Performing Arts
Explore music, movement, and storytelling in a space full of creativity and culture.
What We Offer
Our performing arts programs offer a vibrant space for you to explore movement, voice, and story. Whether you’re singing in Hawaiian chorus, writing original plays, or learning hip-hop choreography, each class nurtures creativity, confidence, and cultural identity.
Performing Arts Team
Kapena Alapai
Director, Arts and Culture
Kapena Alapai
Director, Arts and Culture
Kapena Alapai is the Director of Arts and Culture at Liliʻuokalani Center, and was born and raised in North Kona, Hawaiʻi Island, with deep roots in Puʻuanahulu and Holualoa. He comes to the Trust after taking part in a 7-year project, ArtChangeUS, working to reframe the national arts conversation by embracing the cultural assets of U.S. demographic change. This unique snapshot into the field shaped Kapena’s understanding of arts and social justice issues amidst a national funding crisis, multiple divisive presidential elections, and ongoing racial injustice.
He returned to Hawaiʻi in 2020, resolved to fulfil kuleana to ʻāina, ʻohana, and kaiāulu, and envision the next generation of artists and culture bearers. With nearly 20 years of dedication to the nonprofit arts and culture sector, He is a committed leader whose career centers on uplifting Hawaiian identity, youth education, and community through creative and cultural practice.
TeHani Gonzado Pimental
Program Manager, ʻŌlino Pathways – Dance
TeHani Gonzado Pimental
Program Manager, ʻŌlino Pathways – Dance
TeHani Gonzado Pimental serves as the Program Manager for ʻŌlino Pathways Dance at Liliʻuokalani Center. She was born and raised in Kaʻelepulu and now resides in the lush valley of Mānoa. She is a passionate advocate for youth development through the arts, leading with innovation, cultural grounding, and heart.
She is the founder and director of her own dance program, now in its 12th successful year. Her curriculum fuses cultural dance and performance-based learning in both Hula and Hip-Hop and has become a trusted resource for students seeking a future in the arts. In addition to her broad dance leadership, TeHani is a former Miss Aloha Hula and the proud kumu and founder of her own hālau hula, Hālau Nā Mamo O Kealamailani.
Throughout her career, TeHani’s mission has remained the same: to inspire and empower youth to reach their fullest potential.
Pua Baker
Dance Instructor
Pua Baker
Dance Instructor
Pua Baker is the Dance Instructor at the Liliuokalani Center with a focus practice in ‘Ori Tahiti (Tahitian Dance). ‘Ori Tahiti has been a passion for her since she was 7 years old. Pua is currently one of the assistant instructors for the Pupu ‘Ori (Tahitian Dance Group) Ma’ohi Nui here on O‘ahu.
She had the honor of traveling the world, including to Tahiti, to compete in various competitions, winning many awards and overall titles. Pua also had the privilege of traveling to Japan to teach workshops to various dance groups there. She enjoys traveling, health & wellness, DIY, hiking, sunsets, and spending time with family.
Trinity Karapani
Youth Engagement Specialist – Dance
Trinity Karapani
Youth Engagement Specialist – Dance
Trinity Karapani is the Dance Youth Engagement Specialist at Liliʻuokalani Center.
Raiatea Helm
Program Manager, ʻŌlino Pathways – Music
Raiatea Helm
Program Manager, ʻŌlino Pathways – Music
Raiatea Helm currently serves as the Program Manager for ʻŌlino Pathways Music at the Liliʻuokalani Center.
Born on Oʻahu and raised on the island of Molokaʻi, Raiatea is deeply passionate about uplifting authentic Hawaiian music and honoring ancestral legacies through the performance and teaching of mele Hawaiʻi.
With over 20 years of experience in the Hawaiian music industry, Raiatea has dedicated her life to preserving and perpetuating the Hawaiian falsetto tradition. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hawaiian Music from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
In her free time, she enjoys going to the movies, golfing with her husband Bill, gardening, and traveling across the islands to spend time with ʻohana and friends—especially back home on Molokaʻi.
Bowe Souza
ʻŌlino Pathways – Choir Director
Bowe Souza
ʻŌlino Pathways – Choir Director
Bowe Souza is the ʻŌlino Pathways Choir Director at Liliʻuokalani Center. Born and raised on Oʻahu, Bowe developed a passion for music early in life. He is also the choir director at Christ Church Uniting and a music assistant at Kamehameha Schools. Bowe earned a BA in Music and a minor in Hawaiian language from UH Mānoa.
Previously, he was choir director and Performing Arts Department Head at St. Andrew’s Schools and taught piano at Kapena School of Music. Passionate about Hawaiian choral music, he has arranged mele for many schools and organizations across Hawaiʻi. Bowe also enjoys traveling, sports, video games, and spending time with friends.
TJ Keanu Tario
ʻŌlino Pathways – Music Teacher/Pianist
TJ Keanu Tario
ʻŌlino Pathways – Music Teacher/Pianist
TJ Keanu Tario is the ʻŌlino Pathways Music Teacher/Pianist at Liliʻuokalani Center. TJ is a Juilliard-trained classical pianist, film composer, and cultural practitioner by day, and fabulous drag artist by night. A multifaceted Kanaka Maoli artist, that meshes composition, piano performance, and drag within the identity & gender of my Hawaiian Culture.
Past teaching experiences have included workshopping Hawaiian Musical based on the life of Queen Liliʻuokalani (Eugene O’Neil Musical Theatre Conference Finalist) – at the University of Southern California in the School of Dramatic Arts Division. Teaching film scoring & music theory to students for the Community Arts Partnership Dorsey High School Summer Program, as well as collaborating composer-in-residence for the Queen Liliʻuokalani Trust ʻOlino Summer Animation Program in 2018.
Jorin Young
ʻŌlino Pathways, Theatre Program Coordinator
Jorin Young
ʻŌlino Pathways, Theatre Program Coordinator
Jorin Young is ‘Ōlino Pathways Theatre Program Coordinator for Lili’uokalani Trust (LT) based out of Lili’uokalani Center.
She was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and is passionate about all forms of performing arts and storytelling. She received a BA in Theatre from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, and prior to joining LT, she worked in the TV and Film industry. Jorin is honored to serve our Queen and support the incredible work that is happening at LT. She is most excited to see what stories our kamaliʻi will share in the center.
In her free time, she loves to support local theatre, sing karaoke with friends, and explore different food venues.
Anneliese Wirsching
‘Ōlino Pathways – Youth Engagement Specialist (Theatre)
Anneliese Wirsching
‘Ōlino Pathways – Youth Engagement Specialist (Theatre)
Anneliese Wirsching is the Youth Engagement Specialist I – Theatre (Part-Time) for Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) based out of Liliʻuokalani Center.
She was born and raised in Hayward, California, and has always had a love for performing arts, specifically theatre and dance. Anneliese received a BFA in Dance from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and, prior to joining LT, worked as a dance educator. She is beyond grateful for the opportunity to share her love of performing with the kamalei, hoping they can find their own joy.
In her free time, you will find her crocheting, reading, and performing in local theatre productions.
Connect with us
Ready to join our community and discover your passions? We can’t wait to meet you!