Hawaiian Culture

Hawaiian culture stories from Molokai

Sharing the Hokulea

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

Sharing the Hokulea

Last week, nearly 500 Molokai residents, students and visitors got the chance to step foot on the Hokulea — a replica of the traditional Hawaiian double-hulled sailing canoe — docked at the Kaunakakai Wharf. The vessel is touring Hawaii before embarking on a three-year Worldwide Voyage that will span three years, 46,000 miles, 21 countries and at least 65 landfalls.

More than 20 crew members — some of whom are from Molokai — sailed the Hokulea from Lanai on Monday, July 8. During the Worldwide Voyage, an average crew of 12 to 15 will navigate the canoe on its journey as ambassadors of the aloha spirit and spreading a message of care for the environment.…

Kalaupapa Barge Day

Wednesday, July 17th, 2013

Kalaupapa Barge Day

The remote Kalaupapa settlement is normally the epitome of peace. But once a year, its wharf becomes as busy as a New York City intersection. It’s barge day — a big occasion for the tiny community that’s taken place annually for decades. It’s when a year’s worth of equipment, gasoline, non-perishable food supplies and personal orders is delivered to the settlement. It’s been described as Christmas in July.

There are barge transloading equipment in the state small enough to fit into Kalaupapa’s narrow harbor — and only a short window of time in the summer when the rough water is calm enough for the barge to safely dock.…

Supporting the Island’s Caretakers

Wednesday, July 10th, 2013

From the Middle School to the Molokai Land Trust, local organizations and nonprofits work year-around to ensure the success of the island’s youth, environment, community and culture. Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) offers financial backing and other supporting resources to many of these groups, and when trustees got a chance to hear from local leaders two weeks ago, they found that their investments have paid off. At a community forum, the OHA board of trustees listened for nearly four hours as community members shared the successes they’ve enjoyed, as well as the struggles they face.

Environmental Efforts
I Aloha Molokai (IAM) president Kanoho Helm discussed the progress the organization has made since its establishment four years ago to oppose wind turbines and the undersea cable on the island.…

Rooted in Wellness

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Rooted in Wellness

Molokai returned to its roots July 5 as moms and their supporters empowered the community to live healthy lifestyles. Keiki made recycled art while moms prepared local organic food. Performers sung along to the spirit of the evening as families and organizers shared how they love the land. Besides being a night of fun and aloha, the Grassroots Benefit Concert aimed to provide a path for youth to one day be restorers of health.

“The spirit behind [the event] is to promote an awareness of health and wellness on the island and be able to offer the upcoming generation support,” said Ehulani Kane, a member of the Mom Hui, the group that organized the event.…

Hokulea to Visit Molokai This Week

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

Hokulea to Visit Molokai This Week

A vessel representing thousands of years of Hawaiian culture and history will soon dock on Molokai. The Hokulea, a replica of a traditional Hawaiian wa`a kaulua, or double-hulled voyaging canoe, was completed in 1975 and set sail on its first voyage to Tahiti a year later. The vessel has come to represent a cultural awakening of Native Hawaiian seafaring as well a message of aloha aina (love of the land) and the importance of caring for each other and our resources.

“I sailed in 1976 but my real voyage began after that — to apply the lessons we learned to better myself and my community, and to be a better steward,” said Penny Martin, Molokai resident and one of Hokulea’s original crew members.…

OHA Trustee Meetings on Molokai Tonight and Tomorrow

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013

OHA News Release

Native Hawaiians on Molokai will get an opportunity to provide feedback to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) at a community forum as well as a regular meeting scheduled by the Board of Trustees. The community meeting is designed for OHA officials to listen to concerns and highlight efforts to improve conditions within Hawaiian communities. Both meetings are open to the public. Here are the specifics: 
Community Meeting
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
6:30 p.m.
Külana ‘Oiwi Halau, Kalama’ula
600 Maunaloa Highway, Kalama’ula, Moloka’i

OHA Board of Trustees Meeting
Thursday, June 20, 2013
9:00 a.m.
Külana ‘Oiwi Halau, Kalama’ula
600 Maunaloa Highway, Kalama’ula, Moloka’i

For more information, visit oha.org…

The Next Generation of Paniolo

Monday, June 17th, 2013

The Next Generation of Paniolo

The paniolo tradition may appear to be riding off into the sunset, but a few young wranglers are taking the reins and carrying the legacy forward. For these Molokai boys and girls, it’s not just about rodeo arenas and competition; it is about the paniolo lifestyle – working on ranches, maintaining a horse shelter, driving cattle and giving each other a helping hand. Newbies may need to do some research and read online articles from websites like All About Horses. Those who are looking for a horseback riding lesson Roanoke may contact Slocum Appaloosa Ranch. Before riding a horse, ensure that you have these saddle pads for a comfortable ride.…

Support Keiki Surf Series

Friday, June 7th, 2013

Ko Molokai Keiki O Ke Kai News Release

The Ko Molokai Keiki O Ke Kai summer surf series celebrate its 24th anniversary this year thanks to the generosity of donors like you. This event is more than just a fun activity. It provides a way for families to spend quality time with their children and promotes a safe, drug- and alcohol-free activity for youth during the summer break. A total of 75 children, age 12 years and younger, participate on a yearly basis.

This year, the surf meet series will be held on Saturdays, June 15 and 29, wrapping up with an awards luncheon on Saturday, July 13.…

Na Mea Pono Learning Series

Thursday, May 30th, 2013

Na Mea Pono Learning Series

Community Contributed

By Roberta Cross and Zelie Duvauchelle

Zelie Kuliakaikanu`u Duvauchelle invites all those interested to a learning series called “Na Mea Pono” (Pono Things) starting June 2. Duvauchelle and the group will explore Hawaiian ways and cultural concepts.

In keeping with the oral tradition, Duvauchelle will encourage the group to try a new/old approach – a Hawaiian way of learning, listening and sharing.

“I’m really excited about this series,” said Duvauchelle. “What I see as part of my kuleana is being a bridge between people and cultures. I do this through music, facilitating groups, and consultations with individuals.”

The first session is on kuleana — responsibility to yourself, your family and community.…

Beyond Big Wind: Molokai’s Energy Future

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013

With the possibility of an industrial scale wind farm no longer hanging over the heads of many concerned Molokai residents, the community is now looking toward Molokai’s energy future. Many options are being discussed in a conversation that is including residents, land owners, state and county officials and other energy stakeholders.

Molokai residents pay among the highest electric rates in the nation, second only to Lanai. Those prices are due largely to the rising cost of fossil fuel used to produce electricity. The price of fuel so greatly impacts electric bills because more than 50 percent of each bill is made up of fuel costs, according to Hawaiian Electric Company (HECO).…