Patrick Makuakāne (Director, Kumu Hula) is a creative force in the hula world, and is well known for his innovative choreography. His work is grounded in the traditions and fundamentals of hula, and he labors to keep traditional dances intact as they have been for generations. He has also developed a unique style of hula (called hula mua) that uses modern music to provide a whole new dimension to the poetry of hula.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai'i, Mr. Makuakāne began dancing at the age of 13 and went on to study with some of Hawai'i's most recognized hula masters, including John Keola Lake and Robert Cazimero.

In 2000, he began intensive traditional studies with hula master Mae Kamāmalu Klein in Hawai'i and, after three years, achieved the recognized status of kumu hula (hula master). This achievement culminated in a traditional 'uniki 'ailolo graduation ceremony and connects Mr. Makuakāne to a hula lineage stretching back for generations. His studies were made possible by funding from a prestigious two-year Irvine Fellowship in Dance.

Mr. Makuakāne has received numerous awards for his choreography, including several Isadora Duncan Dance Awards ("Izzies"). In 2006, he received a lifetime achievement award from the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival.

Other achievements and awards include:
 

• 2008: Creative Work Fund grant supporting a commission by the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival for a new piece, "Maui Turning Back the Sky"
• 2003: Gerbode Fellowship; "Kulia I Ka Nu'u" Award from the Hawai'i Chamber of Commerce of Northern California
• 2002: Individual Artist Commission from the San Francisco Arts Commission for a new piece, "Bow Down Mister"; Goldie Award from the Bay Guardian for outstanding Bay Area artists; Izzie Award for The Hula Show 2002
• 2001: "Local Hero of the Year" Award from KQED-TV and Union Bank of California
• 1999: Izzie for The World According to Hula
• 1998: Profiles In Excellence Award from KGO-TV (ABC)