Our Story
How it all started
VA‘A Beyond is a grassroots movement dedicated to healing and strengthening communities through Polynesian experiences. Here's how it all began.
the galea'i legacy
aloha and ohana
Founded by Alex Galea‘i, VA‘A Beyond began as a personal calling to heal, serve and uplift communities—one individual at a time—through Polynesian experiences. Rooted in faith, family, and the desire to heal, VA‘A has become a safe space for many individuals today.
VA'A began with Alex and his sudden decline in health. To this day, Alex lives with diabetes, neuropathy, complete vision loss in his left eye, cataracts in the other, and undergoes regular dialysis due to chronic kidney failure. He’s currently on a kidney transplant list, and yet, most people would never know the battles he’s facing—because he’s learned to be resilient and to keep moving forward with quiet strength.
His journey with illness wasn’t just a hardship; it was a turning point. Resilience wasn’t something he chose once—it became something he had to practice every single day. Progress hasn’t always been linear, but through it all, Alex learned that "every moment counts."
So with that, VA‘A Beyond didn’t come from a grand plan to start a nonprofit—it grew from Alex’s lived experience and his desire to turn pain into purpose, and struggle into service; to teach and share healing.
Shannon, his wife and full-time certified caregiver, is by his side through it all. Together, they lead VA‘A Beyond, manage full-time jobs, teach at BYU–Hawaii, raise three children, and serve in ecclesiastical leadership roles. Despite the weight they carry, they continue to serve others—especially young people—through performance, culture, and storytelling.
VA‘A Beyond stands as a reflection of that journey: a place where challenge meets culture, where healing is shared, and where performing becomes more than art—it becomes life.
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Their vision has now grown into a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
How va'a came into being
VAÊ»A stands for Visualize and Achieve Beyond. Beyond limits. Beyond horizons. It’s more than just a name — it’s a banner, a calling, an invitation to heal, to rise, and to move forward.
The name VAÊ»A came to Alex while he was sitting in his dialysis chair — a quiet moment in the middle of a difficult journey. As he sat there, the word vaÊ»a came clearly into his mind. He knew it wasn’t random; it was placed there by divine inspiration. He asked, “Why this word?” — and almost instantly, the words followed: Visualize and Achieve.
Alex described the experience himself. When he heard those words, he could truly feel the ocean within him — hear the paddles against the water, feel the mana of his ancestors. Then the word “beyond” came. Beyond where? Beyond the shores our ancestors once knew. Alex explained that our ancestors were always navigating uncharted seas, braving storms and hurricanes. And that became a metaphor for the healing he was seeking. Healing, he realized, is like navigating unknown waters — facing storms, winds, and waves — the very forces that can carry you toward your destination.
VAÊ»A became a reminder that healing is rarely smooth — it takes everything you’ve got, and most days, you’re figuring it out as you go. But Alex learned that if you face the unknown with faith and resilience, every moment counts. He looked to our ancestors — navigators, warriors, wayfinders — whose journeys were powered by more than just skill, but by something deeply divine. As Alex says, “I am who I am because of my ancestors.”​​​​​​​
dance
Alex and Shannon have been teaching for years — students, cousins, family members, anyone willing to jump in and give it a try. They both grew up dancing in their own communities, shaped by their communities and experiences. From international stages to community events, sharing dance has always come naturally to them. Teaching isn’t just something they do — it’s part of who they are.
DRUM
We also love teaching drumming, something that is core to what we do here at VA'A. Alex leads as our main kumu for drumming, bringing years of experience, skill, and a whole lot of passion. If you wanna come jam with us, just show up! We’re fully equipped and have all the gear you’ll need — no need to bring anything.
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