing and resolving health concerns of others. Their primary reference, seven generations of healing experience and wisdom.

Papa Auwae then gave his blessing to Jeanella as his “Chosen One” to continue his works. It was in those precious moments that she was handed the succession torch of his ancestors. Papa told Kumu, “You are ready now, and must continue my work; just start doing it ….” It was then that the “Ha” or “Breath of Life” was passed on to her.

Kumu prepared herself and her grandfather (knowing his passing would be soon) by using a pa’akai ritual that Papa Henry himself had taught her. After meditation Kumu anointed his feet with sacred oils. It was then, in Kumu’s arms that he quietly passed into the next realm.

Kumu Jeanella has been blessed by Akua and her Kupuna and knows that her life work is to "preserve and perpetuate Traditional Hawaiian Healing Arts.”

The Ohana ...

Kehaulani who is referred to by his ohana as Kehau, began his training at the tender age of seven. Having been raised by his grandparents, Papa & Grandma Auwae in Keaukaha, Hawai’i Island., both healers trained Kehau in the traditional style of Hawaiian learning which requires listening, watching, and finally, to do on one’s own.

Once values of respect and caring for the aina on which he lived and the kai in which he played, were instilled and firmly planted, Kehau was handed down the secrets of the aina’s healing properties and knowledge of the ocean’s healing foods, all of which he still utilizes today in his
daily living.

Currently, Jeanella and her husband Kehau practice La'au Lapa'au on the Big Island of Hawai’i and are guided by the same philosophy as their ancestors.