Vicky Holt Takamine

Executive Director, PAI Foundation - Honolulu, HI

Vicky Holt Takamine is a renowned kumu hula (master teacher of Hawaiian dance). Vicky uniki (graduated through the rituals of hula) as a kumu hula from hula master Maiki Aiu Lake in 1975 and established her own halau, Pua Alii Ilima, (school of Hawaiian dance) in 1977. She earned her BA & MA in dance ethnology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In addition to teaching at her own school, Vicky taught at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Leeward Community College for more than 35 years. In 2001, Vicky established a non-profit organization, PAI Foundation, to serve the needs of her Hawaiian community and those who make Hawaii their home. She has received numerous awards including the 2016 Doris Duke US Artist Fellow, 2025 Gish Prize, 2025 Honpa Hongwangi Living Treasures and more.