Today we’d like to introduce you to Dion’e Ka’eo-Tamurè.
Hi Dion’e, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Dion’e Kaehukaikanakaokaikoakoakalilianunawahinekapu Ka’eo-Tamurè grew up in a family of 15 siblings, raised with deep values in education, love for people, and missions work. Born on Oʻahu, she also spent formative years being raised in Las Vegas. Her exposure to diverse cultures and experiences laid the foundation for her multifaceted career.
Her journey began as a graduate of Stanford University and she also attended the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts, where her talents caught the eye of the late Kenzo Takada. This pivotal opportunity opened doors to work alongside legendary designers like Gianni Versace. With her skills in Hula and Polynesian dance, pageantry/modeling, and vocal artistry, Dion’e expanded her influence globally.
As an entrepreneur, she built a career spanning fashion, music, pageantry, and public accommodations. Today, she is an exclusive celebrity charity fashion show producer, a mentor to aspiring models, and an advocate for homelessness. Her passion extends to her own organization, working locally in Hawaiʻi and internationally.
Her work is deeply rooted in her heritage and the values instilled in her from a young age. Alongside her service dog, Sanoelani, she continues to create opportunities, celebrate culture, and uplift communities around the world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped my journey and strengthened my resolve. Coming from a large family of 15 siblings, I learned early on how to work hard, navigate differences, and find my voice. As a Native Hawaiian, I’ve faced the uphill battle of preserving our culture and identity in spaces where our traditions are often underrepresented or misunderstood. I am also a system survivor, which means I lived through a wrongful unlawful merit of wrongful arrest, incarceration of mistaken identity and a sexual assault which also landed me on life support that caused a little set back in my life. Legally being supported by the Hawai’i Innocence Project, a case now going on 16 years a fight for my freedom.
Breaking into the global fashion and modeling industry brought its own challenges. Early on, I encountered rejection and bias, particularly as a woman of color from Hawai‘i. It wasn’t easy balancing the demands of the industry while staying true to my cultural roots. Even with mentors like the late Kenzo Takada and Gianni Versace, I faced immense pressure to conform to industry standards while holding onto my identity.
Entrepreneurship came with further trials—leading teams, managing multiple businesses across music, fashion, and pageantry, and staying aligned with my values while building a global presence. Producing seasonal charity fashion shows and mentoring others has been rewarding but also requires navigating high expectations and constant deadlines.
One of the most personal challenges has been my homelessness advocacy. It’s a heartbreaking, relentless fight, often met with bureaucratic hurdles and societal apathy. Seeing the struggles of my community inspires my work, but it can also be emotionally taxing.
Despite these struggles, my faith, cultural values, and the support of my family have been my foundation. Every setback has taught me resilience and reaffirmed my commitment to uplift others through my work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Thank you for asking! My work spans multiple fields, but it’s all rooted in creativity, cultural heritage, and community empowerment. As a native of Hawai‘i, I’ve built a career in fashion, music, pageantry, and public accommodations. I’m a Hula and Polynesian dancer, composer, vocalist, and a runway coach, working to highlight and preserve the beauty of Polynesian culture on global stages.
I specialize in producing exclusive, seasonal celebrity charity fashion shows and instructing models and pageant contestants worldwide. I also mentor and recognize talent through certificates of achievement, celebrating the dedication and growth of those I work with. My advocacy extends to homelessness, where I lead efforts in Hawai‘i and globally to support and uplift vulnerable populations.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to inspire and create opportunities for others. Seeing people I’ve mentored succeed—whether in modeling, pageantry, or life—is deeply fulfilling. It’s also a privilege to use my platform to bring awareness to social issues and to incorporate elements of my Hawaiian heritage into everything I do.
What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to authenticity and cultural representation. I integrate the values of aloha and the spirit of ohana (family) into my work, ensuring it reflects the love and strength of my roots. My journey as a Native Hawaiian navigating international spaces brings a unique perspective, blending tradition with innovation. My service dog, Sanoelani, has been a steadfast companion throughout this journey, a symbol of resilience and the importance of support systems.
Ultimately, my work isn’t just about personal success—it’s about creating a legacy that uplifts others, honors my culture, and fosters community connections worldwide.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played a complex role in my life and career, but I believe it’s often intertwined with preparation, faith, and perseverance. I’ve certainly experienced moments of good luck—like being discovered by the late Kenzo Takada, which opened doors to work with Gianni Versace and propelled my modeling career. These opportunities came at the right time, but they also required hard work and readiness to seize them.
On the flip side, bad luck has also shaped my path. Life has thrown its share of challenges, from navigating systemic barriers as a Native Hawaiian to facing personal and professional setbacks in the highly competitive industries of fashion and entertainment. For example, starting my homelessness advocacy work revealed the stark reality of bureaucratic hurdles and the difficulty of effecting lasting change, which can feel like bad luck but also strengthens my resolve.
What I’ve learned is that luck alone doesn’t define success—how you respond to it does. Good luck has been a blessing, but even bad luck has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying grounded in my values. I’ve leaned on my family, culture, and faith to weather storms and turn obstacles into opportunities.
Ultimately, I believe I’ve been guided by more than just luck—it’s a mix of divine timing, the strength of my community, and my determination to create a meaningful legacy. Whether luck has been good or bad, it has played a role in helping me grow, build connections, and inspire others along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paradiseislandfwhi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paradiseislandfashionweek/profilecard/?igsh=aGhsaWh1anI4Ynhu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1KeYkdYu2N/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dion%E2%80%99e-k%C4%81%E2%80%99eo-79b963190?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Twitter: https://x.com/pifwhi?s=21
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dionetamure?si=ICrVd3t80DUWJDJ6
- Other: https://youtube.com/watch?v=qhDHrMRyOYs
Image Credits
Credits goes to our proud sponsors
Paradise Island Fashion Week Hawai’i
Executive Director Delsie Gomabon and
RIMAN & Kangen Water
Dr Dwayne & Clara D. Priester
Wāhine Hui Ola ‘O Kana Wailoa
Hawai’i Institute of Hair Designs
Americas Next Top Model Alumni Victoria Elizabeth
Lady Toma Gordone
Pikake Enos consignment Fashions & Crafts
Destash Hawai’i
Ann Ebata of My Happy Place Hawai’i Shave Ice
Hawai’i Stevedore
Waikiki Health
Uncle Roddy Lopez of Pandanas Club
Oahu Party Bus
Surf Bar Waikiki
Sugar Bar
Eating House 1849
Olelo Community TV Media (Hawaiian Brian)
Kendrick & Lisa Simmons of 10 to 1 Foundation
Watanabe Flourist
Kamuela Creations