Māhealaniʻs musicality came as a result of dance. As a hula practitioner, she was trained to chant, to sing, and to play numerous musical instruments as part of dance experience. As a kumu hula (hula teacher) she provides the musical accompaniment for her students both in the studio and on the stage.

It was a small step from there to becoming a recording artist.

Her recordings of Hawaiian and Tahitian music incorporate traditional songs and rhythms. They also feature innovative original compositions. She brings “the village” into the recording studio, including her students and greater community.

The result are highly regarded musical collections which have become widely used by Polynesian dance organizations around the world.