Kapena Alapaʻi

Kapena Alapaʻi was born and raised on Hawaiʻi Island with ʻohana roots in Pu'uanahulu and Hōlualoa. He is a graphic artist, arts administrator, and culture bearer whose passions come from the intersection of Hawaiian history and culture, social justice, and community benefit. Kapena is a graduate of Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelikōlani Hawaiian Language College at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and holds a Master’s degree in Arts and Cultural Management from Pratt Institute in New York City.

Kapena highly values family and community and works nationally and locally to support both. He currently serves as Project and Development Coordinator and Co-lead for the Community Benefits Training at Arts in a Changing America; with an understanding of deep inequities, highlighted by the changing demographics of the U.S. at its foundation, he works with organizations to deepen their relationship and economic benefit to the communities they serve. Locally, Kapena works closely with a family nonprofit to research genealogy, perpetuate Paniolo/cowboy culture in Hawaiʻi, and steward land and homesteads in North Kona. He also serves as Board Chair of Kahilu Theatre in Waimea.