Meet our culture Experts

michelle manu

Michelle Manu is internationally known for her accomplishments as a 10th Degree Black Belt, Alihikaua (General), and Kumu Lua(teacher) of the indigenous Hawai’ian cultural practice and martial, the Lua (Kaihewalu and Manu lineages).

She is presently the only woman to be given the designation of “Knight Commander” of the Royal Order of Kamehameha I (O’ahu Chapter), for her continued work in protecting, promoting, and perpetuating the Hawai’ian culture through the Lua

Api Tora

Api was born and raised on the island of Fiji before attending BYU Hawaii to study Cultural Anthropology and Performing Arts.

In his 28 years at the world famous Polynesian Cultural Center, Api worked as a dancer, demo guide, musician, and cultural instructor, and is credited with the choreography and composition of their Fijian performances.

Api has had the privilege to travel much of the world as a Polynesian cultural performer and instructor. He is happily married to Sulu Toro with 6 sons.

Kiri Fualautoalasi

Samoan cultural consultant Seiuli Faanana Tuiafelolo Tafaoimalo Kiri Fualautoalasi is an active Matai (Chief) in the village of Sapapalii, Savaii, and the district of Falealili, Upolu, Samoa. He was educated at Samoa College, HPU, and BYU specializing in History and Political Science, as well as a Polynesian Cultural Center Dancer.

“(Ua)Ia ola i fale le laau a Nafanua” – the club of the War Goddess Nafanua (shall) become effective.

“I pray for this project to succeed not only in entertaining visitors and our children but also in educating them about the historical aspects of war that have been suppressed and sentimentalized for far too long.”