Living the Aloha Spirit, a Hula at a Time.

Hawaiian before Hula

noreply@blogger.com (Tania Mo'ikeha) — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 04:11:00 +0000

Aloha na hoaaloha,

I have finally the feeling its time to get back to blogging.

Just to sit down and type a few things on what has been going on in my little world can be difficult since my hula has been taking a back seat for me. Yes, believe it or not I am making some changes now in my life and my hula will now be on the back burner. There are a couple important reasons for taking this stance that I would like to share with you here is the first one; My new focus will be my ‘olelo Hawai’i, my Hawaiian language. And here’s why:

Alaka'i Ahonui and I last year's huaka'i to Spain.

For the past 30 + years I have been working very hard to ‘uniki as KumuHula. I have devoted years of blood, sweat, and hula tears. I love my hula passionately. It is what I truly love to do all the time. I love to dance hula. I love to teach hula. And I love to study hula, research the mele and learn everything I can about a hula. I really love to choreograph hulas too. Luckily it was one thing that always came more easy than hard.

And I really love to share hula by teaching others. Hula makes me feel more Hawaiian. Wow, I can't believe I just said that. Well, why wouldn't I?

Starting with my Aunties and mother, I have had a few good teachers on my hula journey and I've had a few great teachers too.

Although sometimes practicing hula was hard to do as a kid I do have many wonderful memories of it. And as an adult, I have taught many wonderful people from all over the world how to dance, while still enjoying my own study of mele hula. Teaching hula was never work for me , I loved it too much. But here's the stickler: I don't know my Hawaiian language, and Hawaiian must come before the hula.

Looking at the website of Ka Haka 'Ula O Ke'elikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language right away it states: 'O ka 'Olelo ke Ka'a o ka Mauli, -'Language is the fiber that binds us to our cultural identity.'

The language is what binds us, not simply our hula, hmm. Remember who said,

"Hula is the language of the heart and therefore the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people" . Kalakaua, Hawaii's last reigning King.

Both phrases are very profound, but its the language that sustains a people in my opinion and I'm going to start gaining a perspective of why I now feel this way and I'm starting by putting my Hawaiian language before my hula.

Hope you can follow along on my new journey. See you soon.

Merrie Monarch 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:46:00 +0000

Ke welina mai nei.....
Greetings to all! Did you get to see this years Merrie Monarch 2012? No? Well, let me share some great videos I liked. Check out this first one from Halau Hula O Kamuela:
Not only did this award winning halau use the Kala'au, but they used the not seen often Papa hehi. This halau is very competitive, always performing last in the competition because that is how the halau's are lined up. The later the halau performs, according to the competition standards, the better they are. At least that's what I think. As great the performance was, it didn't even place this year! What?! Using a hula implement as they did should have placed this halau even if it was 5th place!

This next halau is a personal favorite of mine, The Academy of Hawaiian Arts:

Big winners in California, but not so big to the judges of Merrie Monarch. I love this halau for its bombastic style and no holds barred kind of hula. Not to mention Kumu Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu's rich and powerful chanting style. Again, no placing this year either...sheesh, no surprise there. Kumu Mark is beyond this competition...oh yeah I said it. If the MM let the public vote like American Idol this halau would win hands down, every time!..oh yeah, I said it!

The following 2 halau's are 1st and 2nd place winners in Women's Kahiko.
Halau O Ke 'A'ali'i Ku Makani with Kumu Manu Boyd:

I love this Kumu who is also the lead singer for Ho'okena. I wonder how many halau Ho'okena sang for this year, since I saw him a few times at the mike working hard for everyone..now that's aloha.... Did he deserve a first place win? I think for his traditional style and knowledge of hula yes he did. I'm just not sure it was his dancers' best performance at Merrie Monarch. I still admire this Kumu very much. He was the best on the mic when he mc'd for the competition. No dead air and lots of mana'o.

Halau Mohala 'Ilima:

Big winners this year along with their solo performance, Kumu Mapuana De Silva and Halau Mohala 'Ilima are regulars at Merrie Monarch with their recognizable unique style and a sure crowd pleaser. No doubt traditon at its finest. I think this year's judges were good, and reminded us that at this competition tradition is the word and 'getting back to basics' was the theme. I only wish they would open a new category for "best new artistic achievement award", then I know my favorite halau would win! What do you think?
Check out more great hula videos at youtube.com ...and don't be afraid to comment below! A hui hou!

"Nona Beamer: A Legacy of Aloha"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 09:36:00 +0000

Aloha....I'm posting this flyer today of the movie my dear friend at Chameleon Productions created of Hawaii's dear Aunty Nona Beamer. The premiere of the movie to be shown Saturday after the Merrie Monarch Parade. For those that knew her or those that admired her from afar, if you can make it I highly recommend you see this film. You can view some trailers here:
http://chameleon-chameleonproductions.blogspot.com/

I haven't seen the movie yet, but you will see me among many who loved her.
Let me know what you think. This is a great time for the film to make its public debut during the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival week.

Unfortunately on a sad note, another precious treasure has left us, Kumu Hula O'Brian Eselu of Halau Ke Kai O Kahiki.
His halau from Waianae, Ke Kai O Kahiki, was among the leading halau in the past several years, taking first place overall at the Merrie Monarch in 2009 and 2010.

