Culture & Art

New Hawaiian Language Program

Wednesday, March 24th, 2021

Ka Hale Hoaka News Release

Ka Hale Hoaka, an online Hawaiian school co-founded by Molokai’s Maile Naehu, is pleased to announce its new ‘Olelo Hawaii program, designed for adults who are interested in learning beginner-level Hawaiian language from the comfort of their home.

The ‘Olelo Hawaii program is taught by “Kumu Maile” Naehu. She is a Native Hawaiian educator, performer, artist, and community organizer from the island of Molokai. Naehu has taught in Hawaiian immersion, for Kamehameha Schools, and is currently a resource teacher for the Hawaii Department of Education.

“After growing up not completely connected to my Hawaiian culture, I had a strong pull to build an understanding of my cultural identity right after high school,” explained Naehu.…

A Different Kind of Soup ‘R Bowl

Wednesday, February 24th, 2021

A Different Kind of Soup ‘R Bowl

MAC News Release

Yes, the Molokai Arts Center is still having its 11th annual Soup ‘R Bowl, but the event has been reimagined! It will be held on Saturday, March 6, at the Lanikeha Community Center in Ho’olehua (2200 Farrington Ave). Tickets will only be sold online this year. Visit molokaiartscenter.org today to order.

Last year, COVID regulations were thrust upon us right after the Soup ‘R Bowl. This year, instead of imagining a year without Soup ‘R Bowl, the MAC created a COVID-compliant walk-through, take-out experience. If you’ve been collecting ceramic soup bowls every year you don’t have to miss one.…

Soup ‘R Bowl Reimagined

Friday, February 12th, 2021

Soup ‘R Bowl Reimagined

MAC News Release

Due to current COVID protocols, the Molokai Arts Center’s 2021 fundraiser will be more streamlined with the same featured ceramic Soup ’R bowls made by Molokai artists. Instead of a sit-down dinner, the event will be a walk-through, take-out event. A highlight will be a “Meet the Artist” hour for premium ticket holders. Details on purchasing tickets online coming soon. Go to molokaiartscenter.org/news and sign up or join our Facebook page to be the first to know. Save the date for Saturday, March 6.

This year the pandemic has prevented many annual visitors from joining our annual Soup ‘R Bowl fundraiser.…

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.…