Edith Kawelohea McKinzie began learning hula, music, and Hawaiian language at home with her family on the island of O`ahu. She was encouraged in hula by her aunt Mary who had been a dancer for the famed Kumu Hula Anton Ka`ö`ö. Her formal training in ancient hula and chant began with Joseph `Ïlälä`ole, and continued with Eleanor Hiram Hoke, whose grandmother was Keaka Kanahele. She also studied with Hoakalei Kamau`u who had been trained by `Iolani Luahine. Auntie Edith is well-known as an educator, genealogist, author, and historian and continues to give to the community through her involvement in festivals, research projects, and hula competitions.