Kaio Foundation
Hula Kahiko (ancient dance), Oli (traditional chanting), and Moʻolelo (oral history/storytelling)
Kaio Foundation is a Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander nonprofit organization dedicated to cultural preservation, education, community wellness, and empowerment. Rooted in the cultural traditions and intergenerational leadership of Hālau O Lilinoe started by Sissy and Lincoln Kaio, the Foundation works to strengthen connections between Hawaiʻi, the Pacific, and diaspora communities as practiced within the Kaio, Halau O Lilinoe a me Na Pua Me Kealoha lineage. Through cultural workshops, educational residencies, music, storytelling, and community-based programming, Kaio Foundation creates opportunities for cultural practitioners to share ancestral knowledge and nurture future generations. Its Lālā I Ke Kumu Residency Program supports the transmission of traditional Hawaiian knowledge and practices through direct engagement with cultural practitioners, emphasizing cultural responsibility, meaningful relationships, and the perpetuation of living traditions.
Living Cultures
2026
Lālā I Ke Kumu Residency Program
Funds will support the Lala I Ke Kumu Residency Program, covering master practitioner honoraria, travel for cultural specialists, and materials for traditional implement making. This investment ensures the authentic transfer of hula, oli, and moʻolelo from established lineage holders to the next generation of community cultural leaders.
