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Hawaiian Culture

Hawaiian culture stories from Molokai

Molokai Taro Variety Field Day

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

Molokai Taro Variety Field Day

Community Contributed

By Alton S. Arakaki, County Extension Agent

Lehua or Lehua Maoli is a native Hawaiian taro variety name most familiar today.  That is because it is the most common variety that is made into poi we see in the market today.  But have you ever heard of taro varieties called Lauloa Eleele ula or Ulaula Poni or Manini Kea or Nihopuu?  At one time these varieties, along as many as 300 other varieties, were in the common kalo language in native Hawaiian communities as Lehua. 

On Saturday, Sept. 18, Hawaiian taro varieties and their significance to the Hawaiian culture will be discussed at the 2010 Molokai Taro Variety Field Day. Held at the Molokai Agriculture Park at 8:30 a.m., Mr. Jerry Konanui will be our featured speaker.

Many years ago, as poi making became a commercial activity and fewer families made their own poi, commercial poi mills like any other manufacturing operation tried to deliver a predictable and consistent product their customers expected.   This required commercial poi mills to narrow their selection of taro varieties for poi making to deliver a poi product that had consistent taste, viscosity and stickiness, and most of all color.  Taro farmers also conformed to the needs of poi mills and began to produce varieties that produced a consistent poi product.  Eventually that variety became Lehua Maoli, and a more narrowly focused, Lehua Maoli that are produce in lo`i, or wetland paddy fields you see today in Hanalei and Waimea Valley on Kauai.  Other varieties fell victims to farming philosophy “if you can’t sell’um don’t grow’um.”  Today lesser known taro varieties are grown by families that are familiar with them through generations of growing and consuming them or by private collectors and institutions that share similar cultural or educational goals.  Thus the numbers of native Hawaiian taro varieties we have today have dwindled down to about 70 today.

Taro farming is hard work that requires the use of valuable and limited land, water and labor resources.  I’d like to believe that Native Hawaiians developed and maintained many of these varieties because they had some value.  They had hardly the resources to waste on things that didn’t contribute to their daily existence.  At one time many ahupua`a, or land divisions, grew their own varieties, and even grew varieties that were reserved for Hawaiian royalties that visited their ahupua`a.  Why they grew certain varieties in certain ahupua`a is knowledge that has not been captured well in historic information.  All we know is certain varieties were favored over others in many of the ahupua`a that had different micro climates throughout the state.   At least one of the reasons I’d like to believe they produced a particular variety is that it produced well in the ahupua`a to meet the five-to-nine pound of taro consumption per person per day, for the carbohydrates needed to generate the body energy to perform the daily physical tasks of survival.  Now that there is increasing awareness and more discussions on sustainable communities and food security, the source and security of nutritional carbohydrates need to be part of the discussion.  Or maybe it is also about time for these varieties are returned to their ahupua`a to learn more about what the Native Hawaiians knew about them and for their safe keeping.

We will have cooked samples of different taro varieties.  A limited amount of native Hawaiian variety taro huli will be available for you to cut.  If you are interested in cutting huli, come in your field attire, taro sap will stain.  Please bring your own container, tools, pens and labels.  A tank of Clorox solution will be prepared for treating your huli for soil plant diseases that might be on the surface of the planting materials.  Planting native Hawaiian varieties will help preserve and perpetuate these rare culturally significant plants and also help clean and prepare the field for the next project.

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Mau’s Dream Lives On

Wednesday, September 8th, 2010

Mau’s Dream Lives On

Community Contributed

By Paanaakala Baybayan

At around one a.m. on Aug. 27, three of Hawaii’s deep-sea voyaging canoes Hokule`a, Makali`i, and Hokualaka`i set sail from Kawaihae Harbor bound for Oahu. The journey served as training for a future world-wide voyage; but more so, it honored the continuing legacy of Master Navigator, Mau Piailug. Considered by many to be the father of the re-emergence of traditional Polynesian navigation, Piailug passed away on July 12.

As the three canoes sailed away into the darkness, there was much excitement in the air. For some of the crew it was their first time crossing the `Alenuihaha, but for both new and veteran sailors, it was a time filled with anticipation and excitement.

