Kumu Julia Keahi Luahine Sylvester
(1877 – 1937)
Kumu Julia Keahi Luahine Sylvester and other hula dancers on Kaua‘i in the 1890s.
Photo: R. J. Baker Collection, Wikipedia
Descended from a long line of Kaua‘i hula dancers, trained to perform for the ali‘i, Keahi had inspired many throughout her life, including her hānai grand niece ‘Iolani Luahine. Keahi was one of the last royal dancers in the court of King Kalākaua and Queen Lili‘uokalani, and is recognized as one of the foremost hula teachers of her day.
Early Life and Family
Born in a large thatched frame house on the mauka side of Koloa, Kaua‘i on May 3, 1877, Julia Keahi Luahine’s ʻohana advocated to keep hula alive despite missionary influences of the time. Having performed at sacred ceremonies on Kaua‘i, Queen Kap‘iolani brought Keahi to Honolulu to be a royal dancer for King Kalākaua’s court followed by Queen Lili‘uokalani’s. Soon after moving to O‘ahu, she married Frank Sylvester, a prominent Portuguese man who was on the Commissioners Board of Kaka‘ako and was a member of the Kaka‘ako chapter of the Holy Ghost.
SEE ALSO: Significant Women in Hawai‘i History
Lessons from a Legend on 312 Ilaniwai Street
Between 1915 and 1916, Keahi’s nephew on Hawai‘i Island gifted his youngest daughter to his favorite aunt, keeping in the Hawaiian tradition of hānai. In 1916, Keahi threw a first birthday party for a one year old ‘Iolani at the Sylvester home on Ilaniwai Street (across from what is now the popular neighborhood rock climbing gym, coworking space and yoga studio, HIClimb). It was here that Keahi opened her studio to train the next generation of dancers and chanters in the practice of the ancient Kaua‘i school of hula.
READ MORE: Celebrating Women in Hawai‘i History: Kumu ‘Iolani Luahine
Death
Keahi passed away at the age of 59 on April 27, 1937 in Honolulu and is buried at Diamond Head Memorial Park.
BACK TO: Women’s History Month: Celebrating Women in Hawai‘i History