Kumu Hula Gloria Napualani Nahalea has over 40 Years  of experience teaching, performing, and creating Pacific Dance Arts in Hawaiian, Tahitian, and New Zealand Maori dance. Her performance groups have been known as Rainbow of Hawaii because of the many different nationalities and cultures represented in her “Ohana” (family). Many of her dancers have received awards and invitations to perform at prestigious events. Gloria came to Washington State in 1970 to attend the University of Washington. After graduation she studied under Kumu Hulu Master George Naope, the founder of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. Under George Naope's tutelage she earned the prestigious Hula Palapala (equivalent of a Masters in Hula).

In 1999 she was the recipient of the Washington State Governor's Heritage Award for her outstanding contribution to the enrichment of the culture of Washington State. She continues to actively spread the Aloha Spirit through dance and song to everyone she meets