Hoakalei Kamau'u performs this dance in the Kanahele tradition from her aunt, Iolani Luahine and Lokalia Montgomery (1903-1978), both of whom learned it from Keakaokala Kanahele and Eleanor Hiram. She plays only the pahu drum, without the accompanying puniu drum.

The chant, according to Kanahele, was first performed by the goddess, Hi'iaka, younger sister of Pele, the volcano goddess, as she traveled through O'ahu on her way to Kaua'i to fetch Pele's lover, Lohi'au. Ko'olau is the name for the windward side of O'ahu, which is characterized by steep, lushly vegetated cliffs and copious rainfall driven by northeasterly winds.