Culture & Art

Makahiki March

Thursday, February 4th, 2021

Makahiki March

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

As with everything else over the last year, 2021 Ka Molokai Makahiki looked different. There were no traditional games played or roaring crowds to cheer on favorite competitors in hukihuki, kukini, uma or haka moa. Instead, a small group of dedicated and masked Hawaiians carried the banner of Lono on foot from one end of the island to the other, starting on Jan. 25.

“For the first time in 39 years, due to the pandemic, the Ka Molokai Makahiki Games were canceled… the Lono banner was carried for five days from east Molokai at Halawa to west Molokai at Hale o Lono in celebration of the closing of the season of peace,” wrote one of the event’s organizers, Walter Ritte, on social media.…

Keiki Artist Winners

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021

Keiki Artist Winners

MAC News Release

The Molokai Arts Center (MAC) Member Art Show 2020 showcased Molokai’s keiki artists. Two keiki classes are held every Saturday: Session 1 from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. and Session 2 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The MAC also hosts classes for Molokai Middle School (HLIP and Dolphins), Kualapu’u School 21st Century Program, Aka’ula Summer Session and other workshops as requested by agencies and schools. Congratulations to our young artists who submitted and won awards!

Most Innovative – Taua Lima-English “Tik Tak Toe Animal Set”
Most Whimsical – Laule’a Ledesma “Kookie”
Most Expressive – Keawe Koko Chong-Kalima “Kia’i”
Best in Self Expression – Odinn Moore “Fish Kitty Football”
Most Enchanting – Patience Purdy “Peach Blossom Elephant”
Most Delightful – Kolbie Kalima Ledesma “Turtle Turtle”
Best Island Aesthetic – Kaedyn Chong “Blue”
Emerging Artist – Kaizyn Chong “Stego”

Photos are posted on the MAC’s Facebook page.…

Transforming Trash to Art

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021

Malama Maui Nui News Release

The Art of Trash is an annual juried exhibition that includes an art gallery and a Trashion Show, which inspires people to reimagine our resources, such as previously used materials, as elements for creative inspiration. Hosted by Malama Maui Nui and sponsored by the County of Maui’s Environmental Protection and Sustainability Division, the Art of Trash 2021 Virtual Exhibition will be live in April at MalamaMauiNui.org/ArtOfTrash.

Submissions from Molokai, Maui and Lanai will be accepted virtually from Feb. 1 to March 1. To submit an art piece for the Art Gallery and/or a fashion piece for the Trashion Show, visit MalamaMauiNui.org/ArtOfTrash

Molokai Kumu Develops Online Keiki Program

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020

Ka Hale Hoaka News Release

Ka Hale Hoaka, an online Hawaiian learning school, is pleased to announce its Keiki Program.

The 16-module program is targeted to students ages 5-11 and teaches Hawaiian language, music, chant, hula, arts, and crafts. The Keiki Program is designed to be implemented into the existing distance learning curriculum of elementary schools statewide.

The Keiki Program is taught by co-founder Maile “Kumu Maile” Naehu, a Kumu, Native Hawaiian educator, performer, artist, and community organizer from the island of Molokai. Naehu has taught Hawaiian immersion for Kamehameha Schools and is a resource teacher for the DOE.

“We founded Ka Hale Hoaka as a creative way to connect keiki to the rich, timeless teachings of Hawaii, especially as schools transitioned to online curriculum,” said Naehu.…

Get Local Gifts at Plant and Pot Sale

Wednesday, December 9th, 2020

Get Local Gifts at Plant and Pot Sale

MAC News Release

The Molokai Arts Center will hold its annual Holiday Plant ‘N’ Pot Sale on Saturday, December 12 from 9am to 3pm. This year however, the MAC will partner with Kamakana Country Store in historic Kalama’ula Homesteads.

