Nani Elia, creator of iHeartPolynesia, is an internationally recognized Polynesian cultural artisan whose work honors the use of traditional materials and techniques while reaching global stages. Since 2011, she has dedicated her craft to creating both traditional, contemporary and fresh couture ʻahu and adornments that celebrate and represent Polynesia across diverse platforms.
In June 2020, Nani proudly represented Hawaiʻi as one of the national winners for YAHOO Lifestyle, recognized for her contemporary artistry and cultural costuming. In 2018, iHeartPolynesia gained worldwide acclaim when she custom-made a hip belt for world-renowned recording artist Shakira, worn during her El Dorado World Tour. The piece was later featured on Shakira’s official social media platforms, as well as in People.com and Billboard.com, and most recently showcased in the GRAMMY Museum’s “Shakira, Shakira” exhibit (2023–2024).
Beyond the global spotlight, Nani’s artistry continues to uplift and preserve Polynesian culture. Her costume work has adorned contestants throughout the Miss America and Miss USA Pageant networks, as well as in Polynesia’s Miss Hawaiʻi, Miss Samoa, Miss American Samoa, Miss Heilala, and Miss Pacific Islands pageants. She is one of 3 Polynesian costume makers for the world’s largest Polynesian supply store, Aloha Hula Supply, and also works independently as an ʻahu Tahiti maker, creating for dozens of competition groups and soloists worldwide. Through her Etsy platform (2015–2019), she had received commissions by dancers from all 50 states and 31 different countries.
Nani also returns annually to Tahiti, where she is contracted to design traditional competition costumes for top ʻori Tahiti dancers and groups competing in the ʻOri Tahiti Nui World Championships and Hura Tapairu Manihini. Her artistry has also been featured in productions, shows, music videos, the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce ʻŌʻō Awards Gala, and even on competitors at the prestigious World Fire Knife Competition.
Through iHeartPolynesia, Nani continues to share her love of culture, family, and artistry with the world. “Out of all the accolades and opportunities I have experienced in my career, my greatest honor is representing Polynesia in these global spaces.”
iheartpolynesia
More about iHeartPolynesia
“The name iHeartPolynesia was chosen as a tribute to many of my family members that have a mix of different Polynesian cultures—Hawaiian, Samoan, Māori, Tahitian, and Tongan. It also honors the countless Polynesian dancers, groups, and cultural practitioners I have created traditional and contemporary costumes for over the years. Each piece reflects not just artistry, but the deep love and respect I hold for the people and traditions of Polynesia as well as Pasifika people as a whole.”
Cultural Immersion & Training
Voyaging Haumāna
In 2022, Nani began her voyaging journey after being accepted into the Kānehūnāmoku Voyaging Academy Hoa Mau: Papa Hau adult internship program. Through this experience, she trained in waʻa (canoe) skills, teaching methods, and cultural practices—learning not only how to sail on the ocean, but also how to assist in teaching these cultural skills into classrooms and communities across the east side of Oʻahu. Through this program she also became CPR and lifeguard certified to aid in safety for the keiki (children) that learn on the Wa’a (canoe).
Dance History
Nani has participated in the prestigious Merrie Monarch Hula Festival in 2017, 2023 and 2024 with Hālau Hi’iakaināmakalehua Kumu Keano Kaupu and Kumu Lono Padilla, whom she has been a hula haumāna of since 2016. She has also had the privilege of performing in 4 different Japan Hula tours such as Ho’ike Lanakila, Nāhiwahiwa and Osaka Picnic.
In 2025 she had the extreme honor to help build the Merrie Monarch Kipaepae Kuahu with Hālau ‘Ōhi’a (‘Āina stewardship & Hawai’i Ecological Kinship Hālau).
Her Ra’atira in ‘Ori Tahiti (Mareva Nopuente) hailed from Papara Tahiti who she spent most of her adult life learning from.
Marimed Foundation
In 2023, She expanded her voyaging path by cross-training in Marimed’s Maritime Career Explorations Program for Native Hawaiians. This unique program prepares Native Hawaiians for careers in the maritime industry through hands-on training in culinary arts (with WCC), maritime electrical systems, seamanship skills, and includes certification for a U.S. boater’s license. Nani graduated with Cohort 47 and continues to give back by volunteering as crew on student training voyages, supporting the next generation of Native Hawaiian students in their maritime journeys.
Cultural Exchange
In 2022, she was one of five dancers representing Hawai’i in a cultural exchange to Taputapuatea. This cultural exchange consisted of a community show/cultural exchange, a formal ceremony on Taputapuatea Marae, a school visit with Lycée Professionnel d'Uturoa, and many other community interactions. This trip was organized by Porinetia Adventures with the goal of sharing culture and increasing cultural tourism among indigenous Pacific peoples.
In 2024, Nani was invited on another cultural exchange to Aotearoa and stayed in Ohinemutu, Rotorua Tunohopu Marae, engaging in cultural exchanges with various groups, schools, and Marae while in Aotearoa.
The Festival of the Pacific
In 2024, Nani participated as a Hawai’i delegate in the Festival of the Pacific (FESTPAC) in both the Wa’a Village led by ‘Ohana Wa’a, helping to plan the Wa'a Community Day as well as helping with the Educational Wa'a Day for Hawai'i educators. She was also honored to have been one of 200+ Hula ‘Olapa in the FESTPAC opening ceremonies, representing Maui and honoring Lahaina.
In the Community
In 2020, Nani became an Oli student in Lonoa Honua taught by Aunty Kekuhi Keali’ikanka’ole, completing Oli Honua 3 and moving into ‘Ulu Ka ‘Ōhi’a (Hula consciousness seminar in Hula Aiha’a), as well as a KS scholarship-sponsored student in ‘Eu Haumea ('Oiwi Leadership). Through these trainings, she has been able to serve in community ‘Aha such as Ho‘opae Wa’a and Ho‘olana Wa’a for Hōkūle’a, the opening ‘Aha for the Hawai’i Conservation Conference, assist in teaching Hei to Native Hawaiian youth at ‘Aha ‘Ōpio, and assist in cultural workshops at Indiana University for Pasifika students and staff.
Previously, she has independently taught workshops or served as a Guest Speaker at Leeward Community College, Kamehameha Intermediate School and more.