Ke Kai O Kahiki swept the male categories in 2010, taking first place overall and first for male halau, for male hula kahiko (ancient hula) and male hula 'auana (modern hula).

It was in 2010 that Kahula O Na Mamo O Mo'ikeha performed before Kumu O'Brian and his men at the Kalakaua Park during MM week. He was such a kind and gentle man and I wished I could have spoken to him, but we were all very busy with the events of the day. He did mention to the audience that day about a young boy that was dancing with us to keep up the good work because he could see the boy had a lot of potential. Well, that made the young dancer very happy.

A very gifted musician, but even a better Kumu so I have heard said. You can find O'Brian Eselu and his music on itunes. He will be greatly missed.
Have a great Merrie Monarch Week!

Merrie Monarch Hula Festival 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:09:00 +0000

Aloha kakou!
Yes, its that time again when hula permeates Hilo! April 8 - 14.
Starting with the Ho'olaulea, Sunday April 8 at the Afook Chinen Civic Auditorium 9am. This has Free admission so be sure to catch it. They will feature local halau that you won't want to miss.

One of my personal favorites is on April 11; the Arts and Crafts Fair will have started, but be sure to bring lots on kala ($), your gonna need it!
This is a wonderful event that lets you see the local talent out here in the Islands and you can always find some new fabric from Polynesia and of course hula implements too.

Also be sure to check out The Music Exchange http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Music-Exchange/121186501226560 across from the Edith Kanaka'ole stadium will have some of my Ipuheke for sale. (ka'u kane makes!) These ipu are the best handmade in all the islands of course! And yes, they come with the pale and kaula.
Next is the free exhibition night of hula, international performers, and music.
6:00 pm, Wednesday, April 11th at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. This is truly a pleasure to experience, even if the crowd is huge! I think doors open at 4pm, which means you need to get in line at 2p?!
Ha! You figure it out, only be prepared for the wait.

Follow this link; http://www.merriemonarch.com/the-festival for more information on the week's activities. Also, a not to be missed program at www.imiloahawaii.org that will offer some very enriching cultural workshops for locals and malihini alike! You will love it!
Okay, after some sadness comes the gladness and happy-to-be-Hawaiian-ness!
So get out there and enjoy some Hula!!!

In Loving Memory Kumu Raylene Ha'alelea Kawai'ae'a

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 04:52:00 +0000

I never knew tears could feel so good......

until I opened my heart and found they come from the same source
as boundless laughter

Instead of blurring my vision, they bring beauty into focus

Instead of burning my cheeks, they wash away dusty dryness

i used to hide behind.....

Let sorrow have me now for surrender has freed me
to savor the bittersweet nectar that flows

in measureless abundance

from within....

My heart is heavy for Hawaii's loss of Kohala's most precious Kumuhula,

Aunty Raylene Kawai'ae'a. Sadly she passed away from a single car accident on March 9. This dear lady my family has known for many years. I started my teaching career in Kohala because Aunty Raylene opened the door for my journey back to my Hawaiian heritage and my beginnings in the Kupuna Program . Aunty went on to a position at Lili'uokalani Children's Center and I took her position at Kohala Elementary and Hala'ula Intermediate.

A most self-less and beautiful individual full of 'aloha' for all. If you met her for the first time, Aunty always made you feel like you knew her forever....So full of compassion and joy for others and always with a smile on her face. I will always remember her 'smile'. I used to look in the mirror and tell myself, " put a smile on your face like Aunty Raylene and give 'aloha' to everyone you meet!"
Among Aunty's many attributes, she also was a master in Ho'oponopono, the process of 'making things right. I so wanted to attend the service in Kohala for anake, but my health has prevented me from going, so I just wanted to say something from me to Aunty Raylene.....watch this video and you can feel her aloha.....

Although, I haven't seen Aunty very much, but every now and then. I know she knew how much she meant to me. Knowing she was always within reach was a comfort, but now I will miss her so much knowing I can't just call her. She will always be in my heart.

Aloha wau ia 'oe e anake and mahalo ke Akua for sharing an angel with us....

Dedication at Pahukini

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 08:38:00 +0000

Aloha kaua!

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! As I am sitting here looking forward to what just may be my most meaningful and

inspiring New Year, I wanted to share with you a little glance of gratitude for the journey hula has taken me on last year and how it has influenced my life. These photo's are but a glimpse that can be had when you follow the path of hula.

With my most recent visit to O'ahu and my sister halau from Kailua and Japan, here we are at Pahukini for a pahu ceremony where we dedicated our pahu (drum) for use in traditional hula.

These beautiful pahu above were made with much thought and inspiration. Each ho'opa'a painstakingly worked on their own design that they added to the traditional style pahu .

Pahukini, sits quietly at left behind the simple chain link fence. Posted with the National Register of Historic places in 1972, the heiau was officially dedicated in 1988.

Pahukini, means 40,000 drums. Said to have been built by 'Olopana, of my kupuna Mo'ikeha 'ohana.

It started out cool with a heavy downpour right after our ceremony that forced us to leave in a hurry. Here i am at right with my dear hula sister from Japan, Leimamo.

Its not unusual for such sacred ceremony to bring tears of joy to the hula folk.

Below Kaimi and Springs hold on to the moment.

