With 8,000 hours of training with Mālia Helelā, kumu hula (master teacher of hula), Doris has earned the position of alaka’i hula (hula leader) under Kumu Mālia. She sings and plays ʻukulele while dancing hula, inspired by the example set by her teacher. 

Born to Japanese parents in Hawaii, Doris grew up speaking both Japanese and English. A true daughter of the islands, Doris exudes a vivacious warmth and genuineness for what she loves and believes in. Doris is well-loved for sharing her aloha. Starting from her years working at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Doris loves to share every good thing her island home has to offer. Whether in a teaching or ambassador capacity, Doris lends an infectious enthusiasm.

Doris took her first dance class at the University of Hawai’i, where she met now-husband Mark in a ballroom dance class. Hula ʻauwana has been a passion of hers since 2013. Steadily absorbing hula with our kumu hula Mālia Helelā has increased Doris’ love of the dance, and correspondingly, her desire to learn the Hawaiian language. Doris humbly aspires to embody the sacred grace and beauty of hula, and to pass on the love of this cultural treasure. She gives liberally of her hula talents and knowledge.  Hula continues to make her a better person as it is imperative to dance with a pure heart and joyful smile.