The `Alenuihaha is noted for its fierce winds and steep waves, and on this day the early departure allowed the canoes to cross the channel before the heat of day contributed to the acceleration of the tradewinds. Under the light of a waning full moon the three deep sea canoes made their way safely to Maui.

Before reaching Oahu, the three canoes were greeted by a film crew from National Geographic who were circling the three wa`a from a helicopter. The first canoe to arrive, Hokualaka`i, sailed along Waikiki where Uncle Nainoa Thompson personally escorted her for a short while from his one man canoe.

This was an amazing journey for all three canoes. It confirms Papa Mau’s dream will live on as the young and old continue to learn and build upon his legacy. We all hope that these three canoes continue to sail together as a fleet and that more canoes continue to join them.

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Remember Your Roots

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Remember Your Roots

Community Contributed
By Brandon Roberts

Their laughs rolled from the soul and the valley echoed back – it knows this mele, familiar and not forgotten. Energy, ever out. No body could hold such joy. Eyes bright with life. Brighter than any candle on a 70th birthday cake.

Ramona Kuulei Mililani Solatorio's la hanau united sister and older (but only by a year) brother Pilipo Kamaki with roots planted deep in the `aina. The siblings celebrated in their birthplace, Halawa, a valley they both chose to leave as young adults, but have since returned to malama as kupuna.

One took to the seas aboard Naval tankers and traveled the world, throwing palu with the ship's swagger as a sea-sick sailor. He enlisted at the age of 16 as a ticket to see the world's wonders.

The other slipped eight-wheels underfoot – bruising and battering her way to the top, the first Hawaiian professional roller derby wahine. A frame of five-feet and a hundred pounds to match, she rounded the rink and I know that laugh reverberated with the raucous crowd as it did from the Halawa mauka.

Ramona remained until 1963 when she said "a hui hou" to Halawa and went to California to live with Pilipo and his new wife, Dianna.

Keiki o ka `aina, they were adopted to Rose Aukai and Elino Solatorio after the death of their mother, Helen Lahapa Kawaa in 1943.

Their life in the lo`i was difficult. It was respect, strength, tradition and culture. These qualities have accompanied them through their journeys and now 50 years later stand side-by-side sharing laughs and tears about those early years.

Ramona now calls Las Vegas home but makes a yearly return to Molokai Nui a Hina and energizes her ohana with contagious vivacity.

Pilipo and Dianna live in Halawa and with the help of ohana, haumana and volunteers are restoring generational lo`i on kuleana lands.

Whether konking the competition in Portugee horseshoes or making o`opu at the bridge with bamboo and worms, these siblings carry a glow that attracts all, determination that will run you over and mana that twinkles in their eyes.

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Hokule`a: A Dream Come True

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Hokule`a: A Dream Come True

Community Contributed

By Matt Yamashita

There are some images from growing up that are forever imprinted in my mind.  One of them is the sailing canoe, Hokule`a.  A symbol for the Hawaiian cultural renaissance that began in the 1970s, this iconic wa`a kaulua, or double hulled sailing canoe, was often the topic of classroom discussions and local TV news during my childhood.  I remember names like Mau, Nainoa, Eddie, Herb Kane, and Buffalo.  All the crewmembers were legends.  And Hokule`a, so celebrated as she sailed across the Pacific, was something almost beyond legend.

In my early years I would not have thought that I too would one day help unfurl her sails and steady her steering blade as she raced across the swells by day and night.  But the possibility stood in my mind as a dream.  This is why, many years later, when the invitation came to join Hokule`a on a trip from Kaunakakai to Kawaihae, I could not say no.

We left early Monday morning the second week of August.  We had 14 crewmembers, six were from Molokai.  Our kapena was Molokai’s own sailing legend, Uncle Mel Paoa.  The winds kicked up early and we opened sails just outside Kawela.  Many of us had never opened a sail in our lives.  When the sheet lines were attached and drawn tight and Hokule`a picked herself up and began cutting through the oncoming swells, it was pure exhilaration.

