Leila Leihuluonalani Fernandez Matthews
KUMU HULA
Leila Fernandez was born and raised in the Hawaiian Islands and deeply rooted her life in the traditions of hula, learning the art from a young age through her mother’s work with Les’Lie Productions on O‘ahu.
She began dancing professionally at age 16 and started teaching and choreographing by age 18, working with prominent Hawaiian dance companies, and even exploring jazz dance choreography.
Ms. Fernandez has showcased her talents internationally—in Japan (Tokyo Maihama Sheraton, Nagoya Castle Hotel), Okinawa (Sheraton Okinawa Hotel), Argentina (Sheraton Argentina Hotel), Taiwan (Ocean World), Hong Kong, and many other venues. In Hawaii, she performed at notable locations such as Princess Kaiulani Hotel, Sheraton Waikiki, Moana Surfrider, Sheraton Kauai, along with showrooms like Voyage and Windjammer Cruises. She also collaborated with Hawaii’s stage luminaries including Sam Kapu Jr., KAPENA, Danny Couch, and Jan Brenner.
She is the founder of Seattle Hula Productions, Hālau ʻO Leihuluonalani, and the Kamakana Foundation.
Ms. Frenandez emphasizes that hula is far more than a dance—it’s a powerful connector. She notes that participants often come away surprised by the physical demands (“We didn’t know you have to use so many muscles for basic steps”) while also discovering a profound sense of poise, harmony, and community. She frequently advises her students:
“Stand up tall and be proud of yourself, you are a hula dancer.”
This statement reflects the deep cultural pride integral to her teaching philosophy