Rising Photographer
October 2024 | By Sarah Hodges
Our dear, once-little Kaiehu Helelā is making a place for himself in the big world, and we are so proud of him for that!
Congratulations are in order: This summer, after his first semester, Leeward Community College awarded Kaiehu the prestigious John Young Scholarship in recognition of his talent and dedication to photography. What’s extra special about this achievement is that Kaiehu himself did not apply for the scholarship. Seeing his natural talent, and studiousness, Kaiehu’s professors took it upon themselves to put Kaiehu in the running for it. And, he won the scholarship!
“Now, who is Kaiehu?” you may be wondering if you are new to Still & Moving Center. He is son to our kumu hula, Mālia Helelā and twin brother to Waiea, all of whom have been a vital part of Still & Moving Center since we opened. When Kaiehu was just 5 years old, his mother moved her hula halau (school) to the studio, and Kaiehu began his journey alongside it. Over the next 13 years, Kaiehu and Still & Moving have grown together, each building their own path.
From an early age, Kaiehu immersed himself in dozens of Still & Moving Center’s creative offerings. He participated our early Easter celebrations. In many of our Diwali festival of light performances, he embodied characters such as the brave Prince Ram, or Lakshman slaying demons, or even a demon warrior himself.
He danced in his mom’s hula halau, inspiring the adults around him, and eventually mastered the role of ho’opa’a, drumming for his mother and her students. He represented us at the World Hula Conference in Hilo in 2018, one of the youngest among thousands of dancers from around the world. Kaiehu has always exemplified the true meaning of family by supporting his mom’s cultural activities, demonstrating a family solidarity that inspires us all.
Kaiehu explored every children’s class we ever offered—from aerial to Capoeira, Kung Fu to the Journey Obstacle course, and of course, hula. Even as a child, he displayed mindfulness and a sense of the sacred, often meditating on a rock by the stream behind their house, collecting Buddha statues, and showing a deep connection to classical music’s magic.
Reflecting on the honor Kaiehu, shared, “This award means so much to me. I was only brought up for consideration because of my photo Professor Phil Jung and all of my wonderful art professors. I can just hear them encouraging me, saying, ‘Keep going.’”
Kaiehu currently serves as the photographer for Leeward’s student publication, Ka Mana’o. On his creativity, Kaiehu shares:
“The origin of my creative passion and artistic drive starts with my mother, a kumu hula, artist, writer, musician, and overall beautiful human being. She instilled within me a deep love of life and expression. She is my number one fan, always cheering me on!”
Most recently, Kaiehu received an invitation to attend and represent Ka Mana’o at the National College Media Convention in New Orleans this fall. “This is the nation’s largest gathering of college journalists, media students, and their advisors,” explains Kaiehu. “This visit to New Orleans is one of the most exciting trips I’ve looked forward to in my life!”
We are beyond thrilled for Kaiehu as well.
Kaiehu’s passion for photography is clear: “Photography is a relentless pursuit for me,” he shares. “Whether I’m pursuing meaning, my visions and ideas, or connection, my ultimate goal is to connect with people through my work and to make them feel. I love photography, and there is still so much I have yet to reach. My drive comes from my wish to show others the way I see the world. There is so much beauty and meaning in life, and my journey is figuring out how to capture it all in my own way.”
“On the theme of my younger life, Still & Moving Center is the space I grew up in, with my mom working there over the past 13 years. I am so fortunate to have spent so much time there with the community.” Now, Kaiehu steps into the spotlight as a promising, emerging photographer.
Kaiehu’s strong, early dedication to his meaningful craft serves as a shining example of Still & Moving’s motto that encourages all who step through its doors: ‘Claim your magnificence!’
We look forward to Kaiehu’s photography, documenting life at Still & Moving Center as we and he both move into the future.
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This post is also available in: 日本語 (Japanese)