She was fast and smooth and when we hit the whipping winds and rolling swells of the Alenuihaha she showed us just how steady she was.  She held course in the headwinds, outran our escort boat, and seemed to come alive under the starry night sky. 

I remembered once being corrected for having referred to Hokule`a as “the Hokule`a,” for implying that she was an object.  I understand why now.  Hokule`a is not simply a canoe, she is alive and her spirit is strong.  As Uncle Maka would explain to me during our journey, when we are on the ocean, Hokule`a is our mother.

If  Hokule`a was our mother, then I travelled with great brothers and sisters on that trip.  My Hokule`a experience was most special because of those who travelled with me.  There were some unforgettable moments…  Keoki wrestling the bronco line in his malo; Kawika and Mahinahou holding course on the bouncing steering sweep across the Alenuihaha; my best friend Josh and I steering Hokule`a into Kawaihae as shooting stars filled the early morning sky. 

While our 24-hour trip was far short of a voyage to Tahiti, for me, it was a voyage of a lifetime.  Hokule`a continues to change lives and she has reminded me that dreams come true.  She has also taught me that the images of our childhood become reality, so let us work hard to inspire our youth by giving them their own dreams to pursue.

I want to express deep gratitude to all who accompanied me on this journey, and to my wife and children who supported me in going.  Mahalo to Uncle Mel and Uncle Maka for sharing your wisdom.  Also, a deep thanks to the many, many individuals and families, from the legendary to the unknown, that have kept the dream of Hokule`a alive.  And to you, Hokule`a, for sharing your mana. I am humbled, honored and grateful.

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Honoring Hokule`a Master

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Honoring Hokule`a Master

A 12-member crew from Hawaii and abroad is sailing to all the islands during August and September to honor one of its own – Mau Piailug.

Piailug began working with the Polynesian Voyaging Society in 1975, after years of learning navigation in his native Micronesia. He navigated the double-hulled canoe, Hokule`a, in its maiden voyage from Hawaii to Tahiti in 1976. The crew is currently sailing the original Hokule`a on its honor voyage.

Known as a master navigator and mentor of many by bringing back traditional Polynesian sailing techniques, it was sad news when he passed away on July 12, 2010, at age 78.

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OHA Asks for Mana`o

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Office of Hawaiian Affairs News Release

Native Hawaiians on Molokai will have an opportunity to meet with the administration of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) at an upcoming community meeting. This will be a chance for residents to share their mana`o with the agency and learn about OHA’s involvement in their community. The public is invited to attend. The OHA meetings on Molokai will be held on:

There will be a community meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Kulana `Oiwi Halau in Kalama`ula.

There will also be an OHA Board of Trustees Meeting Thursday, Aug. 19, at 9 a.m.

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No Pest Zone

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

For years, the Molokai branch of the Maui Invasive Species Committee, otherwise known as MoMISC, has battled stubborn invasive species with science and technology. But when science just isn’t enough, Molokai’s environmental crusaders have begun using cultural might.

The eco-crew recently headed to privately owned forest acreage to expunge the area of albizia, a large and fast-growing tree that has begun dominating other island’s lowland forests. Before beginning removal of the pest, they sought the advice of the cultural caretaker of the site.

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Molokai Kumu Honored by Senate

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

Molokai Kumu Honored by Senate

By Lisa Noelani Robbins

I am a student of `olelo Hawaii with Kumu Manuwai Peters. With the help of Senator J. Kalani English and his wonderful staff, I recently presented Kumu Peters with a Hawaiian Senate Proclamation for Manuwai's contribution and perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and language.

“Kumu Manuwai Peters has enriched the lives of thousands of Hawaiians and Hawaiians at heart by sharing his knowledge and expertise in the Hawaiian language and culture. Among his many accomplishments, Kumu Peters has helped to preserve and spread the Hawaiian language to his many students throughout his teaching career. His various classrooms across Hawaii include Kap`olani Community College on Oahu [and] founding Ka Papahana Kaiapuni Hawaii immersion school on Molokai.”

