Meet the Specialists

W. Kaumana Barton

Mea Ho‘okipa, Ka‘ūpūlehu Cultural Center

Originally from Layton, Utah, Kaumana moved to Hawai‘i in 1996 where he attended Konawaena High School and Brigham Young University – Hawai‘i. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in International Business Management and Hawaiian Studies. He served a full-time mission in the countries of Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, and Cameroon, where he learned to speak fluent French. He also speaks fluent Hawaiian which he learned from Kumu Kamoa‘e Walk while attending Brigham Young University.

Kaumana enjoys all things Hawaiian. He plays ‘ukulele, guitar and kī hō‘alu (slack key). His talent doesn't stop there. He enjoys making Hawaiian implements, carving and creating anything with his hands

Earl Kamakaonaona Regidor

Ka`upulehu Cultural Center Manager, Hualalai Resort

Born and raised in the quaint sugar plantation village of Pa‘auilo, Hāmākua, Island of Hawai‘i he is the youngest in a family of 12 children. Earl fondly recalls family life in a small community. "Music was always a part of our family," says Earl, "I can't remember one day there wasn't music present - whether it was live or played on a record player. Being "young and carefree" lasted only about 18 years for Earl. Only six months after graduating high school, Earl enlisted in the military, he credits the military for transforming him from a young boy to a man; and later for allowing him to continue his education.
In 1996, Earl joined Hualālai Resort as one of the mea ho‘okipa - or hospitality ambassador - at Ka‘ūpūlehu Cultural Center. In 2006, he became manager of the center and was ordained by Universal Ministries. He now performs weddings and blessings, which adds another fulfilling facet to his colorful life.

Earl's humble upbringing, life experiences, and love for the culture make him the perfect ambassador to share Hualalai's and Hawai‘i's values and culture with those from here and beyond.

Kaleolani Standley

Mea Ho‘okipa, Ka‘ūpūlehu Cultural Center

If anyone has the pleasure of meeting Kaleolani, you will notice her knowledge of plants and love for lei making. Her talents don't stop there. She has learned the traditions of the Hawaiian culture from many cultural specialists. She studied hula under Kumu Aunty Lani Kalama and Aunty Healani Kekela, Hawaiian quilting from Lillian Macedo, weaving from Aunty Elizabeth "Maluihi" Lee and Uncle Peter Park, and the art of haku lei making from Kalili Hansen. Her knowledge expands to the art of Hawaiian implements; ‘ipuheke, ‘uli‘uli puniu, pu‘ili and ‘ohe hano ihu.

Her passion for plants has led her to Marie McDonald's farm in Waimea and Aikane Nursery in Hawi. She is interning as an Ethno Botanical Intern with Amy Greenwell Bishop Museum. At one time she had her own landscaping business which specialized in flowerbeds.