Nā Haumāna’s Journey
Nā Haumāna brings the Pacific Islands to life, through music and dance, while perpetuating the values of lifelong learning, community, ohana and the foundation of aloha.
Nā Haumāna began in 2018 by Nikki & Keith Garner after being blessed by Ida & Siaosi Veimau of Kaliloa O Kaleo’onalani. Nā Haumāna (“the student”, in Hawaiian) humbly began as a praise and worship group in the garage of our good friend Kristina Sandoval. As we grew, NH merged with Hura Mana, directed by Mahina Nepomuceno.
Covid was a challenging time, but NH was able to evolve and flourish under the leadership of Director Louella Sumler and Alaka’i, Katrina McKenzie and Stephanie Baney. Since then, we have grown to over 100 members of our ohana and have been blessed with our very own dance studio in our community. We have performed all over the Central Coast and the Bay Area. We have participated in events such as Napa Aloha Fest, First Night Monterey, Ink at the Bay, and many more.
Nā Haumāna continues to be directed by Louella Sumler, with the blessing of Aunty Gina Kehau Redira of Kehau’s Hula Ohana. Along with Nā Haumāna’s Alaka’i (leaders)/ instructors, Stephanie Baney & Katrina McKenzie, Nā Haumāna has continued to grow in so many ways. We had our Second Annual Luau, Na Ho’omaka Hou (New Beginnings), in November 2023, with great success, and we continue to perform in various shows in order to educate the community about our culture and values.
As we strive to perpetuate the cultures of the Pacific Islands, we are incredibly grateful for Aunty Noe Noe Kekaualua and Uncle Earl DeLeon, who have joined our ohana as cultural advisors. Under their guidance, we continue our journey of cultural learning with the foundation of aloha.
We are excited for all the blessings and new beginnings for our growing ohana, which we are blessed to say includes our sister halau, Ha’a Hula Te Reva O Te Manu, directed by Aunty Kamaile Smith.
We will continue to move forward as an ohana. Mahalo for all your support.
Meet The Po’o
Aunty Louella
Director
Aunty Louella was born and raised in Seaside, CA. She has danced hula & tahitian for over 20 years. She is blessed by Gina Kehau Redira, whom she credits her dance knowledge and love of hula/tahitian to. Louella took a break from hula to pursue her nursing degree. Then in 2019, she found her way back to hula with Nā Haumāna. Louella began as our beginners & basics (Maile) class instructor in 2019, then in 2021, Akua blessed Louella to continue Nā Haumāna. Aunty Louella works as a registered nurse at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. She resides in Marina, CA with her husband, Uncle Stephen, and their sons, Theo & Aisea.
Aunty Stephanie
Adult Classes (Maile & Lehua)
Aunty Stephanie is California born and Military raised. Home has been everywhere across the country as an army brat then as an army wife. Her love for hula started at 8 years old when her family was stationed in Fort Ord, CA. She continued to dance through middle school until the military took her to another base. She finally found hula again after moving back to Monterey, this time as a civilian. In 2013 she met her sister in Christ and in heart Mae Ruiz-Ignacio of Ke Anuenue Hula Ohana and danced with them until 2017. In 2018 she was recruited by her dear friend and sister in Christ, Nikki Garner, to come dance praise hula with Nā Haumāna. Since then she has been dancing, leading and dreaming with Na Haumana. She currently resides in Marina, CA with her husband, Uncle Rick, of 26 years and their 3 children Christian, Chase and Elizabeth Rose.
Aunty Katrina
Keiki Classes (Pikake) / Admin.
Aunty Katrina is an 831 native, born and raised in Seaside, CA. She started dancing in her middle school years after falling in love with hula watching her Auntie LynnRose dance for many years. She began dancing with Ke Kai O'Huane under the direction of Gina Kehau Redira, but stopped when her father passed. She was recruited by Nikki Garner, starting with worship hula and Bible ministries. Aunty Katrina has been dancing and serving Na Haumana with Keiki classes and administrative development since 2018. Aunty Katrina works for a local non-profit that serves the unhoused and underprivileged communities in Monterey and San Benito Counties. She resides in Salinas, CA with her husband, Uncle Zack, and children Cali, Zackie, and Kaleo.
Kako’o and Kia’i
Kako’o: Aunty Lily, Aunty Lydia, Aunty Nykole, Aunty Amy, Aunty Nicole (Kahea), Aunty Nikki
Kia’i: Uncle Stephen, Uncle Rick, Uncle Zack