Emily Keononaonapua Makahi, MSW is a kanaka maoli wahine from Honouliuli on Oʻahu, she has been a pono practitioner in the field of community health for 10+ years.

She received her Masters in Social Work (2010) and is pursing a PhD degree in Public Health Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa where she is studying optimizing Native Hawaiian Health through Mana health. Her work focuses on the accessibility and acceptability of Hawaiian practices in achieving overall health and wellness.

In addition, she is a student of traditional teachings from two traditional Hawaiian schools/practices, including hoʻoponopono–Kumu Anakala Likeke Paglinawan and Anakē Lynette Paglinawan–and hula–Kumu Hula Kaʻilihiwa Vaughan-Darval of Hālau Hula Ka Lehua Tuahine.  Emily feels truly blessed and humbled by her ability to learn from such knowledgeable kumu to continue to give life to our traditional practices and provide health and healing to individuals, families, and communities.