Here Kumunui at realhula.com and Kumu Sandii of http://sandii.s168.xrea.com/studio/ two of the most dearest of friends and Kumu Hula.

Before the Pahu ceremony we had prepping and gathering to do:

These are the hula dancers from 'Okinawa. They were so nice to be around. Yes, hula on Okinawa!

Along with the pahu, some of us made kilu, the small drum or puniu, the knee drum like the ones above

with real kala fish skin. Aren't they lovely? I mean the puniu?!

Leiawapuhi and Makanalani enjoy the hula dancers Hawaiian gathering rights!

Okay, it's getting late now and the site isn't doing what i want so time for me to put up the pc.

I will post more photos soon of my journey in hula. I hope you enjoyed seeing what fun a hula life can be. In my little corner of the world.

A hui hou,

Mo'ikeha

New Hula Kahiko Begins!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 03:20:00 +0000

New hula kahiko class begins!

Aloha my friends, my topic today is my new hula kahiko class.

If you didn't know already, along with 'modern hula' or 'auana, I teach traditional kahiko. That is hula known as ancient hula. This type of hula refers to the hula passed down from generation to generation before the 'ukulele hula's that we have come to know. It is not easy to start a new class of traditional hula. Especially, if you have adult dancers.

In the old days the hula practitioner would begin to teach hula to children or the young adult.
A student is much easier to teach when they are young and their bodies are pliable. Strong and flexible. Can the adult student be taught kahiko? Absolutely, especially if they are ready to learn.

An older student can usually follow the style being taught easier than if they had never danced hula before. Yes, I find that to be more true, because it can be hard to 'unlearn' a foot motion, or body motion that you have been doing for however long. In our 'olapa class we learn the basic foot and hand motions that are so consistent that it can translate a moment in time and history. Motions that can express the feeling of a person, or describe a place or a famous deity is so remarkable that this Hawaiian dance has grown to become the most beloved of all the Polynesian dances.

Our basics are just that, basics, which means they don't change. 'Basics' are the foundation of hula that once learned will never be forgotten. Each halau is different. So what is true in one school may not be the same in the other. Ka hula o na mamo o Mo'ikeha is considered a 'water' halau, very fluid with lots of motion. In both our kahiko and 'auana hula.

My new 'olapa students are off to a great start. They are excited and so am I and we are all ready to take on the challenge to learning the traditions that make hula what it is today.

Do you think you have what it takes to be a hula dancer? I invite you to check out the video above where you can see alakai'i Ahonui demonstrating a hula 'auana I created for our recent Macomber 'ohana reunion. If you would like to learn 'Ka Ua o Ha'ao' - written by my cousin Shaula, send me your email and i can send lyrics and motions. Yours in hula!

The Best Wedding of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 22:38:00 +0000

Aloha na hoaloha!
So much has happened since my last post. I will promise to continue posting on a regular basis from this day on! Yeah, right!
Anyway let me share with you the wonderful things that have been going on. Two months ago I was honored to have the opportunity to officiate at Ahonui & Esau's wedding on May 15. It was a beautiful day with family and friends coming from as far as Samoa to California. The wedding took place at Puna coastline across Malama Ki Forest Reserve. Yes, that is Kapoho-Kalapana road for those of you are familiar with the area. It was a warm yet beautiful day for a wedding. This was a perfect spot for the young couple to share their vows and although it was a little warm everyone was patient while the bride was 'fasionably late'.
We had some chairs placed there for Kupuna and even had a porta potty dropped off that turned out to be displaced about half a mile , but all in all it was a perfect ceremony with myself and Mama Chioke (Esau's mom) assisting. It was a large wedding party with 8 groomsman and 7 bridesmaids! You can see by the picture how beautiful everyone looked, especially the bride. I was definitely the proud mother that day.

I actually had to psych myself out the previous week so as not to spoil the day with an overflow of tears of joy. Only for a second was there a glitch during which i had to sniff a bit, and that was only at the very end when I said "...by the power invested in me by the state of Hawaii..." only then did it hit me. One hears these words all the time, but until it was directed at my daughter did the words have a different ring. Anyway, I'm happy to welcome my dear Ahonui to married life.

48th Annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:07:00 +0000

Okay, so its that time again!

Yes, when all the world comes to Hawaii for the 48th Annual Merrie Monarch Hula Festival. This is hula competition at its finest and a chance for you to see how hard and fun hula really is. Hula is a discipline and an art form that can be expressed in many ways, and yesterday was the beginning of the festival that will last through next Saturday. Sunday it kicked off at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium with all styles on exhibit. Different halau from the Big Island performed the kahiko (old) style and new ‘auana (modern) hula. All ages dance hula because there is hula for everyone and that’s what I really love about my Hawaiian culture. Hula is there for anyone who has a desire to dance. Young, old, male, female, rich, poor. It doesn’t matter. It’s the aloha that carries the dance along. The beautiful mele and chant that have been passed down through the ages or the simple melody of Waikiki. It is wonderful and its yours! So hurry up and get here. Official competition begins Thursday evening at the Edith Kanaka`ole Stadium with the Miss Aloha Hula to be announced. On Friday begins the coveted kahiko competition and Saturday will follow the ‘auana and then the awards are presented. In the mean time, there are numerous hula demonstrations around Hilo during the day and of course, the exciting Ho`ike Night Free Exhibition, always the crowd favorite. And a crowd there will be, so bring your chair for the line outside!
Visit this link to find all the halau you follow with times and days: http://www.hiloliving.com/MerrieMonarch2011
Aloha, a hui hou! (sorry, links are not working for me today!)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:57:00 +0000

Class 1 (part one): An Introduction To The Hawaiian Language

noreply@blogger.com (Ahonui) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:16:00 +0000

If you have been wanting to learn the Hawaiian Language from home then you've come to the right place. These videos are meant to teach anyone desiring to learn the Hawaiian Language according to their own schedule and use it in the home. There are many opportunities for learning Hawaiian and I created these series of videos to make it easy and fun.

