Hālau Nā Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu

The convergence of many years of preparation, instruction and dedication results in a lifetime of prepared excellence, learnedness and passion. Such is the hula path of TeHani Kealamailani (Gonzado) Pimental, now Kumu Hula of Ka Hula O Kealamailani.

TeHani started her deep interest in hula in 1980 with Kumu Hula Luka Kaleiiki. After Kaleiiki, TeHani continued to grow her hula knowledge with Kumu Ed Collier of Hālau O Nā Pua Kukui and Kumu Leimomi Ho of Keali‘ika‘apunihonua Ke‘ena A‘o Hula.

In 1993, TeHani would begin training with Hālau Nā Mamo O Pu‘uanahulu under the direction of Kumu Kula Sonny Ching—well regarded for his ability to match culture, tradition and ingenuity into his dance technique.

A few years later, TeHani was called to Las Vegas, Nevada to be with family. While in Las Vegas, TeHani joined Nani Ola Hawaiian Dance Company. In 1997 she became Miss Kau I Ka Hano and Miss Iā ‘Oe E Ka Lā in Pleasanton, California.

TeHani’s passion started to blossom and in 1998 she returned to Hawai‘i and joined Hula Hālau O Kamuela under the esteemed Kumu Hula, the late Paleka Mattos and Kunewa Mook. In 2000, TeHani was asked to represent the hālau as its soloist at the foremost hula competition, Hawai‘i’s Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. After months of studying and dedication, TeHani went home with the top prize of Miss Aloha Hula.

TeHani graced stages across the world as the premier dancer for The Brothers Cazimero—Hawai‘i’s top male duo. Amy Hānaiali‘i—Hawai‘i’s highest selling female vocalist—has utilized TeHani’s expertise on stages throughout Asia, Hawai‘i and the continental United States.

TeHani’s flourishing hula career opened new doors for her as she ruled the morning radio waves on KCCN with a three year run on Clear Channel’s Island 98.5 – at the time, Hawai‘i’s number one morning radio show. These professional strides allowed TeHani to be a part of the Merrie Monarch’s television hosting team, where she provided color commentary and insight on preparation and training.

In 2009 TeHani wanted to make firm her commitment to hula and returned to familiar surroundings with Kumu Hula Sonny Ching. Pimental underwent an intense training of Ching’s techniques, fashion and above all, knowledge. In October of 2011, TeHani achieved the title of Kumu Hula. A title nearly 30 years in the making which started with a determination of learning hula.

In June 2012, TeHani opened the doors to her very own hālau, Ka Hula O Kealamailani.

In 2004, TeHani married one of Hawai‘i’s top producers and musicians, Shawn Pimental. The couple has two children, son Tahitoa born in 2009 and daughter Teheiara born in 2011. TeHani and her husband are partners in Koops2 Entertainment and have produced music greats like Nā Palapalai, Kainani Kahaunaele and Three Plus.

Hula has been good to TeHani; it has taken her throughout the world to share a love that has rested deep within from an early age. Hula has done more than brought grace to her movement across a stage; it has provided a basic foundation in life, dedication.