He offers classes in New York City and Washington D.C. while earning his master’s degree at Columbia University. In my class were OHA Bureau Chief Tim Johnson; Kathy Suter, media manager of the National Museum of the American Indian; Kuulei Stockman and Leihua Stewart from Halau o Aulani and Kamehameha graduates, and Hawaiians like me and non-Hawaiians as well. Not only did he teach us the Hawaiian language, but he brought people together.

I enrolled in his class, not only for my personal enrichment and to teach my own keiki, but because I am owner of 'Ohana Arts Studio, Polynesian Dance Studio, and Kinderhula. I now teach my students `olelo Hawaii and pass on what Kumu Manuwai has taught me.

Kumu Peters' website is www.portablehawaiian.com

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Kalaupapa Finding its Future

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Kalaupapa’s breathtaking sea cliffs, Hansen’s disease patients living and passed, and historic Damien structures are just a few of the many facets of the peninsula’s rich and poignant culture deserving of preservation. Over the next two years, a new general management plan will take form to ensure the history is remembered and the future well-planned. A draft plan and several alternatives are now being compiled for public review.

Last year, the National Park Service (NPS), which serves as the main steward of Kalaupapa, conducted public scoping on five different islands. Nearly 1,500 people sounded off on the future of Kalaupapa.

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Musical Love

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Musical Love

Community Contributed

It was meant to be: a master of mele and kiho`alu and the songbird of Molokai. Keola’s voice is at the right place for the leo of Hawaii nei. In his hands, he has held love, guitars, family, friends, ancestors and now, cradled gently, the songbird of Molokai, Raiatea.

With their roots of Hawaiian music well established, they bring us this fine piece of music mastery, of love, kindness and hurt-less music. The path is clear: This is the way Hawaii should be represented to all. The heavenly light shines on both. The waters are flowing again. May we all have a drink? A taste of musical love.

We could not stop putting out the kahea about this work. The mana is here, folks, the mana is here. Generations to come will have this music to enjoy when they are away from Hawaii, family and friends. Peace is available here -- you and this music will endure.



Let’s go to the tracks. The first is “Ina” (Imagine), originally by John Lennon. This version features beautiful chanting – Lennon must be loving this piece. I hope Yoko hears it. Next is “Where I Hold You.” Keola’s guitar is signature and here comes Molokai’s Raiatea, so sweet. “Our Time for Letting Go” is about memories of lost love, family, friends and the change we all go through moving on. It’s very beautiful. Next is “You Somebody.” Raiatea, great job on this. We hope the world charts will highly consider this mele for awards. No, Raiatea, YOU somebody.

Next is “Hilo Hanakahi.” Our favorite rendition of this song was by Sunday Manoa, with Robert and Roland Cazimero and Peter Moon, for 30 years plus. Move on, big dogs -- the master and the songbird have arrived. On “I Kilohi Aku Au,” Raiatea leads all. Molokai, please stand up and be counted. She brings peace to our hearts and Kupuna smile with tears of love.

On the next track, “Ka Makani Ka’ili Aloha (Love Snatched by the Wind),” Raiatea brings back hints of the great Emma Veary. “Ke Kulu o ke Au” is a haunting nose flute number and Keola brings up the mele as though he was telling a secret for your ears only. “Ke Ali`i hulu mamo” features a nose flute intro with guitar and pahu, and Raiatea delivers the goods here.

The album ends with “Days of My Youth,” which is a Kui Lee masterpiece delivered now in Keola’s life and ours as well, and finally “Kimo Hula”. Again, Raiatea is haunting. Job well done. Simplicity is catchy, and what an ending to this great project. Our take: the Grammys are yours. Please bring it home to us here on Molokai and Hawaii nei. This is one for the top 10 CD rack at home.

Finally, a big send-off to my dear brother, Woody DeMello, whom I look up to. I love you so much. May you guide us from heaven.

And to my personal friend and colleague, Kris Hinsvark, who I had the pleasure of paddling with off the shores of Maui for five years who stayed at my side throughout my Maui recordings and Old Style series. You will be surely missed. I love you also.

Till next time, Ke Akua Pu A Hui Hou Kakou.

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