Ke Kilo Lani, an exhibition honoring the life and legacy of renowned kumu hula and musician Robert Uluwehionāpuaikawēkiuokalani Cazimero, opened in January at Windward Community College’s Gallery ʻIolani.
The public reception and opening featured a moving program that led with live performances by Cazimero, who sang songs recorded throughout his career, alongside hula performances by members of his Hālau Nā Kamalei o Līlīlehua and Windward CC students.
Emotional experience
Cazimero had an emotional reaction to the display.
“It almost feels like an out-of-body experience,” he said. “I realize this wouldn’t exist without all the people on the wall and the people who come to visit. I’m very grateful for the exhibit.”
Developed in collaboration with the Wāhea Foundation, the exhibition is a complete narrative of Cazimero’s life, spanning his work in music, hula and mentorship. It brings together materials from his artistic and personal life, including photographs, memorabilia and special objects such as his ipu (gourd) and pahu drum collection, paintings, sculptures and his iconic white upright bass.
“Many people know him from different parts of his life,” said co-curator Martin Heirakuji, Cazimero’s nephew. “So to put it together as a complete story allows people to enter through music or hula and then explore Hawaiian culture and its significance.”
‘Education is paramount’
The college setting was also important to Cazimero.
“Education is paramount,” Cazmero said. “One of the best ways to keep stories going is through higher learning and how it can inspire people to tell their story.”
He hopes the exhibition encourages people to tell their stories.
Ke Kilo Lani is on view at Gallery ʻIolani through May 15, 2026, with related programs to follow, including guided tours, community talk story sessions and performances. The gallery is located on the Windward CC campus in Kāneʻohe and is open Monday through Saturday, 12:30–4:30 p.m. For more information, see Gallery ʻIolani and the Wāhea Foundation.
