Moanalani began her hula training at the early age of four with Kumu Hula (Hula Master)
Johnny Hokoana. In her early years, she continued training extensively with several
different Kumu in Hawaii. Her primary source of inspiration was the famed Kumu Hula,
Robert Kalani. After making her professional debut, Moanalani starred in the main
revues of several prestigious hotels and resorts on the island of Maui. Her
professional experience includes tenures with the shows of George Paoa, Jessie Nakooka,
The Ohana Revue, and Nephi Hanneman.
Moana is also a teacher, sharing her knowledge with some of the young people of her home town of Lahaina, Hawai'i. Her sensitive nature combines her understanding of the technique with the spiritual and philosophical currents expressed in the Hula. Moana remains firmly committed to sharing her cultural knowledge worldwide. For the past three years, she has traveled to Europe to co-teach several workshops on Movement and Hawaiian Dance with renown German movement teacher Dorothea Jōllenbeck. She also travels annually to Japan to teach hula workshops.
Moana has expanded her role in Keola's performances. She dances, chants, sings background vocals, and plays several ancient Hawaiian percussive instruments, including `ili`ili, ka`eke`eke and Ipu.
Moana continues to study hula with Nona Beamer, noted elder, culture historian, and mother of her husband, Keola. Much of Moana's year is spent dancing, chanting, talking story, and providing percussive interludes on tour with her husband Keola. Together they present a complete sensory experience of Hawaiian music and dance.