Enjoy this video. To get all of the materials necessary to follow through with the program, click on the tab "Learn Hawaiian" at the top of this site for more information. Mahalo nui for visiting this site! Stick with it and you will be fluent in Hawaiian!

Me ke aloha!

The Shattered Vase

noreply@blogger.com (Ahonui) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 04:56:00 +0000

Princess Kaʻiulani

This past Saturday evening I attended the hula drama put on by Kumu Hula Paul Neves. He is the Kumu for Hālau Haʻa Kea o Kinohi. He has students that dance in the hālau from Hilo, Washington and San Francisco.

In case you haven't been to something like this before, a 'hula drama' is a play that incorporates hula dances and a storyline. This type of play may or may not incorporate Hawaiian instruments as the percussion, contemporary songs, hula kahiko (traditional hula) and ʻauana (modern hula). Sometimes contemporary songs can be used as the music in which the hula is danced to. This can be a beautiful thing. I like to see these types of hula because it gives the audience an understanding into what it may have been like to witness a hula in the olden days. Nowadays, not everyone speaks ʻōlelo (the Hawaiian language) so unless you study hula you miss all of the richness that the lyrics bring through the dancer. When a Kumu choreographs a modern hula to a modern song, it can give us an experience of what it would be like to understand the Hawaiian Language as someone dances hula.

Knowing the Hawaiian language gives a deeper understanding into what the hula is about. The dancer becomes what it is they are dancing about. For instance, as with the play, the person who played Kaʻiulani had to "become" her. Her persona, aura, feelings and expressions come out through her performance and her hula. Just as actors embrace their roles in theatre, a hula dancer embodies the quality, character or traits they are dancing about. In addition to fully expressing the story, a hula dancer must know the general meaning of the dance as well as the "hidden" meaning of the dance. Hula chants and dances are very poetic. There are metaphors weaved throughout them. For example, pua, meaning flower, may also refer to a child or chief. There is an ʻōlelo noʻeau (wise saying) that states, "he lei poina ʻole ke keiki" which means "a child is a lei you never forget." I know you can picture the arms of a precious child clasped around a loved ones neck.

Kumu Paul Neves

In the Shattered Vase, Kumu Paul Neves was able to talk story at the beginning and end of the performance. It was beautiful because the audience was able to learn a little about his background, him growing up in California, and his move to the islands. This play was done to honor the statement that Queen Liliʻuokalani had given when the state was annexed, and also to honor the efforts of Kaʻiulani in demanding justice for the Hawaiian people.

This hula drama stuck to the traditional style of dance. I liked this play in particular because I got to learn something! Learning is one of my favorite things so I really liked that they included genealogy, moʻolelo, hula, facts and Kaʻiulani's efforts. It was wonderful to see a play that was meant to inform the audience not just entertain.

Queen Liliʻuokalani

My favorite part of the whole play was when Queen Liliʻuokalani, Kaʻiulani's aunt, presented Ke Aloha o Ka Haku, also known as the Queen's Prayer. That was the time I began to cry! It was very moving and so relevant to today! She was so smart and I believe that that song can truly heal people. I was deeply moved by it. It is a song that sings about forgiveness. Queen Liliʻuokalani was imprisoned in her own home because she protested the Republic of Hawaiʻi (even though it sounds like it was a Hawaiian government, it wasn't- it was put in place by foreigners who wanted control over how business was run so they could make a bigger profit). When she was imprisoned in her palace, one of the songs she wrote spoke of forgiving all of the wrongs they have been done. (Did you know you can read her entire autobiography online? You can read it here).

I would like to leave this song with you now. Please use the song in your life to bring peace and love and to understand forgiveness. I know you will like it:

Ke Aloha o ka Haku

ʻO kou aloha nō
Aia i ka lani
A ʻo Kou ʻoia ʻiʻo
He hemolelo hoʻi


Koʻu noho mihi ʻana
A paʻahao ʻia
ʻO ʻoe kuʻu lama
Kou nani koʻu koʻo


Mai nānā ʻinoʻino
Nā hewa o kānaka
Akā e huikala
A maʻemaʻe nō


No laila e ka Haku
Ma lalo o kou ʻēheu
Kō mākou maluhia
A mau loa aku nō


ʻĀmene

Your loving mercy
Is as high as Heaven
And your truth
So perfect


I live in sorrow
Imprisoned
You are my light
Your glory, my support


Behold not with malevolence
The sins of man
But forgive
And cleanse


And so, o Lord
Protect us beneath your wings
And let peace be our portion
Now and forever more


Amen

An Island Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Ahonui) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 07:05:00 +0000

In case you've been wondering where I've been, I am totally encompassed with planning a wedding!! ARGGH! (And I mean that in the most loving way possible!) I love my hubby and am so happy to be getting married to him in May. It is so close that sometimes I want to pull my hair! Why? Because there is so much still to be done!

