Kawaikapu Hewett is well-known as a prolific hakumele (composer), and winner of numerous awards for his compositions.
Kawaikapu Hewett is the kumu hula of Kūhai Hālau O Kawaikapuokalani Pā ‘Ōlapa Kahiko, established in 1978. In his youth, he received specialized training from his grandmother, Eva Kana‘e, and studied under Edith Kanaka‘ole while attending the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. He also studied with Aunty Emma Defries, and has since been recognized as her protégé. His work in the field of Hawaiian culture takes him off island and abroad on a regular basis. His hālau and mentorships now include students from Kaua‘i, Maui, O‘ahu, Japan, Mainland USA, and Europe. In addition, Kawaikapu has served the hula community as a judge in various competitions, including the world-famous Merrie Monarch, and has generously shared his compositions with numerous hālau hula. He is currently teaching at the University of Hawai‘i, Windward Community College Campus.