Mālia Helelā is a prolific artist and composer.  A multi-talented young woman, Mālia grew up in the Micronesian island of Yap and in Kailua, Oʻahu. She enjoys composing mele with her father, professor Dave Bird of Leeward CC. Together they composed “Manu O Ka Pali Kahakō,” a mele inoa name song in honor of Karen Nishimotoʻs retirement from Leeward CC in 2006. Mālia is kumu hula of Na Hula O ka Ola Aloha. Her goal is to encourage baby wellness and strengthen the ties between parent and infant.

Credits: Performance video by Educational Media Center, Leeward Community College; interview video by DMed interns Robert Delim and Kat Camit; post feature photo courtesy of Mālia Helelā