John Ka'imikaua is the kumu hula of Halau Hula 0 Kukunaokala, established in 1977. At an early age of 14, he met his benefactor of his Hawaiian knowledge, Kawahinekapuheleikapokane. This was the beginning of his knowledge of the genealogy of his line of kumu hula, which reverts back to Laka (from the island of Moloka'i) and five more generations beyond her Ka'imikaua, like Laka, has dedicated his life to share all his knowledge. Kumu hula Ka'imikaua has served as a judge at the Merrie Monarch Festival, and has been instrumental in the growth of the annual festival, Moloka'i Ka Hula Piko, a celebration of the birth of hula on Moloka'i.