Hawai’i is an island state with limited resources. With the passage of time and the influx of new forces, those diminished, posing a serious extinction threat to our people, culture, heritage. From an early age, Robert Cazimero has learned to share our Hawaiian culture.

Robert Cazimero’s mark on the Hawaiian music recording industry has spanned more than five decades.  From his early days with the musical group the Sunday Manoa, to recordings with his late brother, Roland as the Brothers Cazimero, and as a solo artist, he has received 25 Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards.  In 2008, the Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Artists presented the Brothers Cazimero a Lifetime Achievement Award. In this same year, Robert was singularly distinguished as USA Fellow for his work and achievements as a Composer, Musician and Kumu Hula (recognized and designated source of hula knowledge).

Cazimero’s passion for hula began when he was a student at Kamehameha School, learning hula from Winona Beamer. After graduating from high school, he began studying with renowned Kumu Hula Maiki Aiu Lake. He became a kumu hula in 1973 and brought Lake’s vision of an all-male hālau (hula school) to fruition with the formation of Hālau Nā Kamalei o Līlīlehua. It is believed that this hālau is the world’s only all-male hula halau. To date, Cazimero has graduated three classes of kumu hula, chanters and advanced hula dancers.

The Wāhea Foundation was formed to ensure the continuation of Hawaiian teachings, traditions, music and dance as inspired by the mastery of Robert Cazimero for generations to come.