M. Kona Ka`aihue was raised in Kalaoa on the west side of Hawai‘i Island and graduated from Kamehameha Schools Kapālama. He attended the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where he strengthened the connection to his Hawaiian culture through Hawai‘inuiākea School of Hawaiian Knowledge, earning his bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Studies and Hawaiian Language. Guided by kuleana to serve his community, Kona continued his education and earned his Juris Doctor and Native Hawaiian Law Certificate from the William S. Richardson School of Law, along with a Master of Business Administration from the Shidler College of Business.

Before joining the Law Office of Alen Kaneshiro, Kona served nearly a decade with the Office of the Public Defender, where he developed a reputation for thoughtful, rigorous, and tenacious advocacy on behalf of Hawai‘i’s indigent community. As a Deputy Public Defender, he represented thousands of individuals in criminal matters ranging from petty misdemeanors to serious felony offenses. Through meticulous preparation, strategic negotiation, and steadfast courtroom advocacy, Kona has successfully navigated clients through diverse legal proceedings and has defended and exonerated numerous individuals at trial before both judges and juries. Drawing upon his legal education, cultural foundation, and extensive courtroom experience, Kona approaches each matter with the same commitment to excellence, integrity, and meaningful service to his clients and to the broader Hawai‘i community.