Kūha‘o Zane’s story begins just east of Hilo on the island of Hawai‘i, under the shade of an ‘ulu tree (breadfruit). His father planted Kūha‘o’s piko (umbilical cord) under the tree and gifted the ‘ulu tree to him on his first birthday as a symbol of Kūha‘o’s connection to this land. Today, he nurtures the ‘ulu tree so that it will grow, just as he nurtures ancestral Hawaiian knowledge so it can thrive.
As a designer, Kūha‘o uses visual creativity to teach Hawaiian culture through contemporary fashion. As a member of Hālau O Kekuhi, he’s a part of eight generations of hula practitioners, currently led by his mother, renowned Kumu Hula Nālani Kanaka‘ole. As President of the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation, he works with his cousin, Luka Kanaka‘ole, to perpetuate the knowledge and teachings of his grandmother, Edith Kanaka‘ole. Edith was a cultural icon who inspired generations of Native Hawaiians to embrace their heritage when the very core of their cultural identity was challenged.
While the kuleana (responsibility) of his family’s legacy is heavy, Kūha‘o is able to see that potential burden not as a weight, but as a privilege, providing him with a solid foundation to innovate off of. Through study, education, and art, he demonstrates the many ways to mālama (care for) this place he calls home. He encourages visitors to support local businesses and to connect to the local perspective to enrich their stay in Hawai‘i.
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