Although I have been in a wedding before as a bridesmaid, I haven't really understood what it is to fully prepare this type of event. Just when you think you've got one thing marked off the checklist (like centerpieces), something else pops up! I am currently looking at the food menu and getting all kinds of details together. Planning this wedding is definitely giving me perspective on what all of the other couples have gone through! (Props to all you brides out there!) I am definitely looking forward to this wedding and am also anticipating which of my friends and/or family will be getting married next so I can kōkua and be a part of the madness all over again!

Our wedding will be outdoors in the elements on the Puna coastline. It is a beautiful place overlooking the ocean (one of my favorite places to be besides a bookstore!) My love is an ocean and māla type-o-guy so this location is really perfect for the both of us. Just this past weekend we had a photo shoot with a photographer from Ocean View! It was a lot of fun.

Well, that's the latest update right now- my mind is going non-stop over every little part of the wedding. How do those wedding planners do it? I guess if that is your 8 hour job during the day you can get a lot done. I am getting as much planning in as I can AFTER work! Yikes! No wedding planner for me! (All this talk about weddings makes me want to watch some lovey-dovey movies). Love ya!

Hawaiian Language University

noreply@blogger.com (Ahonui) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 03:50:00 +0000

Is it possible that after so long we can actually choose whether or not we want university level instruction in English or Hawaiian?

Hopefully the answer to this question will be YES very soon. The Hawaiian language is an official language of Hawaiʻi along with English. There are day cares, preschools and K-12 Hawaiian medium schools (meaning ALL subjects are taught through Hawaiian) throughout the islands. Our university system is making its way into that arena as well.

Senate Bill 1070 of Hawaiʻi looks at establishing a university within a university. Specifically, a Hawaiian Language University to be established within the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo. Why is this a good thing? Because it provides choice to its students on if they want to attend an English speaking or Hawaiian speaking school. This bill will also open the doors for other universities to provide that same opportunity for their communities if they so choose.

I will keep you updated on how everything turns out. You can read the entire bill at: SB 1070.

Welcome To The Hawaiian Language

noreply@blogger.com (Ahonui) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 20:00:00 +0000

A Day In The Sun

noreply@blogger.com (Ahonui) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:32:00 +0000

Today was a beautiful day I was able to spend with my fiance and some friends at a very secluded spot on the Big Island. It's amazing how there are places here where you can still go and feel like you are the only one on the island. No one was in sight. We hiked down a muddy road for about 5-10 minutes. There were overgrown trees that created a canopy on our trail, and as we looked around there was nothing but lush forest. We continued down this road until the trees opened up and we came to lava and ocean! It was so beautiful: beautiful blue skies overlooking the pali (cliff) that dropped into the ocean, and when you looked side to side there was nothing but coastline and pūhala (pandanus).

Directly in front of us was a small pool of ocean water but instead of venturing into the ocean here we decided to take another short walk along the rocky lava to our destination. Now let me tell you, this rocky coastline is not your typical rock- it's the SHARP rock that you really want to be careful when walking on. So here I am with the thinnist slippers I have! I totally forgot to pack some hiking shoes! I was imagining the points in my feet getting natural acupuncture.

When we arrived at the bigger swimming pool it was beautiful. The water had gathered above the pali due to the waves splashing up on the rocks and yes the sound of the waves hitting the side of the pali was a roaring crash. Very loud. So we swam and fished and had a wonderful time. The water was sparkling and the sun kissed our skin.

Now that I'm back home in my house I wonder if sometimes people get carried away with work and other menial tasks that suck out our energy? It is very important to take time out for yourself- to LET GO and enjoy the moment. You need that break in order to recharge and get your energy back. I realize that the way I am able to "recharge" myself is by going to the ocean. I let go of my never-ending tasks and say, "Today is a day to not worry about anything. My work will be there when I get back." I then give myself permission to have fun and soak up the sun!

I really want you to ask yourself how you recharge. How do you get your energy back? Do you ever let yourself LET GO and enjoy at least 1 full day- without worrying about tasks and things to do? I guarantee you'll still have just as much things to do as if you had worked crazy-hard non-stop, so you might as well give yourself a day---FOR YOU--- to remember what life is really all about.

Puakea Nogelmeir

noreply@blogger.com (Ahonui) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:16:00 +0000

As I sit here listening to the rain fall on the trees outside of my house, I thought about introducing you to an author, kumu hula and professor who will give you great insight to the Hawaiian language and culture. What's so great about him is he has taken the time to learn about a culture & language and adopted them as his own. We all play a vital role in our communities whether or not you know it. Each one of us is important. Puakea Nogelmeir chose to impact the Hawaiian community in a positive way (and no he didn't know that this is where his choice of learning the Hawaiian language would lead him!). Enjoy this link: http://www.pbshawaii.org/ourproductions/longstory_guests/nogelmeier.htm There is and audio interview and pdf file to read.

