About Us.

Kamokunani Hula Halau’s founder, Johnette Kamokunani Palumbo, at the age of 4 was taught hula dancing in Honolulu. Her mother Cecilia, immediately saw the talent Johnette had with her gracefulness and eager learning. Her Parents then moved her and her brother to Chicago at age 6.

At the age of 13, with already more than a decade of training by Polynesian dance master, Ms Kekoolani and her mother, Johnette assisted her mother in teaching at random places and doing hula shows while attending high-school.

As an adult in 2001, now married and moved to Rockford, IL, her husband Paul saw an ad in the paper seeking a hula dancer. Curious as Johnette was, she and Ms. Kay did well together. Ms. Kay proceeded to suggest teaching more people to create a hula troupe. She then created ads in the newspaper and a year later, Kamokunani Hula Halau was founded. Johnette began a professional entertainment business out of her home, booking Hawaiian and Polynesian dance shows as well as teaching hula.

In 2003, Johnette gave birth to Kaili Kawai Ululani and at age 5 she too was taught hula. In 2004, Siena Kehaulani was born and was also taught Polynesian dance. In 2007, Johnette and her ohana moved to Bloomington/Normal, IL to start a new business with her husband Paul Palumbo. With the love of her culture, she again wanted to start teaching hula and promoting Polynesian dance shows in a new area. In 2009, Kamokunani began again.

With daughter’s activities, Johnette took a sabbatical for 6 years and now with both daughters graduated, she is starting back to teaching hula again in 2023. With over 40 years of experience, Johnette will be sharing her culture, love of hula and aloha with all who wants to join in classes or a Polynesian show.