The fundraiser will feature Art created by local artists including orchid pots by master potter Dan Bennett, sculptures by this year’s Member Art Show Best of Show winner Nena R. Evans, tree ornaments by studio manager/instructor April Maddela, succulent pots by instructor Betty West, vases by co-founder Kim Markham, cards by Debbie Delatour, planters by Steve Turk, pots by Lil MacMillan, photo calendars and cards by Betts Cruz, cups, bowls, platters, kitchen pots, soap dishes and more!…

The Music of Kalaupapa Rebroadcast

Wednesday, December 9th, 2020

The Music of Kalaupapa Rebroadcast

Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa News Release

The virtual concert, “The Music of Kalaupapa,” which celebrates the often-forgotten musicians of Kalaupapa, will be rebroadcast from Dec. 19 through Jan. 3 on Facebook and YouTube.

The 90-minute concert, produced by Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa, debuted in October to high praise and virtual applause from hundreds of viewers.

“This is Ka ‘Ohana’s holiday gift to those who are interested in the history of Kalaupapa or who simply enjoy music,” said Valerie Monson, Executive Director of Ka ‘Ohana O Kalaupapa. “We decided to rebroadcast the concert over the holidays when people will be home more than they usually are this year and looking for some joy that we hope this music will provide.”…

Buy Local for Last Minute Gifts

Wednesday, December 9th, 2020

Buy Local for Last Minute Gifts

By The Molokai Dispatch Staff

Need last minute Christmas gifts? Shop local and support our community! Whether it’s food items, gift certificates, crafts, clothing, toys, or just like these gift hampers, you’ll find something perfect for everyone on your list right here on Molokai. A kids stepping stones is also a perfect gift for your little ones who enjoy playing outdoors. It encourages active play and helps develop coordination and balance as they navigate their way from one stone to another. You may also consider getting a new crib for your baby. Check out mini crib vs. standard crib comparison here.…

Art of Trash

Wednesday, December 9th, 2020

Malama Maui Nui News Release

The Art of Trash Virtual Exhibition is an annual juried exhibition that includes an Art Gallery and a Trashion Show, which inspires people to reimagine our resources, such as previously used materials, as elements for creative inspiration. Malama Maui Nui, an environmental nonprofit, is excited to announce that The Art of Trash 2021 Virtual Exhibition will be live in April at MalamaMauiNui.org/ArtOfTrash!

Start creating now so that you’re ready to virtually submit your pieces in early 2021! Residents of Molokai, Lanai and Maui are invited to create art pieces for the Art Gallery and/or fashion pieces for the Trashion Show.…

Plant and Pot Sale Benefits Arts Center

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020

Plant and Pot Sale Benefits Arts Center

MAC News Release

The Molokai Arts Center (MAC) will hold its annual Holiday Plant ‘N’ Pot Sale on Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s sale, as most events, will be a little different. The popular event will be held at Kamakana Country Store, a.k.a. Kamakana Orchids Plants and Boutique in historic Kalamaula Homesteads on Kahanu St. off Maunaloa Hwy about two miles west of Rawlins Service Station.

The MAC, best known for ceramics classes, will sell art by local artists including orchid pots by Dan Bennett, vases by Kim Markham, succulent pots by Betty West, garden sculptures by Nena Evans, tree ornaments by Apelila Maddela, planters by Steve Turk, pots by Lil MacMillan, cards by Debbie Delatour.…

Buy Local, Support a Family

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020

Buy Local, Support a Family

By Catherine Cluett Pactol

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday sales may be past, but every day is Small Business Saturday on Molokai! Finish your Christmas gift shopping list on Molokai by sup-porting local businesses. Whether it’s products brought in for sale from Molokai Drugs, Take’s, Molokai Wines and Spirits or Imports Gifts, or buying directly from a local entrepreneur, local gifting keeps the resources on Molokai and helps local families at the same time. Along with other holiday sales, a handful of locally, mom-owned businesses at a Holiday Popup event at Paddlers Restaurant on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m.…