TEACHING PROGRAM FAMILY TIES
Kellie Akana ’ s roots run deep in the game of golf and on the island of Kauai
Ohana , of course , is the gages with the non-profit organizations in the community through
Hawaiian word for “ family .” But the spirit event planning . She also oversees of ohana extends the Hale Kiele snack shop . even further . You might call the entire Hokuala golf community
Hokuala ground quite like Akana .
No one knows the hallowed
ohana for Kellie Akana . Her roots A sixth-generation native of Kauai , with this property – and her affection for it – run nearly as deep as Hokuala at age 16 , working with
she fortified her relationship with the Pacific itself . her father at the Kauai Surf Golf
These days , Akana wears several Course , which later became Kauai hats in her roles as the Director of Lagoons Golf Club , which then Golf Instruction , Community Relations and Amenities at the Ocean “ My father was the superintend-
morphed into the Ocean Course .
Course at Hokuala .
ent at the original golf course She gives lessons , creates player here ,” she said . “ My entire family development programs , and en- played golf . My brother is a PGA
“ My teaching style is simple and basic : always go back to the fundamentals of grip , aim and setup . Most of all , make it fun for my students .”
– KELLIE AKANA ( pictured at left ) professional also . My family would drop me off at the beach and then go off to play golf . Eventually , my mom said I had to join them . I ended up loving the game .”
After Akana attended an LPGA teaching summit led by legendary instructors Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott , she realized that she wanted to teach golf .
“ They made it fun to learn to teach and gave me confidence that I could do this ,” Akana said .
What ’ s most rewarding about being a golf instructor , she says , is when a student hits a shot to their expectations .
“ It ’ s just the thrill they have that they can do it ,” said Akana . “ It keeps me motivated to continue teaching the way I do . I ’ ll do a happy feet dance and lots of high-fives .” ...........................................................
> CLICK HERE to learn more about the Hokuala Teaching Program .
Kawena Hokuala | February-March 2022