A Few Simple Greetings in Hawaiian

noreply@blogger.com (Ahonui) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 04:47:00 +0000

Aloha to you! In this blog I wanted to give a little language lesson on how to say a few simple phrases in Hawaiian. Please continue reading below to learn some Hawaiian:

Aloha kakahiaka = Good morning
Aloha ʻauinalā = Good afternoon
Aloha ahiahi = Good evening

Just the word ALOHA is sufficient enough as a greeting as well and here is why: the words we speak are powerful. Everything we say carries an energy to it and it is therefore very important to choose your words wisely. A question you might ask yourself is, "how does my body feel when I say this word?" Do you get a burst of positive energy? Or perhaps your spirit feels tired after saying a particular word.

When saying a word, its energy touches everything around you- it touches the person you are speaking to, the people close in proximity to you, the space/environment you are occupying, not to mention your own physiology. The more "positive" words you use, the more you build your energy up.

Optimism is great for the soul, but that doesn't mean you ignore what's happening in your life. You can still express how you feel while using "positive" words. For example, when you are sick, instead of saying "sick" you could say "not feeling WELL." The word "well" or "good" will take dominion of your sentence. "Tired" can become "not AWAKE." "Stupid" becomes "not SMART."

Now to bring it back to the word Aloha, you can say this word to those who cross your path throughout the day and think of it as a blessing. Yes, this word is a blessing you give to yourself and others. Be aware of this thought when you say the word Aloha- this is a gift of love for the receiver as well as the giver.

With that, enjoy learning Hawaiian!

Hawaiian Pronunciation

noreply@blogger.com (Ahonui) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 20:53:00 +0000

The Hawaiian Language has come a long way from being the mother language of Hawai'i (spoken everywhere and everyday), to almost becoming extinct during the overthrow times, to now having schools throughout the islands that use Hawaiian as the primary method for teaching students. As with any language over time it grows and is a living entity that changes as the people change. Language is a way of looking through the eyes of a culture and understanding their practices and way of life.

As we look back at the history of Hawai'i and where we have come from, our language has adapted to the times. I want to encourage you to visit this site: http://www.traditionalhawaiian.com/ which looks at the pronunciation of Hawaiian today from those that have learned Hawaiian in the university setting (this is how I learned Hawaiian) and compares it to those that have grown up with Hawaiian being passed down to them from a native Hawaiian speaker. Specifically, download the article on the website entitled: "Tūtū's Hawaiian and the Emergence of a Neo Hawaiian Language." You will find the link at the top of the website. This will give you a deeper insight into where Hawaiian Language is today. It's very informative and you will learn a lot.

Only after reading the above article (yes go and read it now!) that I want you to listen to some original recordings of Hawaiian Language speakers here. At this site, Clinton Kanahele interviews various people in their mother tongue: Hawaiian. Transcripts with translations and mp3s are included so you can hear my beautiful language! Here is the website again: http://library.byuh.edu/library/archives/kanahele

After reading the article and listening to some samples of Hawaiian, please write a comment below and share your thoughts!

I found my Spirit...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:23:00 +0000

Aloha kaua,
Two weeks ago Thursday, some of the halau went up to Kilauea, also known as Hawaii's Volcano National Park. The home of our volcano goddess Pele. It was a wonderful visit and a spiritually uplifting event. Although we are lucky to be allowed to grace this blessed island, we have not been able to get up to the volcano very often. Well, our visit had a focus. We wanted to go up together to not only perform our chants and oli for what they were intended for, which is for paying homage to this sacred place, asking permission to gather Hawaiian plants in the forest and the use of proper protocol... but one of our precious hula girls will be leaving the halau for awhile to return to Japan and her family.

So our visit was a happy yet, bitter sweet one. But we needed to go and give thanks to Pele for allowing Tomoko to study hula at the local community college and with our halau. When we first arrived we went to the visitors center which, allows you to learn about the Kilauea and the variety of living species that live there. At the center you can learn about the plant life that is so important to hula. A definite 'must see' for any hula practitioner.

Ka'ohu & Tomoko
After wards we left to create wonderful lei po'o that we would wear during our hula. I showed the girls the hula mound that is near the art gallery and how it faces towards the crater and although, we have been asked, the girls have yet to dance there. Ahonui and I danced there many years ago. We hope to take the halau there some time soon.

Our journey was to go to the Jagger Museum area to hula since, the crater rim road is closed due to Madame Pele's ever increasing flow of her domain.
That was alright, we were allowed access 'behind the rope', so to speak, for the halau to spend time alone with Tutu Pele and her beautiful home.... I found my mana there again... My spirit that had been locked up inside for lack of 'not getting out more often'... The clouds had cleared especially for us,... the cold soon changed to warmed our skin,... and what one park ranger lacked in 'aloha', was accepted with heart felt gratitude by another.

We danced for Pele with much more gratitude and servitude for giving us this opportunity to be with her and our sweet Tomo,.. for which she danced especially for, to again give thanks for her learning all that she could, for now, about hula...
Hula is a never ending journey, that will take a lifetime. When I say that I found my spirit, I am only speaking for myself, but i know that we were all surrounded by the spirit of the place, the mana that envelopes you and cradles you close to the heart...overlooking the beautiful site of the hula girls in the foreground of Kilauea, while great, white, billowing clouds floated up and out across the crisp blue sky... I felt my heart strings pull not only for my hula girls, but for the Hawaii that I have loved for so long. It told us that to be there and dance and chant is saying that you believe all that you have learned and continue to learn in hula, to be true...and you feel it to be true... And by dancing hula, we are happy to show others what we believe in....

