Suzi Ko

Leslie Susan Kawaioniʻokekaikaionaʻokalāni Ko

Executive Director | Traditional Native Hawaiian Healer | Educator | Cultural Competency Advocate

I am a cultural health literacy expert, traditional Native Hawaiian healer, and educator with over two decades of experience in integrative healing arts, cultural competency training, and nonprofit leadership. As the Executive Director of the Holistic Honu Wellness Center in Berkeley, California, I have dedicated my career to preserving indigenous healing traditions while bridging the gap between traditional and modern healthcare practices.

Holding the esteemed titles of Kumu Lomilomi (2004) and Kumu Hoʻōla (2010) through the sacred rite of ʻūniki, I carry forward the ancestral healing practices of my Native Hawaiian lineage. I am a licensed massage therapist (California, Colorado, Florida), a National Board Certified practitioner (NCBTMB), and an approved continuing education provider. My work extends into policy advocacy, public health, and expert testimony, where I contribute to culturally competent healthcare solutions, diversity initiatives, and regulatory compliance efforts.

Passionate about education and mentorship, I develop comprehensive training programs in Native Hawaiian healing arts, cultural health literacy, and palliative care, empowering the next generation of practitioners. My mission is to honor cultural traditions, promote holistic wellness, and advocate for equitable healthcare access.

Let’s connect to collaborate on healing, education, and cultural preservation.