Culture & Art

95 Years of Misaki’s Grocery

Friday, September 29th, 2017

95 Years of Misaki’s Grocery

 

This year, Misaki’s Grocery and Dry Goods celebrates 95 years, having served great grandparents, grandparents, parents and children of Molokai residents in a family-operated business that itself spans four generations.

“I’m the third generation, it’s really weird when you think about it, when we look at old pictures,” said General Manager Kevin Misaki. “It’s almost unbelievable… We found an old bill… 300 pounds of poi from old poi shop… it was $15. Considering how long we’ve been doing this, it’s kinda crazy how the prices have changed over the years.”

Prices may have changed, but many aspects of running a small community business have remained the same.…

Making Ma`a (Hawaiian Slingshot)

Friday, September 8th, 2017

MAC News Release

The Hawaiian Arts Program at Molokai Arts Center (MAC) will be hosting a series of workshops this month on the making and skills of ma’a, or the “Hawaiian slingshot.”  The ma`a was the long range weapon of choice in ancient Hawaii, being easily portable and renewable, as well as accurate and effective. While relatively simple in concept, the ma`a requires some special skills to make and much practice to master. Hawaiian weapons maker Kini Burke will be the instructor.

All Hawaiian Arts Classes are free of charge, but space is very limited, so register early. To register, contact molokainuiahina@gmail.com

Kalaupapa Remembers Edwin Lelepali

Wednesday, March 1st, 2017

Kalaupapa Remembers Edwin Lelepali

By Rick Schonely, Staff reporter

A Kalaupapa legend Edwin “Uncle Pali” Lelepali passed away at the age of 88 on Feb. 7, 2016, and the Kalaupapa community celebrated his one year of passing earlier this month on Tuesday, Feb. 7, in Kalaupapa. A service was held at Kana`ana Hou Church with Pastor Richard Miller and Charles Buck, Conference Minister of the Hawaii Conference of the United Church of Christ, and along with many of his friends. Uncle Pali’s favorite music was played by the Kalaupapa Backyard Band and stories were shared by many. After the service and music, everyone headed to the grave site at Papaloa Cemetery for more beautiful words, music, hula and poetry.…

Trail Access Threatens Mule Ride

Tuesday, February 7th, 2017

Trail Access Threatens Mule Ride

The Sproat family, owners of Molokai’s legendary mule ride, say they’re worried land access issues may prevent the business from continuing operation.

The Kalae barn that serves as their base of business — home to the mules that make daily guided trips down the rugged Kalaupapa trail — is on land owned by R.W. Meyer Ltd, leased by the Sproats. R. W. Meyer also owns the land at the trailhead by Kalae Highway, through which mules and hikers must pass to access the settlement.

The late Buzzy Sproat operated the mule ride for more than 40 years, and his family has owned the business for 25 years.…

Students Intern with Local Businesses

Wednesday, October 5th, 2016

Students Intern with Local Businesses

 

Seven Molokai High students will have the opportunity to intern with some of Molokai’s 16 businesses that were selected to attend the Made in Maui County Festival (MIMCF) Nov. 4-5. The internship is a partnership between MHS’s Career and Technical Education and Fine Arts departments, the county’s Office of Economic Development, Kuha`o Business Center, and vendors that will be participating in the MIMCF. The program is being piloted for the county here on Molokai.

“This program has the potential to take our students to the next level in preparing for the business world,” said Jennifer Hawkins, small business specialist with the Kuha`o Business Center.…

Ukulele Ohana Molokai to celebrate Mele O`o 

Friday, May 27th, 2016

Full Heart Productions News Release

This coming Memorial Day weekend, May 27-31, the sounds of the happiest instrument on earth will once again fill the lodge at Pu`u O Hoku Ranch as the Ukulele Ohana Molokai workshop and its teacher Lono, return for the fifth year.

The theme this year will be Mele O`o or powerful music.  Participants will learn the deep roots of Old Style Hawaiian music with Lono on their ukulele, and to experience the vibrant community of Molokai. When asked what inspires him to write and teach Lono says, “The line between the past and the present, through our ancestors, prepares us for the future.…

Forces of Our Time Talk

Thursday, May 26th, 2016

Baha’i Community of Molokai News Release

Noted artist and author, Mr. Hooper Dunbar, will speak on Tuesday, May 31 at 5:30 p.m. at Kalele Bookstore in Kaunakakai.

His topic is the title of his book, “Forces of Our Time: The Dynamics of Light and Darkness,” which addresses the many forces at play in the age in which we live and how spirit manifests itself in the realm of matter as capacity is developed.

Dunbar’s artistic works have been featured in shows by the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the National Academy of Arts in Shanghai and at the United Nations in New York City, among others.…

Ka Molokai Makahiki 2016

Thursday, February 4th, 2016

Ka Molokai Makahiki 2016

Each year, youth and adults from all over Hawaii gather to celebrate Ka Molokai Makahiki in a place where cultural traditions remain strong and friendly athletic competition is celebrated. During Makahiki, the ancient Hawaiian four-month season of peace, war was kapu, or forbidden, and every district gathered to appreciate the harvest and challenge each other’s athletic prowess.The historic tradition has been revived for more than 30 years on Molokai.

Cultural events began Thursday, with an evening lecture about Kaho`olawe, where the Makahiki season begins each year. Adult games kicked off Friday night, and student competitions followed on Saturday, with a ho`olaulea afterward.…

Heal Yourself With Music and Aloha

Friday, January 22nd, 2016

Heal Yourself With Music and Aloha

Community Contributed

By Ayda Ersoy

I am hugely grateful to be a part of the amazing Tuesday Kanikapila jam group up at Coffees of Hawaii. It had such an effect on me, seeing how much joy and aloha is shared by such a beautiful group of people just getting together to make music, that I had to write about it!

The group’s founders Waipa Purdy, Roy Horner and Bill Perdue kindly shared their interpretations of Aloha, and I wrote the article for my Huffington Post blog.

Here’s a short excerpt, you can read the full article online, and see photos and a short video of the group, at huffingtonpost.com/ayda-ersoy/

First African American Settler in Hawaii

Friday, January 22nd, 2016

Community Contributed

By Ramie Kuahuia, Aka`ula School Student

Editor’s note: This is an edited version of a paper Ramie Kuahuia, a ninth grader, wrote for English class at Aka`ula School. It was submitted for print by her teacher, in observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this week and Black History Month coming up in February.

Anthony D. Allen, one of the first African Americans to settle in Hawaii, was prosperous and made many contributions to Hawaii.

Allen was born a slave in German Flats, New York in 1774. His mother was likely a slave and his father was a free man.…