Keoki’s Paradise has named Sean Puahi Chun as the recipient of its 2026 Hoʻoulu Award, recognizing his lifelong commitment to preserving, practicing, and perpetuating traditional Hawaiian healing arts unique to Kauaʻi and Niʻihau.
“Sean Puahi Chun truly embodies the spirit of the Hoʻoulu Award,” said Keoki’s Paradise General Manager Darin Tann. “His lifelong dedication to preserving the art of traditional Hawaiian healing and sharing ʻike with future generations has made a lasting impact on our community. We are honored to recognize his ongoing commitment.”
Keoki’s Paradise is a Kauaʻi restaurant known for its fresh fish and seafood, island-inspired cuisine, and handcrafted tropical drinks served in a lush, jungle-like setting. Since opening in 1986, the business has been committed to celebrating the culture, people, and traditions of Hawaiʻi.
“Hoʻoulu” means “to foster, maintain, perpetuate, or inspire a tradition,” and Keoki’s Paradise established the Hoʻoulu Award to honor and recognize Kauaʻi residents who dedicate their energy to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture and traditions.
The award was developed as part of the restaurant’s efforts to honor those whose environmental or cultural education contributions have empowered the island community.
A resident of Wailua, Kauaʻi, Chun is a respected practitioner of numerous traditional healing disciplines, including pule (prayer), hoʻoponopono (conflict and spiritual resolution), lāʻau lapaʻau (medicinal herbs), lomilomi hāhā (massage and physical therapy), and lāʻau kāhea (spiritual healing). He is also a practitioner of lua (traditional Hawaiian martial arts), having studied under ʻŌlohe Jerry Walker, Sensei Bruce Keaulani of Kaito Gakko, and Kahu Ken Kamakea.
His life’s work is centered on protecting and perpetuating these ancestral teachings to help build a thriving, healthy, and culturally grounded community.
Through educational presentations and community outreach, Chun honors the teachings of his mentors—Kahu Ken Kamakea, Kumu Levon Ohai, Papa Tom Takahashi, and Aunty Ilei Beniamina—ensuring their knowledge continues to inspire future generations.
Additionally, Chun serves as chair of the Kūpuna Council of Traditional Hawaiian Healing Arts under Hoʻōla Lāhui Hawaiʻi, a Native Hawaiian health agency, and serves on the boards of ʻAha Kūkā Hoʻoponopono and the Kūpuna Lāʻau Lapaʻau o Hawaiʻi. He is the executive director of Pihana ka ʻIkena, a nonprofit organization dedicated to perpetuating traditional Hawaiian healing practices and cultural arts through education, mentorship, and community engagement.
The 2026 Hoʻoulu Award was presented to Chun during a private ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 1. As the newest recipient, Chun joins a notable list of past honorees including Leināʻala Pavao Jardin, Chucky “Boy” Chock, and Michael DeMotta.
