Blaine K. Kia received the “rights” to be a recognized and respected kumu hula in 1997.  He has formed and operates his hula schools - The Ladies of Halau Ka Waikahe Lani Malie and The Men of Halau Kahulaliwai. He has since produced seventeen (17) halau hula organizations with a current enrollment of over 2,000 practitioners under his care and guidance.  Aotearoa being his 16th halau.

His lineage of learnings started as a student with the hālau, Men of Waimapuna, under the direction of the late Kumu Hula Darrell Lapenui. Blaine has taught over 30 years with the mentorship of renown Kumu Hula Frank Kawaikapuokalani Hewitt.

Blaine is also an award winning multi-talented entertainer, recording artist, musician and songwriter.  Blaine is also a Hawaiian Cultural Advisor who has worked for Outrigger Hotels, The Princess Ka’iulani Film, Waikiki Beach Walk Plaza, Aloha Festivals Organization and Hawaii FIVE-O.

Blaine lives in Honolulu, HI (Kailua, O’ahu) with his beautiful wife and is a devoted father to three beautiful children.