Norma Leinaʻala Olsen Liana, lovingly known to many as Aunty Naalei, was born on May 16, 1935, in her family home in Pauoa, Oʻahu. A native daughter of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, she was raised in a family deeply rooted in Hawaiian traditions, values, and cultural practices. She is the daughter of Hiram Kekuahineoualani Olsen and Margaret Kama’e Kahalepuna and grew up in Pauoa alongside her siblings, including Leimomi and Lief-Erikson, in a home where family, culture, and community were central to everyday life. From an early age, Aunty Naalei was surrounded by the richness of Hawaiʻi’s traditions, and those experiences helped shape the woman she would become.

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She attended St. Andrew’s Priory, a historic Episcopal school for girls with deep ties to the Hawaiian community. As a young girl, Aunty Naalei was active, spirited, and full of life. She loved swimming and competed in meets throughout her childhood, with Kapena Falls in Nuʻuanu holding a special place in her heart as a favorite swimming spot. During her youth, she was also a member of the Civil Air Patrol, reflecting both discipline and a sense of purpose at a young age. Alongside these activities, she embraced music and dance, continuing her family’s traditions of entertainment and performance.

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Aunty Naalei’s beauty, grace, and talent were recognized early on

when she became a former Miss Kona Coffee beauty pageant winner.

In her younger years, she was a dancer in Waikīkī and also performed

aboard the famed SS Lurline, where she entertained visitors and

traveled in circles that included well-known figures such as Clark

Gable and Elvis Presley. These experiences made for a colorful and

memorable chapter in her life, but they also reflected something

deeper—her poise, charisma, and ability to carry herself with the

elegance and pride of a Hawaiian woman representing her culture.

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She later worked at the historic Kona Inn, continuing her career in

hospitality while building a life centered around family. Aunty Naalei

began raising her children with Rudy Artuyo and became the proud

mother of six: Rudy, Lenelle, Norman-Bruce, Brandi, Zena, and Hailama.

Her legacy has continued to grow through her descendants, and

today she is the cherished matriarch of a large and loving family that

includes 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 1

great-great-grandchild. Her life has been richly blessed by generations

of ʻohana who carry forward her love, strength, and example.

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Later in life, Aunty Naalei found true love again with her husband, Keoki Liana of Waimea. Together they made their home in Waimea, where they have lived for more than 45 years. In Waimea, Aunty Naalei became deeply woven into the life of the community and has long been recognized as a beloved and respected kūpuna whose presence has touched countless lives. Her home and heart have always remained open to family, friends, students, and community members alike.

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Aunty Naalei has dedicated much of her life to service through Hawaiian civic, cultural, and benevolent organizations. She has been a devoted member of Hale O Nā Aliʻi, the Hawaiian Civic Club, ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu, the Wives of Kamehameha, and the Waimea Hawaiian Homestead Association, participating faithfully in these organizations for more than 40 years. Through these groups, she has contributed to cultural preservation, community support, protocol, ceremony, and the strengthening of Hawaiian identity and values in Waimea and beyond. Her longstanding service speaks to her deep commitment to her people and to the responsibilities of leadership and cultural stewardship.

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For over 40 years, Aunty Naalei has also served as a teacher and kumu of hula and music, making her a cornerstone of Hawaiian education and cultural practice in the Waimea community. Through her teaching, she has helped pass on ʻike, discipline, pride, and aloha to generations of students. Her work as a kumu has extended far beyond dance and song; she has been a guide, mentor, and cultural foundation for many, ensuring that traditions are not only remembered, but lived. Her dedication to

perpetuating hula, music, and Hawaiian values has made her an enduring source of knowledge, inspiration, and strength for her community.

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Aunty Naalei’s life is a beautiful reflection of Hawaiian grace, resilience, talent, and service. From her early days in Pauoa to her years of performing, raising family, and dedicating herself to culture and community in Waimea, she has lived a life rich with purpose and aloha. She is a woman whose story honors family, celebrates Hawaiian identity, and reflects a lifelong commitment to preserving and sharing the traditions of her people.