The history of our 'Ohana

Hula runs four generations in our 'Ohana starting in the late 1940s with Uncle Johnny's eldest sister Jenny ( Lum Ho) Remmers. Aunty Jenny was mentored by 'Iolani Luahine and became a  professional entertainer with Albert Nahale-a performing at Fort DeRussy's Officer's Club in Waikiki, Oahu. In late 1960, 's aunty, Jenny's daughter Pua (Remmers) Chamberlin, would be the first of ten dancers featured in Johnny Lum Ho's Polynesian Revue. They would perform at the Old Hawaiian Village in Keaukaha. As  Uncle Johnny expanded, his sister Margaret (Ahmat Lum Ho) Amana joined his side. Together with other Ohana, they complimented each other beautifully with performances. 

Together with hālau members, they performed with Tavana's Polynesian Spectacular at Waiakea Villa in Hilo. In addition, Johnny Lum Ho's Polynesian Revue performed for the S.S Independence, S.S. Constitution, and countless Luau's.

In the late 1960s, Uncle Johnny Lum Ho's hula Studio participated in the Merrie Monarch Festival. He carries the record for the most Miss Aloha Hulas and countless awards. After much success, the hālau grew in numbers. The hālau moved from Grandma Lum Ho's garage in Panaewa to KTA downtown. Uncle Johnny felt blessed as he would only charge $5.00 monthly for tuition. He would say to those who couldn't afford it, "I would rather have them buy food for the families than worry about paying for hula."

Uncle Johnny's sister Maile (Lum Ho, Pohaku) Vargo joined their side to create more one-of-a-kind music. Uncle Johnny loved his mother Martha Manoanoa Waipa Lum Ho dearly and her stories of old Hawai'i. These unique stories influenced the creation of his compositions which set him apart from other hālaus. In 1982, his mother, Grandma Lum Ho, gave us the name Hālau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua. You would see her in the front row of the Merrie Monarch Festival, watching him perform until her passing. Grandma Lum Ho's faith in God and beliefs in always giving back to the community were seen throughout Uncle Johnny's legacy.  

Uncle Johnny has worked alongside phenomenal hula and musician artists and, most importantly, mentored by only God. Our 'Ohana will continue on Uncle Johnny's legacy with Hālau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua and never lose sight of the promise to our Grandma Lum Ho.