Uncle George Nā'ope was still spry and kolohe at the 2008 Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. Photo: Blaine Fergerstrom

Legendary kumu hula George Nā'ope passes away

By T. Ilihia Gionson / Ka Wai Ola Loa

George Lanakilakekiahiali'i Nā'ope, treasured kumu hula renowned the world over, died October 26 at his Waiākea, Hawai'i home. He was 81.

Nā'ope was born February 25, 1928 in Kalihi, O'ahu and was raised in Keaukaha, Hawai'i. His career as kumu hula spanned over six decades. Nā'ope put much emphasis on hula kahiko as taught to him by his kumu, great-grandmother Mary Nā'ope, Tom Hiona, Joseph 'Ilala'ole, Mary Kanaele, 'Iolani Luahine, Lokalia Montgomery, and Jennie Wilson, among others.

Hard to miss in his bright clothing and extravagant adornments, Nā'ope would make his appearances around Hilo town during the Merrie Monarch Festival even in his illness.

Sharing in Uncle's final days was Skylark Rossetti, host of OHA's Nā 'Ōiwi 'Ōlino radio show and a close friend of Nā'ope's for years.

"(His passing is) not something we didn't know was going to happen, we just didn't know when," Rossetti said. "We were all summoned to his side last week and able to joke and laugh and share good memories. We saw the side of him that we all loved, that spark, that twinkle in his eyes, that wit and humor."

With all that he's done in his life, "there isn't one of us who doesn't have a special George Nā'ope memory," Rossetti said.

"Everyone who will dance hula in his style is his legacy," Rossetti said. "He touched so many people with hula. Whether they from Japan, Mexico, Russia, Keaukaha, or Kaua'i, we've all had that special magic moment with Uncle."

"That we need to carry forward and share it with the world."

A memorial service and celebration is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 6 and 7 at Hilo's Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, where the Merrie Monarch Festival got its start.

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The Office of Hawaiian Affairs bids a fond farewell to Uncle George Nā'ope, who passed away today at home on the Big Island. Kumu Hula Etua Lopes was said to be at his side.

Aloha 'oe, Uncle George, your spirit has touched us all. 

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Read more about George Lanakilakekiahiali'i Nā'ope and his legacy in the November edition of Ka Wai Ola Loa. Not subscribed? Subscribe today!