Nani Kapoi, Mahi'ai, Culture Practitioner
Roxanne Momilani Kapoi is the eldest of eight siblings born and raised on the island of O'ahu. During her informative years she was exposed and instructed in the art of Lomilomi and Ho'oponopono by her maternal great grandmother Alice Wahinekauluwehiwehiokaona Nahalea of Hawai'i Island.
During the summer Nani lived with her Tūtū Nahalea. During her stay there if she became sick and her Tūtū could not “fix it,” she was then lead to Hawai'i’s treasured healer, Lā'au Lapa'au master Papa 'Auwae. A staunch believer in traditional approaches towards health, Tūtū Nahalea didn’t believe in Kaiser and HMSA. A simple walk in the forest was her pharmacy. While learning to gather lā'au there was no running around and playing. Class was in session and on the agenda was pōpolo, nīoi, noni, 'alaea, 'aloe juice, and others. These were the preferred la’au of choice for a good “Tūtū’s cleansing,” mixed in with a nice red enema bag.
Nani took her first client outside of the 'ohana at the Lunalilo Home where her Tūtū worked. It was there she was instructed to lomi the elderly. Going from room to room Nani would lomi their feet and hands. It was this experience where she learned the values of compassion, patience and the meaning of the saying, “eyes in your hands.” Thru these values Nani instilled a tireless work ethic and the ability to sit and listen. It is because of this that she understands the rewards of hard work and dedication.
Nani’s formal education in Hawaiian Healing Arts began with teachers such as Levon 'Ohai of Kaua'i, (Lā'au Lapa'au), Uncle Alva Andrews at Ka Pä Ola Hawai’i (Lomilomi and Ho'oponopono), Aunty Malia Craver at Queen Lili'uokalani Children’s Center (Ho'oponopono), Earl Kawa'a (Spirituality and Practice applications of Pule), Sheila O’Malley at Ka Pä Lomi Ola (Lomilomi Beginning and Advanced style of Aunty Margaret Machado) and Ken Kamakea (Lomi Hāhā).
Nani credits Ke Akua and her Tūtū Nahalea for her strong foundation and life long path in the Hawaiian Healing Arts. She currently resides on Hawai’i island. She is licensed massage therapist where is uses her gifts giving cultural workshops and caring for clients at Hawaiian Homes @ Lai Opua in Kona. In her free time you will find Nani on her farm looking at lā’au, caring for the 'äina and playing with her farm animals.
Nā Wahi Ola
88-1572 Ala pakaua St
