Maxine Kawahine Ho'omanawanui Charles-Aulelava, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Charles, was born and raised on the Windward side of Oahu in the city of Kaneohe. Her passion for hula ignited at the tender age of 5 when she began dancing alongside her sisters and a small group from her neighborhood. Her fascination with hula only deepened with time. At the age of 10, her parents took her to the Kanikapila Festival Concert at the University of Hawaiiʻs Andrew Anthem Theater, where she witnessed Kumu Kawaikapuokalani Hewitt's mesmerizing hula. In that very moment, they knew he was the mentor Kawahine needed. She soon joined Kuhai halau 'o Kawaikapuokalani pa 'olapa kahiko under his guidance at Ulu Mau Village in Kaneohe.

​

Around 1990, Kawahine made a move from Kaneohe to the Leeward side of Oahu, prompting her to temporarily step away from the halau to explore new opportunities in her career, hula, and nurturing her 'ohana. During this period, Kawahine continued to dance and enrich her hula knowledge under the guidance of other kumu hula(s) in her vicinity. She found joy in professionally sharing and teaching her culture through various avenues and opportunities in Honolulu for several years.

​

In 1999, she returned to Kaneohe, accompanied with her son, Keala Aulelava. Kawahine made the decision to rejoin the halau, dancing for couple years under the direction of Kumu Kawaikapuokalani's daughter, Ula Hewitt, in Kaneohe, and simultaneously with Kumu Kahealani of Kuhai halau ʻo Kahealani pa ʻolapa kahiko at Kualoa Ranch who also came from the same halau legacy. Eventually, she redirected her focus towards hula and became fully immersed in Kumu Kahealani's halau. She believed she had found her true home and calling.

​

In 2001, Kawahine and her son relocated closer to the halau in Ka'a'awa with the unwavering support of her lifetime partner, Mike. They resided in a charming home just off Ka'a'awa beach park. Keala eventually got married, and in 2010, he pursued his career and dreams in Las Vegas, NV.

​

In 2009, Kumu Kahealani entrusted Kawahine with the responsibility of teaching the Kaikamahine Class, while also supporting other classes. This marked the beginning of her kumu hula training. Kawahine completed her training, and in a PRIVATE CEREMONY on Sept 11th, 2011, she earned her uniki rights as a kumu hula under Kumu Kahealani.

​

In June 2016, Kumu Kawahine finally realized her dream and established her own halau in Kaneohe on the Windward side of O'ahu. As a Native Hawaiian, it is her profound duty to pass on knowledge, tradition, and culture. This responsibility is a vital part of preserving their heritage and ensuring the well-being of future generations. She remains steadfast in her determination to teach and share her culture with her students and the community.

​

However, after three years of operating the halau, Kumu Kawahine faced location issues and chose to explore other cultural opportunities. During this time, she earned her Associate's Degree in Hawaiian Studies and her Bachelor's Degree in Creative Media New Technology.

​

Fast forward to May 2021, and Kumu Kawahine found her new home in Las Vegas, NV, where she joined her son Keala and his growing ohana. Here, she eagerly embraces fresh cultural opportunities, taking on the role of the primary Kumu Hula at a Polynesian Culture Studio. Kumu Kawahine remains devoted to preserving her Hawaiian culture and elevating the art of hula to new heights, creating waves of tradition in the desert. Sheʻs also passionately spearheads the Hawaii Abroad Audio Podcast project, where her wealth of knowledge, technological expertise, and cultural background unite to support Hawaii's lahui and resonate with those who've ventured from their Hawaiian homeland.

​

In conclusion, as Kumu Kawahine continues her extraordinary journey, she remains steadfast in her commitment to preserving and sharing the rich Hawaiian culture and the art of hula. With each step forward, she carries the wisdom of her ancestors and the hopes of future generations. Together with the support of her ohana, her students, and the wider community, they will ensure that the spirit of aloha flourishes by carrying the traditions of Hawaii into the future and create new chapters in the story of hula in the heart of the Las Vegas desert.