Moani Akana

Parade Director
Aloha Festivals Hawai‘i Island

 

Moani Akana was born and raised on O‘ahu, attended Chaminade College and has held various positions including working at Hawaiian Telephone, Honolulu Police Department and several law firms. In 1987, Akana moved to Kamuela, Hawai‘i where she currently is an administrator specialist for the Canada France Hawaii Telescope Corporation (CFHT). Since 1991, Akana has been heavily involved in the Aloha Festivals, in various capacities including as a pa’u rider, Equestrienne /Pa’u chairperson, Royal Court kahu & Mo’i Wahine. Through Aloha Festivals, Akana has met and traveled with the Hawai’i Pa’u Riders in Honolulu to the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena & the Helldorado Parade in Las Vegas. This year marks Akana’s 3rd year as the Parade Director in Kamuela.

In addition, Akana is active in community work, including serving as the secretary for our local chapter of the Ahahui Ka’ahumanu Society, volunteering in projects such as Keiki Fest, Hotel Association Walk-A-Thon, Star Light Party and the American Cancer Relay for Life. For the last 15 years, Akana has also been a student of Kumu Hula Michael Pili Pang, Halau Hula ka No’eau and has been fortunate enough to perform on different stages throughout our islands and in Montreal, Canada.

Akana is the mom of Ikaika, Keanualoha, Moani Jr. and the Popo of Kiani, Kylie, Luke and Izea and she has drafted all family members to volunteer with her including walking in a parade, the pooper scooper crew in a pa’u unit, harvesting lehua to make lei po’o and riding a golf cart down Kalakaua Avenue.