Kananililiaikapela (Nani) Tanaka

• Specialty: Freestyle in singles & pairs
  

• Club: Carousel sherwood fsc

Nani began skating at the age of five in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. As a young athlete, she had the rare opportunity to train at the Ice Castle International Training Center in Lake Arrowhead, California, under renowned coaches Irina Rodnina and Glyn Jones. These early experiences—training alongside world-class skaters—shaped her deep appreciation for discipline, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

While earning her bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Hawai‘i, Nani continued to compete at the collegiate level. In 2002, she relocated to Portland, Oregon, where she has since played a pivotal role in developing figure skating talent across the Pacific Northwest. With over two decades of coaching experience, Nani has guided athletes from grassroots to the international stage, producing regional, sectional, national, and international medalists.

Driven by the mantra “pay it forward,” Nani is passionate about mentoring skaters of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. She fosters a growth mindset and encourages her students to meet challenges with humility, perseverance, and self-belief. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes not just technical development, but also character, community, and balance.