No, hula is not just for entertainment. Hula is life that carries mana. Spirit. My spirit...and when I am outside and chanting or dancing, well, that is where my spirit is best.
Mahalo Tutu Pele, and mahalo Tomo...come back to us soon.
Me ke aloha, Kumu.

The End of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Ahonui) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:30:00 +0000

And so it goes that the memories of summer have flown by so quickly. I spent my days laying in the sun, swimming in the ocean and dreaming by coconut trees. In case you are wondering why I haven't been on to make a post, that is why! Along with not being connected to internet for more than a quarter of the year!

Yes I moved houses, which is a blast- surrounded by beautiful trees, my 2 dogs and a wonderful fiance. With this pristine location near to the water, lo and behold . . . no internet! I checked with the companies here and no line can reach this far! However, after much searching and pondering, I realized, "hey, my phone catches internet out here so they're little wireless thing for laptops must work!" Well, I went and finally got myself this little lite square thing and it works beautifully (for those of you super interested, I went through verizon with the contraption that can service up to 5 different connections).

So here I am, back online, getting in the groove of things and posting videos up again on YouTube. I am answering my emails and making some adjustments to this site (you can see the new page above entitled "fun" where you can look at some other neat things Mo'ikeha and myself may be up to).

With that, I hope you enjoyed your summer as much as I did and are continuing with achieving your goals whatever they may be. Be safe and mālama pono!

Naʻu,
Ahonui

Ke Aloha o ke Akua- The Love of God

noreply@blogger.com (Ahonui) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 04:24:00 +0000

Feather Leis and Beautiful Hulas!

Aloha mai! Here are the latest pictures from a wonderful day spent at the Lei Hulu Graduation with Aunty Doreen at Sangha Hall this month. All of our hard work and preparation certainly paid off! When we got there I could see an array of all of the feather leis each graduate had to go through to get to where they are and let me tell you it takes so much patience, perseverance, dedication and discipline. Some of those feather leis are so intricate and are compiled with thousands of feathers.

Once we got there we were able to get settled and change into our costumes for the performance. We had a great set list and there was a good amount of people that showed up for the event. The matriarch of my ʻohana, Aunty Gloriann Akau (my Tūtū's sister), was in the audience as well. Our showcase consisted of the oli Noho Ana, and a hula with the ʻulīʻulī called Ke Aloha o Ke Akua. I like this chant because it speaks about all of the characteristics of Ke Akua- the creator. Next one of my hula sisters danced Kaʻiulani which was choreographed by Uncle George Naʻope. The next hula was a medly sung by Nā Palapalai (on cd) of Manu ʻŌʻō. I love the way that they sing it! Our final number was a great surprise to our graduating lei hulu hula sister in the audience. We performed Lei Pīkake with one of our hula sisters showcasing her talents in ballet. Yes it is not the norm to combine hula and ballet, and that's why we choose it for Aunty Norene. The piano accompanied by the voices of the brothers Cazimero (on cd again) was like a luring call to everyone in the room.

Now I want to close with the words from one of our hulas. God bless and mālama pono.

Ke Aloha o Ke Akua

Ke aloha o ke akua lā ʻeā
ʻAʻole hoʻi e hoʻohiehie
ʻAʻole he hikiwawe ka huhū ʻeā
ʻAʻole noʻonoʻo ʻino

The love of God
Does not act elegantly (doesn't make distinct and beautiful apart from others, it is not vain)
It is not quick to anger
It does not think hateful thoughts

Ke aloha o ke akua lā ʻeā
ʻAʻole pāonioni ke aloha
ʻAʻole haʻanui aku ke aloha ʻeā
ʻAʻole he haʻkei

The love of God
Does not quarrel (it is love without strife)
His/her love does not boast and brag
It is not proud, snobbish and rude

Ke aloha o ke akua lā ʻeā
ʻAʻole ia e hoʻopunipuni
ʻAʻole ʻimi i kona mea ihola ʻeā
ʻAʻole he kuʻakuʻai

The love of God
Does not lie and is not false
His/her love does not look-out only for itself
This love does not give for the sake of receiving something in return

Ke mau nei kēia mau mea lā ʻeā
Ka manaʻoʻiʻo, ka manaʻolana
A me ke aloha o ke akua lā ʻeā
Ke aloha naʻe kai ʻoi

These things are permanent (they continue now and always)
Faith, hope
And the love of God
Love however is the thing that is above

Merrie Monarch 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:13:00 +0000

Me and Aunties Kawaiʻula and Ulalia on Miss Aloha hula night.

Yes, we had a fun time at Merrie Monarch Hula Competition and Norene and I had great seats next to Tomo and Maiko. Most folks were packed in like little sardines, but we were lucky and not too crowded. Not like some areas that looked really uncomfortable.Was I uncomfortable, you ask? Well, to be honest, yes. The little stadium seats we brought were rather a bit small and well, Norene can fit her little self just fine on one, but moi? I mean Moʻi? Ha! Anyway, that didnʻt stop us from having a fun and exciting time. If you didnʻt get to see the hula action on t.v. I hope you got to see it on streaming live on the net. If you didnʻt catch that then you can wait for the DVDʻs to come out at $50 each, when ever that will be. I just hope my friend Judy can get me a copy from her Tevo like she said she would. Bless you Judy, and so glad we got to hook up on Sunday night.
Seeing Oʻbrian Eselu with Ke Kai o Kahiki and Kealiʻi Reichel with Halau Kealaʻokamaile out on top again is super maikaʻi. They are two of my favorite competitive halau.

