After the passing of her adoptive family, she briefly returned to live with her biological mother, Cecilia Pai’ohe (who she is now buried with).
[6] Though her great aunt Helen was her original mentor in hula, Ma’iki would later go on to professionally study under Lōkālia Montgomery and officially graduate as an ʻōlapa (dancer) in 1964 at the age of 18.
Ma'iki is noted for bringing back men dancers in hula, as they were in ancient times, the forefront performers in festivals and religious rituals.
So as a Christian it was difficult for Ma’iki to comfortably study the art of hula and its goddess, Laka, but with the help of her tutu (grandmother), she overcame the conflict.
[6] Though Lake was studying to become a nurse through heavy influence from friends and family she was convinced to pursue her dream to become a Kumu Hula (dance master).
She first started her career as a hula teacher by teaching to the Hawaiian Society at Blessed Sacrament Church where they occasionally put on performances.
Many people were critical of Lake's decision at first until it became noticeable that a substantial number of students interested were extremely skilled and devoted to hula.
At the time traditional hula was becoming a dying practice but because of Lake's modern teaching style, there was a new generation infatuated with it and a huge demand from the tourist industry.
At Hālau Hula O Ma’iki, her students learned not only the dance but the traditional genealogies, mannerisms, legends, poetry, and culture of Hawai'i.
To keep the ancient traditions of hula alive, Lake would teach them how to responsibly gather materials to make their own leis, mats, and costumes.
"Even if you were not born in Hawai'i or do not have Hawaiian blood - if you love the beautiful blue sky and cooling trade winds, smell the fragrant flowers of the islands, put your feet in the sand near the shore and feel the warmth of the surf, see in awe the majestic and green uplands of the verdant valleys and mountains ...