Beloved Kauaʻi Kumu Hula Leinā’ala Pavao-Jardin dies after cancer battle

The Garden Isle’s beloved Leināʻala Pavao-Jardin, kumu hula of Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leināʻala, passed away on the morning of Oct. 3rd.

Kumu Leināʻala was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2024. She died on Friday due to complications from the cancer; she was 51. 

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā‘ala will join the family at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center for a special prayer in honor of her life this Sunday.

Earlier this year, during the Merrie Monarch, her niece, Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao, was named this year’s Miss Aloha Hula.

Pavao, under the direction of her aunt and kumu from Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leinā’ala, captured the title with a total of 1,162 points.

She also received the Hawaiian Language award.

After winning the coveted Miss Aloha Hula title, Pavao expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and said she was thankful to honor Kauaʻi and make her hālau proud.

As Hawaiʻi mourns Leināʻalaʻs passing, thousands have shared heartfelt messages on social media, reflecting on her memory and the legacy she leaves behind.

One message read, “Aww, sorry to hear. Condolences to the Pavao ohana. Heaven has gained another angel to watch over Hawaiʻi and its people.” Another comment said, “Life is so unfair. I’m heartbroken by this news. She was such a sweet and lovely person—always warm and full of Aloha.”

Kauaʻi Mayor Derek Kawakami also extended his condolences on behalf of the Garden Isle community and Ni‘ihau, stating in a press release that Pavao-Jardin was a “cherished daughter of our island whose profound aloha, artistry, and unwavering dedication to hula enriched our community and elevated the cultural spirit of Hawai‘i.”

“As the heart and soul of Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana O Leināʻala, she nurtured generations of dancers with grace, discipline, and deep cultural knowledge, ensuring the traditions of our kūpuna lived on with pride and authenticity.”

He added that “her presence was a light in our lives, and her legacy will forever be etched in the rhythm of our mele and the sway of our hula. We mourn her loss, celebrate her life, and honor the immeasurable impact she leaves behind. Kumu Leināʻala will be deeply missed,” Kawakami said.

The community is invited to join the family at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center on Oct. 5, from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m., for a special prayer in honor of the life of Kumu Leināʻala Pavao-Jardin.