Check this site for all the winners of Merrie Monarch 2010:
http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/2010/04/11/2010-merrie-monarch-festival-results
(sorry, blogger wouldnʻt link this right, so just typed it in)

I will post more fun pics as they come up...all of us so busy, no time to empty the digital camera! ʻAuwe!
A hui hou,
Moʻikeha

Me with Norene,Maiko, and Tomo.

Junko,Tomo,Maiko, and Ahonui.

I mua Merrie Monarch.

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 19:09:00 +0000

Aloha Kakou!
It is now Saturday of Merrie Monarch week and tonight is the ʻauana (modern)hula portion of the fabulous festival. I have been so busy with preperation for Sundayʻs performance of the Lei Hulu of Hilo graduation that I have not been able to blog as I would like to, but please know that MM week can be gruesome and exciting! So much to do. Tuesday I went to see Aunty ʻAla (Leinaʻala Heine)at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center. Yes, you heard correctly for those of you who are wondering why we are having a hula exhibit there, Hawaiians are navigators and ʻImiloa is a wonderful place to learn about the Hawaiian skies and how the Hawaiians traveled 1000ʻs of miles in the pacific. It is also a great place to learn about the plants of Hawaii and how they were used.

Okay, back to what I was saying, Kumu hula Leinaʻala Heine gave a wonderful discussion of the life lessons tauht within the story of Keaomelemele, hightlighttng elemental connections, genealogical ties, and the hula traditions of the wahine ʻeuʻeu who was raised as the favorite of Moʻoinanea in Kealohilani. Here halau, arrive fresh off the plane to perform for us some beautiful and moving chants. Na pualei O Likolehua is performing in Merrie Monarch competition and if you didnʻt know that the program is in streaming live on the internet...google it and you can find it...otherwise, the rest of us lucky buggaʻs get to enjoy another night at tonight at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium! Okay, gotta run for a last dress rehearsal this morning...enjoy the MM parade today, I will not be able to attend, but i will post again soon as able! So crazy, but happy hula to all..me ke aloha!

Merrie Monarch week has arrived!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:57:00 +0000

Do you smell that? You know, that smell, yes that one...Thatʻs the smell of hula in the air! This is the week that folks come from all over the world to witness and experience the largest hula extravaganza anywhere in the world. In Hilo one can find a variety of hula performances or discussions of hula that will satisfy anyone's palette.
Plus this is when all the Hawaiian art and crafts, usually pertaining to hula objects can be found made right here in Hawaii. Today at the ʻImiloa Astronomy Center the students of Ke Kula ʻo Nawahiokalaniʻopuʻu will be offering a presentation of the traditional stories of Keaomelemele. The show will tell the epic story of gods, humans and hula. And of course it will be all done in Hawaiian. On Wednesday, Kumuhula Leinaʻala Heine will share in the connection of the Keaomelemele with genealogical ties in hula. Also, later on that day there will be a panel of former Miss Aloha Hula winners from the famous Halau O Ka Ua Kani Lehua of Uncle Johnny Lum Ho. Sure to be an interesting discussion. Throughout the week there will be numerous hula halau performing for the community either at the Civic Auditorium, Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, or the Naniloa Volcanoes Resort. So everyone will have a chance to catch some hula! If you donʻt have tickets by now for the Merrie Monarch Hula competition you can always attend the free night on Wednesday evening. Always the crowd favorite, but again, go early, because there will be a ʻcrowdʻ. Besides the Royal court dancers of Halau o Kekuhi, the featured performers are of Halau Hula o Hokulani, one of my personal favorites.
Our halau Kahula o na Mamo o Moʻikeha was asked to perform on Monday and Tuesday, once at the Hilo Hawaiian and the other for the Naniloa, but unfortunately when I found out it was not enough time for us to plan for it and the timing was not good for most of the dancers. I consider it a privilege to be asked of such a thing and I hope the office will call us again for next year, and apparently our performance dates were already printed in the Merrie Monarch program too, so hey itʻs cool to see our name in there!
Okay, well I can not help but mention the losses we have had in our hula world before closing. The co-founder of Merrie Monarch Uncle George Naʻope this past year has truly been felt by all. His legacy of hula has been so profound to his students and to all associated with hula. This was a hula master, maybe the last of the ʻold school kineʻ, but with the other loss of founder Aunty Dotty Thompson one canʻt help to see how fast life can pass us by and before you know it our loved ones and mentors are gone. Hilo is also still is shock over the passing of Kumuhula Rae Fonseca, a big local competitor and a protege of Uncle George. Kumu Raeʻs halau will still compete this year as he would want them to. Surely a crowd favorite. Okay, besides all that, Kahula o na mamo o Moʻikeha is still practicing for the ʻUniki of Lei Hulu of Hiloʻ on Sunday at 1pm at Sangha Hall in Hilo. Of course you must come and see us hula! Only $25 at the door for a luʻau style course meal and entertainment. I will try and post again before the week is out. Yours in hula!