KA MOʻOLELO
Our Story

Ke Kukui Foundation was founded in 2006 by the late Deva Yamashiro.The meaning of kukui is “enlightenment, calmness, sharing and giving.”  The goal and vision of Ke Kukui Foundation is to be able to sustain a Ke Kukui Arts and Cultural Center for the Hawaiian and Polynesian community in the Pacific Northwest, for our keiki (children) and for those that love our culture.  The goal of Ke Kukui Foundation, through its Board of Directors, board members and volunteers, seek to share the Hawaiian and Polynesian culture with great passion and enthusiasm to our community and support the Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders who have relocated to the Pacific Northwest.

KA MEA NĀNA I HOʻOKUMU
Our Founder

Devaʻs journey took her and her two sons, Kaloku and Keawe, from their hometown, Kalihi, Oʻahu to a new home in Vancouver, Washington. As a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner, culture remained the foundation and center of Devaʻs life, no matter how far away from home she was. As a mother, it was her priority to keep her boys connected to their Hawaiian and they did so through music and dance. As a haumana, Deva was blessed to continue her cultural education through hula. 

It was Devaʻs aloha spirit and her love for all things Hawaiian that attracted so many to her and in turn, organically built the beautiful community of Hawaiians and Hawaiians at heart that became the anchor of Ke Kukui Foundation. A mother, a sister, a friend, a kumu, a leader, and a true wāhine mana, “Aunty Deva”, as she was better known in the community, left an impact in the Pacific Northwest for many generations to come. 

In Loving Memory of our beloved Founder, Deva Leinani Aiko Yamashiro.