Merrie Monarch ‘Talk Story’ broadcast to honor late Kumu Hula Leināʻala Pavao Jardin

The Garden Island’s beloved late Kumu Hula Leināʻala Pavao Jardin, who recently passed away after a battle with cancer, will be featured in the 2026 broadcast, “Talk Story: Hula Is Life – Live Like Leināʻala.”

The program is a tribute to her life and legacy, who was kumu hula of Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala.

It will air on Saturday at 5 p.m. on K5 ahead of the final hula competition night during the 63rd Merrie Monarch Festival, which is being held in Hilo on Hawai‘i Island.

The segment was produced by Hawai‘i News Now as part of their “Talk Story” series that broadcasts during the festival. The County of Kaua‘i participated by coordinating a Kaua‘i Made segment to help promote the program and local makers during the broadcast.

The program will also be streaming at www.hawaiinewsnow.com.

“This is a meaningful opportunity to align culture, storytelling, and economic development,” said Nalani K. Kaauwai Brun, Director of the Office of Economic Development for the County of Kaua‘i. “Through this feature, we are able to honor a treasured cultural legacy while also shining a spotlight on the local businesses and makers who help tell the story of Kaua‘i today.”

Jardin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July 2024. She died in October 2025 following complications from the illness. She was 51.

Hālau Ka Lei Mokihana o Leināʻala is competing this year under the direction of Kumu Hula Breeze Ann Kalehuaonālani Vidinha Pavao.

About six months before her death, Jardin was with her dancers at the 62nd annual Merrie Monarch Festival in April 2025, where they won second place overall. The Kaua’i-based group also took home the Miss Aloha Hula title with their soloist Jaedyn Janae Puahaulani Pavao last year.

Through stories shared by her family and hula ʻohana, the special highlights Jardin’s lasting impact on hula, her role in elevating Kaua‘i’s cultural identity, and her lifelong commitment to perpetuating Hawaiian culture.

Part of the “Talk Story: Hula Is Life” series, the broadcast airs during the Merrie Monarch season, a time when audiences across Hawai‘i and around the world are tuned in to honor and celebrate Hawaiian culture, traditions, and hula.

As part of the County’s participation, Kaua‘i Made will also be featured in a dedicated segment spotlighting the program’s 20-year legacy and directing viewers to KauaiMade.net. The feature is intended to showcase the strength of Kaua‘i’s collective brand and create greater visibility for local makers during a high-profile statewide and global viewing opportunity.

The broadcast also provides an opportunity to elevate the County’s Kaua‘i Made program during a significant cultural moment. Kaua‘i Made is the official program of the County of Kaua‘i that identifies and promotes products made on Kaua‘i, by Kaua‘i people, and authentic to the island.

In 2026, the program marks 20 years of supporting Hawai‘i-licensed businesses that create products and handicrafts made on Kaua‘i.

The County of Kaua‘i encourages residents and viewers to tune in on Saturday for this special feature and to support local businesses by visiting KauaiMade.net.

For more information on the Kauai Made program, reach out to Michelle Rego at mrego@kauai.gov.