Keeping tradition alive. Meet the artist.
Gordon Umialiloalahanauokalakaua King Kai, and known as, Umi, was and raised in Kaimuki , Oʻahu.
Number six of seven children of Douglas AW Kai of Waiohinu, Moku o Hawaiʻi and Rachel K. King of Waimea, Moku o Hawaiʻi.
He received his B.S. Degree in Marketing at Chaminade University of Honolulu.
He’s been married for 48 years to Janice Leinaʻala Lua of Laʻie. Together they have three sons, one daughter and 14 grandchildren.
He also worked and later retired from the Visitor Industry after 49 years.
In 1967 and in high school, Umi started his journey of making Hawaiian implements. He’s worked on projects for the Bishop Museum, Peabody Museum, Cook Museum, Hula Museum in Japan and many private collectors of Hawaiian artifacts.
Umi uses wood, stone, gourds, coral, bone, antler, horn, wire and cordage. Some of these materials are gathered on hikes throughout the islands and sometimes from friends. Others are offered materials for trade or as part of a commissioned piece.
He tries to stay as close as he can in using traditional materials as well as designs, but, with a lot of traditional materials being endangered or difficult to obtain he needs to use substitutes that are as close as possible.
Currently President of Aha Kane; Olohe Lua of Pa Kui A Lua; Kupuna of Hale Mua o Kualii; Member of Nalehua Kumakua.
Awards
Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award 2021
Ho’okahiko Award from Duke’s Waikiki 2019
Na Mamo Makamae o ka Po’e Hawai’i ( Living Treasure of the Hawaiian People) Awardee 2019
Living Treasure 2018 by Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai’i
MAMo Awardee 2017 by the PA’I Foundation
Educator of the Year 2016 by Native Hawaiian Education Association
Fellowship Award 2015 by Native Arts and Culture Foundation Masters Program 1998 by Hawai’i State Culture and the Arts
Award from Duke's.
Umi Kai with Moʻopuna, Kanani Kai.
Umi Kai on Cover of OHA's "Living Treasures of the Hawaiian People" Edition.
Four of my grandchildren.