Kana’i Nakata is a Honolulu-born, Louisville-raised performer and multidisciplinary artist whose work is rooted in storytelling, ʻohana, and joyful self-expression. They began their musical theatre training at Youth Performing Arts School and Classic Melodies Performance Institute before earning a BFA in Musical Theatre with a Dance minor from Northern Kentucky University. Kana’i’s artistry is guided by Hawaiian values of community, generosity, and warmth—approaching performance as both service and celebration. Favorite roles include Maui (Disney’s Moana Jr.), Flotsam (Disney’s The Little Mermaid), and Princess Puffer (The Mystery of Edwin Drood).

During the pandemic, Kana’i expanded their creative practice through drag, discovering a deep love for fashion, costuming, and transformation. This exploration led to the founding of Aupuni Wigz, an Etsy-based wig business specializing in custom-styled synthetic lace front wigs for drag artists. While performance remains at the heart of their work, design and wig artistry serve as powerful extensions of their storytelling—allowing Kana’i to help others feel confident, radiant, and fully seen. Across stage, studio, and design, Kana’i brings a relaxed yet magnetic presence, grounded in culture, creativity, and care for community.